No wok? The air fryer does a quick stir-fry well — searing the beef and crisping the veg fast, then tossed in a savoury sauce. Ready in 15 minutes. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: Can you make a stir-fry in an air fryer?
A: Yes — air fry beef and vegetables at 200°C (400°F) for about 12 minutes, then toss with a savoury sauce.
Q: What beef is best?
A: Tender, quick-cooking strips of sirloin or rump.
The method
Toss beef strips and firm vegetables with a little oil and air fry at high heat, shaking, so the beef sears and the veg stays crisp. Add a quick sauce of soy, garlic, ginger and a touch of honey at the end, tossing to coat. Serve with rice or noodles.
The recipe
Air Fryer Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 300g beef strips
- 1 pepper, broccoli, spring onion
- 2 tbsp soy, garlic, ginger
- 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp oil
Method
- Toss beef and veg with oil.
- Air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, shaking.
- Toss with the soy-garlic sauce.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
Tips
- Tender strips stay soft in the quick cook.
- Firm veg keeps its crunch.
- Sauce at the end so it coats, not burns.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a stir-fry in an air fryer?
Yes — air fry beef strips and firm vegetables at 200°C for about 12 minutes, shaking, then toss with a savoury soy-garlic sauce at the end.
What beef is best for stir-fry?
Tender, quick-cooking cuts like sirloin or rump, cut into thin strips so they sear fast and stay soft.
How do you keep the vegetables crisp?
Use firm vegetables, cook at a high heat, and don't overcrowd the basket so they crisp rather than steam.