Air Fryer Beef Bulgogi is one of those meals that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. The beef turns tender and flavorful, with caramelized edges and a rich, savory-sweet glaze that’s absolutely irresistible.
As a busy mom and wife, I love meals like this that taste exciting but don’t require standing over the stove forever. The air fryer does most of the work, and the marinade brings bold Korean-inspired flavors using simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Serve it over rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or build a bowl with veggies — it’s one of those flexible dinners everyone can customize.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bulgogi is packed with flavor and perfect for weeknights.
You’ll love it because:
- The air fryer gives the beef delicious caramelized edges
- The marinade is sweet, savory, and garlicky
- It cooks in minutes once marinated
- It’s great for rice bowls, wraps, or meal prep
- The whole family can build their own bowl
It’s fast, flavorful, and seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef (sirloin, ribeye, or shaved beef)
For the Bulgogi Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons grated onion or pear (optional but traditional and adds tenderness)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for balance)
For Serving (Optional)
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Kimchi
- Sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots
- Lettuce leaves for wraps
How to Make Air Fryer Beef Bulgogi
1. Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated onion or pear (if using), black pepper, and rice vinegar.
This marinade is what gives bulgogi its signature sweet, savory depth.
2. Marinate the Beef
Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss well so every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 2–4 hours.
If you’re short on time, even a quick 20-minute soak still adds great flavor.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Arrange the Beef
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Lay the marinated beef in a single layer. It’s okay if pieces overlap slightly, but avoid large clumps. Cook in batches if needed for better browning.
5. Air Fry
Cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until the beef is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
Keep an eye on it — the sugars in the marinade can brown quickly, which is exactly what gives that delicious bulgogi flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the beef to a serving bowl and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot over rice, in lettuce wraps, or in a build-your-own bowl.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bulgogi
- Use thinly sliced beef for tender, quick-cooking results
- Don’t overcrowd the basket or the beef will steam instead of caramelize
- Marinate longer if you have time — it deepens the flavor
- Shake the basket halfway for even cooking
The slightly crispy edges are what make this version extra good.
Easy Bowl Ideas
Make it a full meal with these toppings:
- Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced cucumbers
- A fried or jammy egg
- Kimchi for tangy spice
- Drizzle of extra sesame oil or spicy mayo
Everyone can build their bowl just how they like it.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover bulgogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes or warm gently in a skillet. It’s also great cold in wraps or lunch bowls.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Beef Bulgogi brings bold, comforting flavor to the table with minimal effort. The sweet and savory marinade, tender beef, and caramelized edges make every bite incredibly satisfying.
It’s a fun way to switch up your usual dinner routine while still keeping things simple, family-friendly, and fast enough for busy nights. Once you try it, it might just become a regular in your meal rotation. 🥢✨
