Velveting is the restaurant trick that keeps stir-fried beef tender, and it works just as well in an air fryer: a short soak in cornflour and soy forms a coating that holds moisture in. The broccoli goes in first because it takes longer than you would think.
Everything you need
- 450 g sirloin or flank steak, in 2 cm cubes
- 2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cups (340 g) broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp (28 g) brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp (9 g) sesame seeds
Single layer, always. Crowding the basket steams food instead of crisping it. Tap any ingredient to open its converter.
Method
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Toss the beef cubes with 1 tbsp of the cornflour, 1 tbsp soy sauce and the sesame oil. Leave for 15 minutes while you prep everything else. This is the velveting step and it makes a real difference.
For this step
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp (9 g) sesame seeds
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Toss the broccoli florets with the vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes.
For this step
- 4 cups (340 g) broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
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Air fry the broccoli alone for 6 minutes, shaking once, until the tips are charred and the stems still have bite. Tip into a bowl.
For this step
- 4 cups (340 g) broccoli florets
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Lay the beef in a single layer with space around each cube and air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking at the halfway point, until browned outside and pink within.
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While it cooks, simmer the remaining soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar and water in a small pan for 2 minutes. Stir the last 1 tbsp cornflour into a little cold water and whisk it in until glossy.
For this step
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp (28 g) brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp water
-
Toss the hot beef and broccoli through the sauce, scatter with sesame seeds, and serve immediately over rice.
For this step
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cups (340 g) broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp (9 g) sesame seeds
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Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
Cook's tips
- Cook the beef and broccoli separately. They need different times, and together neither one browns properly.
- Get the beef out while it's still pink inside. It carries on cooking in the hot sauce.
Make it your own
- Swap beef for chicken thigh cubes, cooking 9 to 10 minutes instead.
- Add a spoon of gochujang or chilli crisp to the sauce for heat.
Storing & reheating
Refrigerate for 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan rather than the air fryer, which overcooks the beef. The sauce thickens when cold; loosen it with a splash of water.
Frequently asked
What is velveting and do I need to do it?
It's a coating of cornflour and soy that seals the meat surface so it stays juicy. Fifteen minutes is enough, and it's the single biggest difference between tender and chewy air fryer beef.
How long does steak take in an air fryer?
6 to 8 minutes at 200°C for 2 cm cubes cooked to medium. Larger cubes need 10, and always shake the basket halfway.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
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A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.