Air-Fryer General Tso Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken is a healthier, homemade alternative to the classic Chinese takeout dish. This recipe uses an air fryer to achieve the same crunchy, crispy texture as deep-fried chicken without the added grease. The air fryer also cooks the chicken quickly and efficiently, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

The key to getting crispy chicken in the air fryer is to ensure even coating, generous use of cooking spray, and avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer basket. The chicken is typically coated in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, and spices, dipped in an egg wash, and then placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space between each piece. It is then air-fried for around 8-10 minutes, flipped halfway through, until crispy and golden.

The sauce for General Tso's Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, typically made with ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili peppers, and garlic. The sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, with variations including sweeter sauces or extra spicy kicks.

How to get the chicken crispy

To get the chicken crispy, there are a few key steps to follow:

Firstly, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer. Allow space between each piece of chicken so that the air can circulate properly. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Secondly, make sure to preheat your air fryer beforehand. This will help the chicken to crisp up nicely and cook evenly. Preheat the air fryer to around 400°F for about 3-5 minutes.

Thirdly, use a cooking spray or oil to coat the air fryer basket and the chicken pieces. This will help to create a crispy texture. Olive oil or coconut oil cooking spray is a good option, or you can brush or spray the chicken with a heart-healthy oil like olive oil.

Finally, for extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken by dredging it in flour or cornstarch, then dipping it in an egg wash, and finally coating it again in the flour or cornstarch mixture. Make sure to dust off any excess flour or cornstarch before placing the chicken in the air fryer.

How to make the sauce stick to the chicken

To make the sauce stick to the chicken, it is important to ensure that the sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken evenly. To achieve this, simmer the sauce until it reduces slightly and thickens. Also, toss the air-fried chicken in the sauce immediately after cooking while the sauce is still warm. This helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.

• Marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil before coating them. This infuses the chicken with flavour and moisture, making the sauce adhere better.
• Ensure that each chicken piece is thoroughly coated in the cornstarch and egg mixture. This helps to create a uniform crispy layer.
• Shake off any excess cornstarch to prevent clumping and ensure a light, crispy texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by cooking the chicken in batches if necessary. Proper air circulation is crucial for an even, crispy exterior.
• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. This helps to seal in the juices and enhances crispiness.
• Flip the chicken pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness on all sides.
• For the best texture and taste, serve the General Tso's Chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce.

How to store leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.
• To freeze, put the chicken in an airtight freezer container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For reheating, brush the chicken with olive oil or vegetable oil and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave until heated through.
• If you're reheating a larger portion, it's best to reheat it in the oven to ensure even heating.

What sides to serve with General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is a Chinese-American dish of fried chicken pieces that are breaded and tossed in a tangy sauce. It is often served with a side of steamed rice and steamed broccoli. Here are some ideas for what else to serve with it:

• Salad: Try an Asian Cucumber Salad or Asian Cabbage Salad
• Other takeout favourites: Make a spread with Stir Fry Noodles, Air Fryer Egg Rolls, and Cabbage Stir Fry
• More grains: Try serving it with Instant Pot Brown Rice, quinoa, or Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Vegetables: Try stir fry veggies, such as a frozen stir fry medley
• Soup: Try Egg Drop Soup
• Noodles: Try Chow Mein or Yakisoba Noodles
• Other sides: Try Szechuan green beans, Vegetable Fried Rice, or steamed broccoli

How to make the dish less spicy

To make General Tso's chicken less spicy, you can adjust the ingredients and cooking methods as follows:

• Omit or reduce the amount of dried red chilli peppers, red pepper flakes, or chilli flakes used in the sauce.
• Substitute chilli peppers with other spices such as five-spice powder or Szechuan peppercorns to add a unique flavour without the heat.
• Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil before coating to enhance the flavour without adding spice.
• Use a milder type of pepper, such as white pepper instead of black pepper, as it has a milder flavour profile.
• Adjust the ratio of black pepper if used, starting with a smaller amount and gradually increasing to taste.
• Balance the spice by adding more honey or sugar to the sauce, creating a sweeter version of the dish.
• Omit the chilli sauce and chilli flakes entirely for a milder version that still retains the signature tanginess of General Tso's chicken.

Frequently asked questions