Tiffany Haney
Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that can be made in just 20 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried version, and it is also easier to make. The chicken is coated in a spicy, tangy, and sweet sauce. You can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are juicier and have a richer flavour. They are also more affordable and less likely to dry out. Boneless chicken thighs will take around 18 to 20 minutes to cook at 380°F (193°C), while bone-in chicken thighs will take around 25 to 30 minutes at the same temperature.
Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken Thighs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes at 400°F, flipping the chicken halfway through. |
| Preparation | Cut chicken thighs into pieces and marinate with white pepper, salt, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, grated garlic and ginger, and one egg white. Mix thoroughly and marinate for 30 minutes. |
| Cooking Spray | Neutral oil cooking spray (e.g. avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil) |
| Coating | Cornstarch (potato starch is another option) |
| Cooking Method | Double frying: first at a lower temperature for a longer time, then at a higher temperature for a shorter time. |
| Serving Suggestions | Basmati rice, white rice, jasmine rice, fried rice, egg rolls, broccoli, noodles, or other Chinese takeout favorites. |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven until heated through, avoiding overheating. |
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$10.86
What You'll Learn
General Tso's chicken cooking time and temperature
General Tso's Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is said to have originated in the Hunan province of China and was named after a well-respected military leader, General Tso. The dish typically consists of crispy chicken coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce.
When cooking General Tso's Chicken in an air fryer, there are a few key considerations for the cooking time and temperature:
Temperature
The ideal temperature for cooking General Tso's Chicken in an air fryer is around 380°F (193°C). This temperature setting allows for the chicken to cook through evenly while achieving a golden crispy texture.
Cooking Time
The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken thighs used. Boneless chicken thighs generally require a cooking time of 18 to 20 minutes in the air fryer. On the other hand, bone-in chicken thighs will take longer, typically requiring around 25 to 30 minutes. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for chicken.
Double Frying Technique
To achieve the signature crispy texture of General Tso's Chicken, a \"double frying\" technique can be employed. This involves cooking the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer period first, and then at a higher temperature for a shorter duration. This method helps prevent the coating from burning and ensures a crispy exterior.
Preheating and Spacing
Preheating the air fryer is crucial. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes before placing the chicken inside. Additionally, ensure that the chicken pieces are spaced apart in a single layer to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
Sauce Preparation
The sauce for General Tso's Chicken typically includes ingredients such as chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, and chili peppers. To prepare the sauce, whisk the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Marinating the Chicken
For enhanced flavour and tenderness, it is recommended to marinate the chicken thighs before cooking. A simple marinade can be made by mixing soy sauce, honey, and garlic. The chicken should be coated in the marinade and left for a few hours or even overnight. After marinating, the chicken pieces can be coated in a light spray of cooking oil or a cornstarch slurry to promote crispiness during frying.
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Marinating chicken thighs
To make General Tso's Chicken in an air fryer, cut chicken thighs into 2" pieces and marinate them with a blend of spices and sauces. While the chicken is marinating, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. The ideal marinade for chicken thighs will include a combination of salt, spice, sweet, acid, and umami. A good marinade will also have olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.
A simple marinade can be made with garlic, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a hefty amount of garlic to give the chicken a punch of flavour. Honey will sweeten the marinade and also caramelize during cooking, resulting in a glaze-like finish. For a tangier marinade, add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
For an Asian-style marinade, use olive oil, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, green onions, and garlic. If you're looking for a Mexican-style marinade, try using olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and cilantro. You can also add some heat to your marinade with crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or black pepper. If you want a smokier flavour, add some smoked paprika.
Once you've prepared your marinade, place the chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag and cover them with the marinade. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. It's important not to marinate the chicken for longer than 12 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the meat. After marinating, let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking.
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Air fryer preparation
Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken is a healthier alternative to the classic Chinese takeout. It is a delicious, easy weeknight meal with a lighter sauce that cuts down on sugar.
First, cut the chicken thighs into 2" pieces. Then, marinate the chicken in a mixture of white pepper, salt, Shaoxing wine (or sherry, mirin, or chicken stock), light soy sauce, grated garlic and ginger, and one egg white. Mix thoroughly to ensure the egg white is well combined, and marinate for 30 minutes.
Next, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, or a mixture of cornstarch and flour. You can also add salt and pepper to the dry ingredients. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to avoid the chicken sticking. Place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded, with space between them to allow the air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Air fry the chicken for 4 minutes, then flip the pieces over with tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach a minimum of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. You can also try double frying by cooking the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer time, then at a higher temperature for a shorter time to get a crispy batter.
Once the chicken is cooked, make the sauce by whisking chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ketchup in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, chilli sauce, and chilli flakes for a spicy, tangy, and sweet flavour. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Finally, toss the chicken in the sauce, coating each piece evenly, and serve hot with rice, noodles, or broccoli.
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Making the sauce
To begin, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix them with the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Shaoxing wine if you're using it. Allow the chicken to marinate for around 30 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the sauce.
In a medium saucepan, add the chicken broth and whisk in cornstarch, making sure to break up any lumps. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and add the rest of the ingredients for the sauce. Whisk the mixture continuously as it comes to a boil, ensuring that the brown sugar has dissolved. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened.
After the sauce has thickened, you can add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them evenly. Your General Tso's Chicken is now ready to be served! It goes well with rice, noodles, or steamed broccoli.
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Storing and reheating
If you wish to keep the leftover chicken for longer, you can freeze it. Place the chicken in an airtight freezer container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen chicken, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat your General Tso's Chicken, you can use either the air fryer or the oven. If using the air fryer, place the chicken in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes to reheat and crisp it up. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the oven until it is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as this will dry out the sauce.
To complete your meal, prepare a fresh batch of sauce. You can use the General Tso's Chicken Sauce recipe, which includes ingredients such as chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly, and your meal is ready to be served hot and fresh!
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer is generally about 18 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 380°F (193°C).
Bone-in chicken thighs will take a bit longer, typically around 25 to 30 minutes at the same temperature of 380°F (193°C).
Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and other spices. Let it marinate for 30 minutes. Coat the chicken pieces in corn starch and egg. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Finish with the sauce.
