For those craving the delicious, tangy, and sweet flavors of classic sesame chicken, this air fryer recipe offers a healthier, easy-to-make alternative that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Gone are the days of deep-frying; with the air fryer, you get crispy, tender chicken pieces with significantly less oil. This recipe combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces with a sticky sesame glaze, providing all the flavors of takeout right at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this sesame chicken recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons chile paste (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare for Frying:
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, add the cornstarch.
- Dip each marinated chicken piece first in the beaten egg and then in the cornstarch, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Set aside the coated pieces on a plate.
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sesame sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, vegetable oil, and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce mixture to the pan, stirring constantly. Add the chile paste if you want some heat. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl.
- Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken, gently tossing to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and give it a final toss.
- Serve:
- Serve your sesame chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or extra sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 376 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a delightful, healthier twist on a beloved takeout classic. The air fryer gives the chicken that perfect crunch without excessive oil, while the sauce delivers the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that make sesame chicken so crave-worthy. This dish is ideal for those looking to create an impressive, flavor-packed meal in a short time. Whether for a family dinner or a quick meal prep idea, this recipe ensures you enjoy restaurant-quality sesame chicken with a fraction of the guilt. Try it today and add it to your list of go-to air fryer recipes!