Stir-Frying In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to the traditional stir-fry, offering a quicker, lower-maintenance option that's just as tasty. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, and even add cooked rice to get fried rice. The air fryer is also a healthier option than deep-frying, using less oil so your food isn't greasy or fatty. You can make a stir fry with chicken, beef, or just vegetables, and there are plenty of recipes online to help you get started.

Air fryer stir fry recipes with chicken

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe is a quick and easy chicken dinner for weeknights when you need a healthy meal with minimal cleanup. It's low fat and fantastic when served with wild or brown rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1/4-1/2 pound broccoli, cut into florets (1-2 cups)
• 1/2 medium onion, sliced thick
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or grape seed oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, or to taste (use Tamari for Gluten-Free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (use distilled white vinegar for Gluten-Free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, to serve (optional)

Instructions:

• Make the marinade by combining oil, garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, optional hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Place the chicken in one bowl and the broccoli and onions in another. Divide the marinade between the two bowls, stirring to coat each completely.
• Add just the chicken to the air fryer basket/tray. Air Fry at 380°F/195°C for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the broccoli and onions with the chicken (make sure to include all the marinade). Continue to Air Fry at 380°F/195°C for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure to stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and serve warm.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

This recipe is packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and healthy option for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large bell peppers, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup rice or noodles (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, rice wine vinegar, and olive oil. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce for later.
• Add the chicken to a bowl or bag with the sauce and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms to the air fryer basket. Pour the reserved sauce over the vegetables and chicken and mix everything together.
• Air fry for an additional 7-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve the stir-fried chicken and peppers with rice, noodles, or on its own.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Teriyaki Sauce

This recipe uses a simple blend of seasonings and a store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb diced chicken breast
• 1/2 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 small courgette/zucchini, cut into 2cm/1-inch chunks
• 1 small red pepper/capsicum, sliced
• 1 tablespoon light olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/2 cup stir-fry sauce (store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.
• Rinse the vegetables, pat dry, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Place the vegetables and diced chicken breast into a bowl, drizzle with oil, and add the seasonings. Toss to coat.
• Place the chicken and vegetables in the air fryer basket and air fry for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Shake the basket or toss the food with tongs once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached 74°C/165°F.
• While the chicken and veggies are cooking, heat the sauce in the microwave or in a small pan.
• Toss the air-fried chicken and vegetables in the sauce until well coated.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Sesame Oil

This recipe uses sesame oil and soy sauce to create a flavorful stir-fry with succulent chicken in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1/2 cup white onion, sliced
• 1 cup portabella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snow peas, fresh or frozen

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk until well combined.
• Pour the sauce into a large shallow dish or sealable bag. Add the chicken pieces and toss until covered in the sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
• Transfer the marinated chicken to the air fryer basket. Add the mushrooms, onion, bell peppers, and snow peas to the basket.
• Air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes, tossing the food midway through the cooking process, until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Air fryer stir fry recipes with beef

Yes, you can make stir fry in an air fryer! Here are some beef stir fry recipes to try:

Air Fryer Beef & Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 300g frying steak
• 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 30g ginger, finely grated
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 210g sweet and tender stir-fry mix (onions, mushrooms, peppers)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 275g fresh medium egg noodles

Instructions:

• Trim the steaks and cut into 0.5 cm slices, at an angle against the grain. Spread each piece thinly across a chopping board, then transfer to a medium bowl.
• Add a pinch of salt, the bicarbonate of soda, garlic, ginger, Shaoxing rice wine, light soy sauce, sugar, ground pepper, and 1 tbsp water to the bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2 hours and up to 24 hours).
• Put the marinated beef in the air fryer basket without the rack. Toss with vegetable oil and air fry at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and cooked through with some crispy edges.
• Add the stir-fry mix, sesame oil, and dark soy sauce. Air fry for another 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir through the noodles and cook for a final 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Air Fryer Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
• 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets
• 1 cup each of red, green, and yellow pepper, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup each of diced onions and red onion
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

• Add all the sauce ingredients to a bowl, then add the meat. Place in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
• Add 1 tablespoon of stir-fry oil to the vegetables and mix. Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes at 200°F. Open the air fryer, mix the vegetables, and cook for another 2-4 minutes if they are not yet softened.
• Remove the vegetables and place them in a bowl. Then, add the meat to the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes at 360°F. Check and flip the meat, cooking for another 2 minutes if necessary.
• Serve the stir fry over white rice and top with the vegetables and meat.

Easy Mongolian Beef

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

• Slice the steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain, and place into a large bowl.
• Add the cornstarch to the steak and toss to coat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Heat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Add the steak to the air fryer basket and spritz generously with oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket every couple of minutes. Spritz with more oil halfway through cooking.
• While the steak is cooking, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
• Add the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar to the skillet and stir well. Bring to a boil and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
• Carefully add the cooked meat to the sauce and cook for 1-2 more minutes, tossing the beef in the sauce.
• Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.

Air fryer stir fry recipes with tofu

Air fryers are a great alternative to making stir-fry as they are quicker, lower maintenance, and healthier. Here are some air fryer stir-fry recipes with tofu:

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

This recipe is ultra-crispy, easy to make, and coated in a sticky honey garlic and ginger sauce. It is perfect with rice and veggies and makes for a simple vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 14-ounce block extra-firm tofu
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (can use regular if not GF)
• 5-6 tablespoons honey (can substitute maple syrup)
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons sriracha or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2-3 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for more spice)

Instructions:

• Remove the tofu from the package and drain off the excess water. Wrap in a towel to remove the liquid. If you want ultra-crispy tofu, press it for about 20 minutes with a heavy object.
• Cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with the soy sauce. In a small dish, whisk together the cornstarch, paprika, and garlic powder. Add to the tofu and toss to combine. Toss in the breadcrumbs until well coated.
• Spray your air fryer basket and add in the tofu. Set the air fryer to 375 Fahrenheit and set the timer to 20 minutes. Remove the basket and shake every 5 minutes to ensure nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly.
• At the 15-minute mark, check the tofu. It will be pretty crispy at this point, so stop if it is done enough for you, or leave it in for the full 20 minutes.
• While the tofu is cooking, add the minced garlic and sesame oil to a small pot. Saute until lightly golden brown.
• Add in all remaining sauce ingredients and whisk well. Simmer over low heat until thick. If after 5 minutes it isn't thickening, whisk in an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
• When both the tofu and sauce are done, let cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer the tofu to a large bowl and toss with the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy with rice and veggies or just as it is.

Air Fryer Sesame Garlic Tofu and Vegetables

This recipe is from Air Fryer All Day by Rebecca Abbott and Jennifer West. The tofu is crispy and delicious, and the vegetables are glazed with a tasty sesame garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup fresh snow peas
• 10 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon sesame or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Rice or noodles for serving (optional)

Instructions:

• Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels. Set a weight (such as a pan) on top to press the tofu for 30 minutes. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
• Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds and gently toss to coat the tofu. Let the tofu marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss to coat. Add the tofu to the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
• While the tofu is cooking, make the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the bell pepper, broccoli, snow peas, and tomatoes with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
• Once the tofu has cooked for 10 minutes, give it a toss in the air fryer basket, then add the vegetables and toss together. Air fry at 380°F for another 10 minutes, until the tofu is crispy and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve with rice or noodles, if desired.

Air Fryer Stir Fry with Crispy Tofu

This recipe includes instructions on how to make a stir-fry with chicken and vegetables, but you can replace the chicken with crispy tofu.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breast or thighs, or crispy tofu
• Sesame oil
• Freshly grated ginger
• Portabella mushrooms
• Fresh snow peas, or frozen
• White onion, sliced
• Red bell pepper, sliced
• Orange or yellow bell pepper, sliced

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk together until well combined.
• Pour the sauce into a large shallow dish or sealable bag. Add the chicken pieces and toss until the chicken is covered in the sauce. Let the meat pieces marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in your refrigerator.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Then, transfer the marinated chicken to the air fryer basket. Toss in the mushrooms, onion, bell peppers, and snow peas into the basket.
• Air fry at 380 degrees F for 7-9 minutes, tossing the food midway through the cooking process, until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Air fryer stir fry recipes with shrimp

Yes, you can make stir fry in an air fryer! Here are some air fryer stir-fry recipes with shrimp:

Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas Stir Fry

Shrimp fajitas are a delicious and easy weeknight meal that can be made in your air fryer. This recipe takes only 10 minutes to make and is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Here are the ingredients and instructions:

Ingredients:

1 pound of shrimp, thawed, shells removed, and deveined (tails can be left on)

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 clove of garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/205°C.

Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil, add the minced garlic, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to combine the seasoning.

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes. If you feel they need a little longer, cook for an additional minute or two, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Air Fryer Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry

This recipe is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy stir-fry with shrimp and vegetables. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, but here is a suggested list of ingredients and instructions:

Ingredients:

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, broccoli, etc.)

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of soy sauce

1 teaspoon of grated ginger

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Whisk together until well combined.

Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are coated in the sauce. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the shrimp and vegetables in the basket and air fry for 7-9 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Shrimp and Noodle Stir Fry

This recipe is a fun twist on the classic stir-fry, using noodles instead of rice. It's a quick and easy meal that can be made in your air fryer in less than 20 minutes. Here are the ingredients and instructions:

Ingredients:

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups of cooked noodles of your choice (rice noodles, egg noodles, etc.)

1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, etc.)

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

1 tablespoon of sesame oil

1 teaspoon of grated ginger

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Whisk together until well combined.

Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are coated in the sauce. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Place the shrimp and vegetables in the air fryer basket and air fry for 7-9 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Add the cooked noodles to the air fryer basket and toss with the shrimp and vegetables until combined. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are heated through.

Serve with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top.

Air fryer stir fry recipes with vegetables only

Yes, you can make stir fry in an air fryer! Here are some delicious and healthy vegetable-only air fryer stir fry recipes to try:

Recipe 1: Air Fryer Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables

This recipe is a convenient and affordable option, perfect for busy weeknights. It is also a great way to prevent food waste as frozen vegetables tend to have a longer shelf life.

Ingredients:

• 10-ounce bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables (about 3 cups)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine the frozen vegetables and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
• Pour the vegetables into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F and the cook time to 12 minutes.
• Open the air fryer once during cooking to shake the basket.
• Keep an eye on the vegetables to avoid burning. They are done when cooked through and crispy on the outside.

Recipe 2: Air Fryer Vegetables

This recipe is quick and easy, taking half the time it would take to roast vegetables in the oven. It is also adaptable, allowing you to use different combinations of vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini or yellow squash
• Red bell pepper
• Cremini mushrooms
• Red onion
• Carrot
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedge
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Chop the vegetables and place them in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the veggies.
• Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway, until the vegetables are tender and browned. Repeat if necessary.
• Season to taste and serve. Squeeze lemon juice over the veggies and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Recipe 3: Air Fryer Stir Fry with Chicken and Vegetables

This recipe includes chicken, but you can easily adapt it to be vegetarian by substituting the chicken with extra vegetables or another source of protein, such as tofu or chickpeas.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large bell peppers, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup rice or noodles (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, rice wine vinegar, and olive oil. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce for later.
• Add the chicken to a bowl or bag with the sauce and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes.
• Add the bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms to the basket. Pour the reserved sauce over the chicken and vegetables and mix.
• Air fry for an additional 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve with rice or noodles, or enjoy on its own.

Recipe 4: Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry

This recipe features beef and broccoli, but you can modify it to create a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and adding more vegetables or other plant-based proteins.

Ingredients:

• 300g frying steak, trimmed and cut into 0.5cm slices against the grain
• 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely grated
• 30g ginger, finely grated
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 210g sweet and tender stir-fry vegetable mix (e.g., broccoli, carrots, etc.)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 275g fresh medium egg noodles

Instructions:

• Combine the beef slices with the bicarbonate of soda, garlic, ginger, rice wine, light soy sauce, sugar, ground pepper, and 1 tbsp water in a bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Place the marinated beef in the air fryer basket and toss with vegetable oil. Air fry at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender.
• Add the stir-fry vegetable mix, sesame oil, and dark soy sauce. Air fry for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the noodles and cook for a final 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

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