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This quick and easy air fryer beef and broccoli dish is loaded with flavor.  The beef is tender, the broccoli florets have the perfect crunch, and the sauce has just the right amount of spicy.

Beef and broocoli made in the air fryer and served over rice.

Table of Contents

QUICK AND EASY AIR FRYER BEEF AND BROCCOLI RECIPE

This beef and broccoli recipe is delicious and perfect to add to your favorite menu rotation.

You’ll love the flavors, texture, and how fast it all comes together. The beef is tender, the broccoli florets have the perfect crunch, and the sauce has just the right amount of spice to it. It’s excellent on its own or served over rice.

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INGREDIENTS FOR BEEF AND BROCCOLI IN THE AIR FRYER

  • Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor, serving as the base of the marinade.
  • Water
  • Sesame Oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty flavor and enriches the marinade.
  • Cloves of Garlic, Minced: Provides a sharp, aromatic intensity to the marinade.
  • Grated Ginger: Adds a spicy, zesty kick that complements the beef and broccoli.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar: Introduces acidity to brighten the flavors and tenderize the meat.
  • Sriracha (optional): Offers heat that can be adjusted to preference for spiciness.
  • Steak (Thinly Sliced – Flank or Sirloin): These cuts are ideal for quick cooking, absorbing marinade well.
  • Broccoli Florets: Add crunch and fiber, pairing well with the savory sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the broccoli roast evenly in the air fryer, enhancing flavor.
  • Corn Starch: Thickens the marinade to create a glossy, clingy sauce when cooked.
  • Honey: Adds sweetness, balancing the marinade’s salty and savory notes, added after cooking.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
  • Sliced Green Onion: Offers a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Ingredients needed to make air fryer beef and broccoli.

HOW TO COOK BEEF AND BROCCOLI IN THE AIR FRYER

Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, and sriracha until combined.

Step 2: Pour half the sauce over the sliced steak and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Beef being marinated in a bowl.

Step 3: In a small pot, add the remaining marinade and the honey.

Step 4: In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to dissolve the starch.   Add this mixture to the small pot.

Step 5: On low heat stirring constantly allow the sauce to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.  If the sauce is too thick add a little water 1 tablespoon at a time.  Keep warm.

Marinade in a small pan.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees (195 degrees Celsius).

Step 7: Toss the broccoli with olive oil.

Broccoli in a bowl with a side of olive oil to be mixed together.

Step 8: Remove beef from marinade and place in air fryer basket.

Marinated beef added to the air fryer basket.

Step 9: Add the broccoli on top cook for 7-8 minutes.  Shake the basket after 4 minutes.

Beef and broccoli in the air fryer basket, ready to be cooked.

Step 10: In a large bowl, toss the cooked beef and broccoli with the warm sauce.

Cooked beef and broccoli and a bowl of the marinade to be mixed together.

Step 11: Serve on its own or with rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Air fryer beef and broccoli served over white rice in a bowl and topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST AIR FRYER BEEF AND BROCCOLI

  • Marinate the Beef: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if possible. This not only infuses it with flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful when cooked.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding your ingredients. This ensures that the beef and broccoli start cooking immediately and evenly, which is essential for getting that perfect sear on the beef and crisp-tender broccoli.
  • Toss During Cooking: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake or use tongs to toss the beef and broccoli. This helps to ensure all pieces are evenly cooked and crisped.
Bite shot of beef and broccoli in a pair of chopsticks.

AIR FRIED BEEF AND BROCCOLI FAQs

Can I add different vegetables to this recipe?

Onions and red peppers would be a great addition to this recipe.   Air Fry for 2 or 3 minutes before adding the beef to ensure the vegetables are ready at the same time as the broccoli.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

You can use chicken in place of steak.  Your cooking time will be a little longer for the chicken.  Air fry the chicken and broccoli separately before adding to the warm sauce.

How do I prevent the beef from drying out in the air fryer?

To prevent the beef from drying out, make sure it’s sliced thinly and marinated well. The marinade helps retain moisture and adds flavor. Also, avoid overcooking by cooking it at a high temperature for a shorter duration. Check the beef midway and toss to ensure it cooks evenly.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, for the best texture, thaw and dry the broccoli before using it to prevent excess moisture from causing sogginess. Preheating the air fryer also helps you get a crispier finish.

How do I store any leftovers?

Allow the beef and broccoli to cool down to room temperature before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. That also makes this recipe great for meal-prepping! You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.

This air fryer beef and broccoli recipe is an easy and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights and always a hit in our house.

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If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.

Air fried beef and broccoli in a bowl served over rice.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli

By JENNIFER GAMBLE
This quick and easy air fryer beef and broccoli dish is loaded with flavor.  The beef is tender, the broccoli florets have the perfect crunch, and the sauce has just the right amount of spicy.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 7 minutes
Total: 22 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
  • 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 6 cups broccoli, florets
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 2 Tablespoons honey
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
  • 1/3 cup green onion, sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha, (optional)

Instructions 

  • In a bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 2 Tablespoons sesame oil, 5 cloves garlic minced, 2 teaspoons ginger minced, 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional) until combined.
  • Pour half the sauce over the sliced 1 pound flank steak and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • In a small pot, add the remaining marinade and the honey.
  • In a small bowl, stir the 1 teaspoon corn starch with a tablespoon of cold water to dissolve the starch.   Add this mixture to the small pot.
  • On low heat stirring constantly allow the sauce to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.  If the sauce is too thick add a little water 1 tablespoon at a time.  Keep warm.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees (195 degrees Celsius).
  • Toss the 6 cups broccoli with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
  • Remove beef from marinade and place in air fryer basket.
  • Add the broccoli on top cook for 7-8 minutes.  Shake the basket after 4 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, toss the cooked beef and broccoli with the warm sauce.
  • Serve on its own or with rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if possible. This not only infuses it with flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful when cooked.
To prevent the beef from drying out, make sure it’s sliced thinly and marinated well. The marinade helps retain moisture and adds flavor. 

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Sodium: 1214mg, Potassium: 903mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 908IU, Vitamin C: 121mg, Calcium: 124mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

JENNIFER GAMBLE

Hello! I’m Jennifer, but you can call me Jen. I’m a wife and mom, cook, recipe developer, nutrition coach, and food photographer.

With a formal certification in nutrition and over a decade of hands-on experience in the online food industry, I bring a well-rounded perspective to all of the recipes here on Simply Macros.

As the creator and author, I ensure that every recipe not only looks visually appealing but is also grounded in sound nutritional principles.

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I enjoyed creating them.

More About Me

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. JENNIFER GAMBLE says:

    5 stars
    This dish is the perfect family dinner when you need something quick, easy, and nutritious.

    Reply