Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe
Enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite with this crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a delicious sesame sauce without the extra oil from traditional frying methods.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or a light oil for spraying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: red pepper flakes or sliced chili for added heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated and shake off any excess.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush with a light oil to promote browning.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken pieces, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sesame sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Once all the chicken pieces are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili if you prefer some heat.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables.
Notes & Tips
- Chicken Selection:
- Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner. Choose based on your preference.
- Coating Tips:
- Dry Surface: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before coating to ensure the flour mixture adheres well and the exterior becomes crispy.
- Double Coating (Optional): For an extra crispy texture, dip the coated chicken back into the egg and flour mixture for a second coat before air frying.
- Cooking Tips:
- Single Layer: Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overlapping to allow for even air circulation and crisping.
- Batch Cooking: If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while the remaining batches cook.
- Crispier Texture: Lightly spraying the chicken with additional oil halfway through cooking can enhance crispiness.
- Sauce Variations:
- Spicy Option: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Citrusy Flavor: Incorporate orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
- Healthier Alternatives:
- Flour Options: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, rice flour, or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Reduced Sugar: Use a natural sweetener like agave nectar or reduce the amount of honey/maple syrup to lower the sugar content.
- Storage & Reheating:
- Storage: Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, use a microwave, though it may lose some crispiness.
- Garnishing:
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. This enhances their flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh cilantro or basil can provide an additional layer of flavor and freshness.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: Pair with steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy.
- Carbs: Serve over white or brown rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead:
- Sauce Preparation: The sesame sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to use.
- Marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes to 2 hours before coating.
- Air Fryer Models:
- Adjustments: Cooking times and temperatures might vary slightly depending on the air fryer brand and model. Keep an eye on the chicken and adjust as needed to prevent overcooking.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a delightful combination of crispy chicken and a savory-sweet sesame sauce. It’s perfect for those seeking a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken dishes. Happy cooking!
