Easy Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Skip the deep frying and enjoy all the rich, savory, and sweet flavors of takeout right at home. This recipe for Air Fryer Mongolian Beef yields tender strips of flank steak coated in a sticky garlic and ginger soy sauce. By using the air fryer, the beef gets a fantastic texture without being heavy on oil, and it all comes together with simple pantry staples.

You can make the sauce right in a multicooker if yours has a sauté function, or simply simmer it on the stovetop while the beef finishes crisping up. A full video walkthrough is included below to show you exactly how to coat the beef and build the sauce.

Ingredients

• 5 lb Flank Steak (cut into long strips against the grain)
• 1/3 cup Corn Starch
• Oil (for greasing the air fryer basket)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 Tbsp Ginger (minced)
• 3 Green Onions (save some green parts for garnish)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
• Salt and pepper (if needed)

Instructions

1. Place the strips of flank steak into a bowl, add the corn starch, and mix until the meat is fully coated.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
3. Oil the air fryer basket.
4. Place the beef in the basket, making sure to separate each piece. Air fry in batches if needed.
5. Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes, flipping the beef after 5 minutes. (It is okay if it sticks a little to the basket).
6. Remove the beef from the basket and air fry any remaining batches.
7. If your air fryer has a Saute function, set it to High. If not, do the following steps on the stovetop over medium heat.
8. Add the olive oil, garlic, and ginger to the pot or pan. Sauté for 30 seconds.
9. Add the green onions, water, low sodium soy sauce, and brown sugar.
10. Mix well and bring the liquid to a boil.
11. Add the air-fried beef back into the sauce.
12. Once the sauce comes back to a boil, keep it on the heat for about 5 minutes, mixing every 1 to 2 minutes so the meat absorbs the sauce.
13. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
14. Remove the beef and green onions, letting the excess sauce drip off, and serve over rice.

Tips for the Best Results

Cut against the grain: Slicing the flank steak against the grain is essential for tender, easy-to-chew bites of beef.

Don’t overcrowd: Separate the beef pieces in the air fryer basket so the air can circulate properly. Cook in batches if necessary rather than piling the meat on top of itself.

Don’t worry about sticking: The corn starch coating might make the beef stick slightly to the basket during the first 5 minutes of cooking. Just gently unstick and flip them—it is completely normal.