Indulging in a takeaway is a beloved treat, but the cost can quickly add up. For those craving the flavours of a Chinese-style crispy chilli beef without the hefty price tag, a brilliant solution has emerged from a popular BBC Foods recipe. The secret? A trusty air fryer and a clever kitchen hack that delivers restaurant-quality crunch for a mere £1.50 per serving.
The Secret to Takeaway Crunch at Home
The recipe, shared by lifestyle writer Niamh Kirk on 15 January 2026, reveals that the key to achieving that signature crispy texture without deep-frying lies in a common pantry item: cornflour. By coating thin strips of beef in cornflour and a drizzle of oil before air frying, you can create a perfectly crunchy base that rivals any takeaway. The recommended beef—thin-cut minute steak—can be purchased from Sainsbury's for around £3 a pack, making this dish an affordable option for two people.
Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews from Home Cooks
This budget-friendly recipe has garnered enthusiastic praise from those who have tried it. One home cook declared it was "by far the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted outside of a restaurant", while another commended it as a "great version of our normal Asian takeaway" that the whole family loved. They emphasised that preparation is key to nailing the dish, which involves marinating the beef for up to 24 hours for maximum flavour.
Ingredients and Method Overview
The recipe combines simple ingredients, many of which are likely already in your cupboard. For the main dish and marinade, you will need:
- 250g thin-cut minute steak
- Cornflour, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, and red chilli
- Red pepper, spring onions, and sauces including soy, sweet chilli, and tomato ketchup
- Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, and caster sugar for the marinade
The method is straightforward: marinate the beef, coat it in cornflour, and air fry at 220°C for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Meanwhile, a quick stir-fry of the aromatics and sauces creates a tangy, sweet, and spicy coating. Combining the crispy beef with the sauce results in a dish that's both cheap and cheerful, perfect for a cosy weekend meal.
This air fryer hack not only saves money but also offers a fun and satisfying way to recreate a takeaway favourite. With minimal fuss and maximum flavour, it proves that a delicious, crispy chilli beef doesn't require a professional kitchen or a deep fat fryer—just a bit of clever cooking.
