Crispy Chili Beef in Air Fryer

• thinly sliced beef fillet250 g

  thinly sliced into strips

• cornstarch2 tbsp
• vegetable oil↗2 tbsp

  plus a little for spraying

• garlic cloves↗2

  minced

• ginger root (size of a large finger)↗

  peeled and julienned

• red chili↗1

  thinly sliced

• red bell pepper↗1

  cut into large cubes

• green onions↗4

  sliced, green and white parts separated

• rice vinegar↗4 tbsp

  or white wine vinegar

• soy sauce↗1 tbsp
• sweet chili sauce2 tbsp
• tomato ketchup↗2 tbsp
• Chinese five-spice powder½ tsp
• soy sauce↗2 tsp
• sesame oil↗1 tsp
• дрібний цукор1 ч. л.

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the beef strips and mix well so the meat is coated. Optionally refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then proceed to the next step.

2. 2

   Sprinkle the beef with cornstarch and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Arrange the strips on a plate, spray them lightly with oil. Preheat the air fryer to 220 °C (if a preheat function is available).

3. 3

   Place the strips on the air fryer rack, cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4–6 minutes until golden‑crisp.

4. 4

   While the meat cooks, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Quickly stir‑fry the garlic, ginger, chili, red pepper and the white part of the green onions for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the garlic and ginger are not burnt. Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, Chinese five‑spice, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar. Mix well and cook for another minute until the sauce boils.

5. 5

   Transfer the cooked beef to the wok, combine it with the sauce and cook for another 1 minute until everything is heated through. Serve, sprinkled with the green part of the onions and, if desired, an extra side of sauce.