Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4

Sesame chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, characterized by crispy chicken chunks coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe gives you the same delicious results as the deep-fried version, but with much less oil, making it a lighter and healthier option. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior, while the homemade sesame sauce coats the chicken perfectly.

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or cooking spray (for spraying)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon water (to dissolve cornstarch)

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Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Small saucepan
• Tongs or spatula
• Serving dish

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Time: 10 minutes

1. Cut the chicken:
   Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Try to make the pieces uniform in size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients:
   In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the coating for your chicken, giving it a nice crispy exterior.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients:
   In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth. This will help the dry coating stick to the chicken.
4. Coat the chicken:
   Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, roll the chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat for all the chicken pieces, making sure each one is well-coated in the mixture.

Step 2: Preheat and Air Fry the Chicken

Time: 15-20 minutes

1. Preheat the air fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it that crispy texture we all love.
2. Spray the chicken:
   Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with vegetable oil or use cooking spray to help achieve the golden, crispy exterior. You can also drizzle a little oil over the chicken if you prefer.
3. Air fry the chicken:
   Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket so that the air can circulate freely and crisp up the chicken. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

   Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are evenly crisped. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

4. Check for doneness:
   After 12 minutes, check a piece of chicken for doneness by cutting it open. The chicken should be crispy on the outside, and the inside should be cooked through. If needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Rest the chicken:
   Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. This helps maintain the crispiness and allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Sauce

Time: 5 minutes

1. Combine the sauce ingredients:
   While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir to combine and place the saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a simmer:
   Stir the ingredients and allow the sauce to come to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.
3. Thicken the sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce to a syrupy consistency. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens.
4. Taste and adjust:
   Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a little extra honey if you want it sweeter, or more soy sauce for a saltier flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

Time: 2-3 minutes

1. Toss the chicken in the sauce:
   Once the chicken has rested and the sauce is ready, transfer the crispy chicken pieces into a large bowl. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Be sure that each piece is coated well without breaking the crispy crust.
2. Garnish:
   Sprinkle the coated chicken with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve:
   Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or even noodles.

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Notes:

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts:
  While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Both work well in this recipe, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand. Just remember that chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook than breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Double Coating for Extra Crispiness:
  For an extra-crispy coating, you can double-coat the chicken. After dipping the chicken pieces in the egg, dip them back into the flour-cornstarch mixture and coat them again. This will result in an even crunchier exterior.
• Adjusting Sweetness and Saltiness:
  The sweetness of the sauce comes from the honey, while the saltiness comes from the soy sauce. You can easily adjust the balance to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like it saltier, increase the soy sauce or add a little salt.
• Vegan or Vegetarian Version:
  You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. Coat the tofu in the same flour-cornstarch mixture and air fry it until crispy. Toss the crispy tofu in the sesame sauce as you would with the chicken.
• Make-Ahead Tips:
  You can prepare the chicken and coat it in the flour-cornstarch mixture ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. The sesame sauce can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce before tossing it with the chicken.
• Storage and Reheating:
  Leftover sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, tossing the chicken until it’s warmed and crispy.
• Serving Suggestions:
  Sesame chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, to balance out the sweetness of the dish.

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This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe is a healthier take on a beloved takeout dish, delivering that perfect crispy crunch with all the sweet and savory flavor you crave. The air fryer ensures you get the same crispy texture without the excessive oil, while the homemade sesame sauce brings everything together with rich and bold flavors. It’s easy, fast, and sure to impress anyone who loves delicious, crispy chicken. Enjoy!