Delicious Air Fryer Mongolian Beef: Quick, Easy, and Gluten-Free!
My culinary journey with the air fryer continues, and it’s safe to say my obsession is stronger than ever! This incredible kitchen appliance has revolutionized the way I approach weeknight dinners, especially when it comes to recreating my favorite Asian-inspired dishes. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has quickly become a staple in our home: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Not only is it unbelievably delicious and bursting with flavor, but it’s also perfectly suited for a gluten-free lifestyle, making it a win-win for everyone at the dinner table.
Mastering Air Fryer Mongolian Beef at Home
Just earlier this week, I introduced you to my Air Fryer Fried Pickles – a perfect appetizer. Now, let’s pivot to the main event: dinner! The air fryer has proven to be an absolute game-changer for preparing fast, flavorful, and healthier versions of dishes that once felt off-limits. For years, being gluten-free meant saying goodbye to many beloved items from our local Asian restaurants. The thought of missing out on that sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Mongolian beef was truly disheartening.
However, discovering the air fryer’s capabilities for Asian cuisine has turned those sad days into a celebration of home cooking! This recipe, adapted from my popular Mongolian Beef Egg Roll Bowls, brings all those incredible restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can achieve perfectly tender beef with that signature crispy edge, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
The Secret to Tender Mongolian Beef: Thinly Sliced Flank Steak
The foundation of a great Mongolian Beef dish lies in the cut and preparation of the steak. The key here is to use a super thin steak, ideally flank steak. This cut is perfect because it’s naturally lean and, when sliced against the grain, becomes wonderfully tender once cooked. I recall one instance when I ordered groceries for pickup specifically asking for thin-cut steak for this recipe. To my surprise, I received a huge, thick cut instead. While a thick steak is fantastic for other dishes, it can result in a tougher chew for Mongolian Beef. So, remember this crucial tip: always opt for thinly sliced steak!
If you can’t find pre-sliced thin flank steak, don’t worry! You can easily prepare it yourself at home. Simply place the flank steak in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly. This makes it much easier to slice against the grain into thin, even strips, which are essential for quick cooking and a tender bite. The uniform thickness ensures that each piece cooks evenly in the air fryer, achieving that desired texture without overcooking.
Why the Air Fryer Excels for Asian-Inspired Dishes
The air fryer’s unique cooking method, which circulates hot air rapidly around the food, is incredibly effective for recipes like Mongolian Beef. It creates a beautiful crispness on the exterior of the beef while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This mimics the deep-fried texture often found in takeout dishes but with significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative. Plus, the convenience of the air fryer means less mess and a quicker cleanup compared to traditional pan-frying.
I am currently enjoying cooking with my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, which offers fantastic results for a variety of meals. However, any air fryer model will work wonderfully for this recipe. If you’re still on the fence about which air fryer is right for you, or if you’re looking to upgrade, you can check out my comprehensive post on How to Choose the Right Air Fryer. It’s a valuable resource to help you find the perfect appliance for your kitchen needs, ensuring you can tackle amazing recipes like this Ninja Foodi Mongolian Beef with confidence!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Mongolian Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this Air Fryer Mongolian Beef is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Here’s a deeper look into the process to ensure your success:
Coating the Beef for Perfect Texture
The first step after slicing your flank steak thinly is to coat it thoroughly with cornstarch. This isn’t just for binding; the cornstarch plays a vital role in creating that desirable crispy crust on the beef when air-fried. It also helps to thicken the sauce later, ensuring it clings beautifully to every piece of steak. If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, potato starch is an excellent alternative and will yield similar results. However, I strongly advise against using regular flour, as it doesn’t adhere to the meat in the same way and won’t give you that signature crispiness. The starch coating is essential for both texture and flavor absorption.
Effortless Cooking in Your Air Fryer
Once your steak is coated, it’s ready for the air fryer. Arrange the beef in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You’ll likely need to cook the beef in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping, which is not what we want! Give the beef a light spray with grapeseed oil or your preferred cooking oil. This helps with browning and prevents sticking.
Cook the beef at 390°F (199°C) for about 5 minutes per side. Air fryers vary, so it’s always a good idea to check for your desired doneness after the initial 5 minutes and add a few more minutes if necessary. I personally find that 10 minutes total (5 minutes on each side) yields the perfect balance of tender interior and slightly crispy exterior for my air fryer. Others might find this a little long, so adjust to your machine and preference. The goal is perfectly cooked, succulent beef that’s ready to soak up that delicious Mongolian sauce.
Whipping Up the Irresistible Mongolian Sauce
While your beef is air frying, you can quickly prepare the star of the show: the rich, flavorful Mongolian sauce. In a small saucepan, combine vegetable oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce for a safe option), water, and packed brown sugar. This combination strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and aromatic notes. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. The cornstarch from the beef will further thicken the sauce when combined, creating a glossy, luscious coating for your steak.
Once the steak is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a bowl and pour the warm Mongolian sauce over it. Let the steak soak in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the beef to absorb all those wonderful flavors, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. This short resting period is crucial for the beef to fully meld with the sauce, creating that authentic Mongolian Beef experience.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
For these types of meals, my go-to pairing is always fluffy white rice and crisp green beans. The simplicity of these sides perfectly complements the bold flavors of the Mongolian Beef. You can also elevate your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and a mild, oniony crunch.
Looking for other quick and delicious Asian-inspired air fryer dinners? A few other favorites you may want to try are Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken and Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bowls. These recipes are fantastic ways to create a wholesome, flavorful dinner in a pinch, making your weeknight meal planning a breeze.
A Flavorful Dinner in 30 Minutes or Less!
The beauty of this Air Fryer Mongolian Beef recipe is its efficiency. With only about 10 minutes of cooking time for the steak (total for both sides), and simultaneous preparation of the sauce and rice, you can have a complete, mouth-watering dinner on the table in 30 minutes or even less! And the best part? You don’t even have to turn on your oven, keeping your kitchen cool and clean. Something about that convenience and deliciousness just makes me all sorts of happy! Enjoy this incredible, restaurant-quality meal made right at home with your trusty air fryer.
More Irresistible Air Fryer Beef Recipes:
If you love the versatility of your air fryer and enjoy cooking with beef, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more fantastic recipes to add to your repertoire:
- Air Fryer Tacos: Crispy taco shells and perfectly seasoned ground beef made quickly in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer Korean BBQ Beef: Sweet, savory, and tender beef with a delightful marinade, air-fried to perfection.
- Air Fryer Glazed Steaks: Succulent steaks with a flavorful glaze, cooked beautifully in minutes.
Unlock More Air Fryer Dinner Ideas with My Exclusive E-Book!
If you’re eager to expand your air fryer cooking skills and have a collection of delicious, easy dinner recipes at your fingertips, be sure to grab my e-book! This valuable resource features 15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes, all designed to help you create fantastic meals with minimal effort. It’s packed with inspiration and practical tips to make your air fryer a true kitchen superstar.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
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Ingredients
Meat
- 1 Lb Flank Steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1/4 Cup Corn Starch (or potato starch for gluten-free)
- Grapeseed Oil Cooking Spray (or other high smoke point oil spray)
Sauce
- 2 Tsp Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger (or freshly grated)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce or Gluten-Free Tamari (ensure it’s certified gluten-free)
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar (packed for best results)
Serving Suggestions
- Cooked White Rice (or brown rice, quinoa for alternatives)
- Steamed Green Beans (or other favorite vegetables)
- Sliced Green Onions (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Steak: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain into long, bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, coat the steak slices thoroughly with cornstarch (or potato starch). Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
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Air Fry the Beef: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Arrange the coated steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You will likely need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray the beef with grapeseed oil cooking spray.
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Cook to Perfection: Cook the beef for 5 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for another 5 minutes, for a total of 10 minutes. (Note: Air fryer models vary. Start with 5 minutes per side and adjust the time as needed to reach your desired doneness. Some find 10 minutes per side too long, while others prefer it crispy.)
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Prepare the Sauce: While the steak is cooking, combine the vegetable oil, ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari), water, and packed brown sugar in a medium-sized saucepan.
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Simmer the Sauce: Heat the sauce ingredients over medium-high heat, whisking continuously until the mixture comes to a low boil and the brown sugar is fully dissolved. The sauce should thicken slightly.
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Combine and Soak: Once both the steak and sauce are cooked, transfer the air-fried steak to a bowl with the warm sauce. Toss gently to coat and let the steak soak in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Serve the Beef: When you’re ready to serve, use tongs to remove the steak pieces from the bowl, allowing any excess sauce to drip off briefly.
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Plate and Garnish: Place the Mongolian beef over a bed of cooked rice and alongside your green beans (or other preferred vegetables). Drizzle with additional sauce from the bowl if you like, and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
Video
Notes
Achieving Crispy Beef: If you find the beef isn’t as crispy as you’d like, or if it appears “floury” from the starch, add a little additional cooking oil spray before the final few minutes of air frying.
Nutritional Information: Please note that nutritional values provided are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredient brands, cooking oils used, and exact portion sizes.
Nutrition
