Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Breast brings the flavors of a classic Asian dish to your kitchen with a healthier twist. This recipe introduces a modern cooking approach, using the air fryer to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken breasts tender and juicy.
The journey begins with optional marination in buttermilk, a step that adds an extra layer of tenderness to the chicken. The coating, a blend of breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and a selection of aromatic spices, contributes to the creation of a crunchy exterior that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This process ensures that each bite is a delightful experience of texture and taste.
The air fryer takes center stage, efficiently cooking the coated chicken breasts to golden perfection. The result is a visually appealing dish that mimics the crispiness achieved through deep frying but with significantly less oil.
What truly elevates this dish is the sesame-infused glaze that imparts a savory-sweet allure to the chicken. The combination of soy sauce, honey (or a low-carb sweetener alternative), sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and garlic creates a rich and flavorful coating that transforms the chicken into a culinary masterpiece. The final touch of sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of taste.
This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Breast is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the possibilities offered by modern kitchen appliances in creating healthier versions of beloved classics. Perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight indulgence, this dish is a delicious nod to the flavors of Asian cuisine, reimagined with a focus on simplicity, health, and culinary satisfaction.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Breast:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Place the chicken in the marinade and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Coat the marinated chicken pieces with the cornstarch slurry.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 2 servings):
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific product choices and portion sizes:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4-5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 10-12g
- Net Carbs: 18-23g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
