Emilie Meyer
Chinese food is often a labour of love, requiring lots of chopping, frying, and cleaning. However, an air fryer can help cut down on cooking and cleaning time, making it a great option for weekday meals. You can make a range of Chinese dishes in an air fryer, including General Tso's Chicken, sesame chicken, dumplings, shrimp, tofu with hoisin sauce, and dry-fried green beans. Air fryers can be used to create healthier versions of Chinese takeout favourites, with less oil and mess.
Characteristics and Values Table for Chinese Food in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Food | General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Dumplings, Green Beans, Shrimp, Tofu, Pork |
| Taste | Crispy, Crunchy, Tangy, Savory, Sweet, Sticky |
| Ingredients | Chicken, Cornstarch, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Ginger, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Rice, Vegetables, Eggs |
| Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Temperature | 390-400°F |
| Pros | Healthier, Quick, Easy, Less Mess, Cost-Effective |
| Cons | Requires Chopping and Sauce-Making |
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What You'll Learn
How to make General Tso's Chicken in an air fryer
General Tso's Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that can be made in an air fryer as a healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried version. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing this delicious meal, which can be ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small pieces (2" pieces for thighs)
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or potato starch for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Dash of black pepper
- Cooking spray (olive or coconut oil)
- Sauce ingredients: ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger paste or fresh grated ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes
- Optional side: rice, noodles, or steamed broccoli
Instructions:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, crack an egg and whisk it. Coat the chicken pieces with the dry mixture, then dip them in the egg wash. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow air circulation. Cook for a total of 8-10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, add 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste (or grated ginger), 2 cloves of crushed garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust the amount to your preferred spice level). Whisk the ingredients until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, toss it with the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Serve your General Tso's Chicken immediately with your choice of rice, noodles, or steamed broccoli. Enjoy the delicious, tangy flavors of this takeout favorite made right in your air fryer!
Tips:
- For an extra crispy texture, you can double fry the chicken. Cook it at a lower temperature first, then increase the temperature for the second round of frying.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar, and if you like it sweeter, you can add honey.
- You can also add a little orange zest to brighten up the flavor.
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How to make Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried sesame chicken. The crunchy chicken pieces are coated in a savoury-sweet, sticky sauce and topped with sesame seeds. This dish is best served with rice and steamed vegetables, but it can also be tossed in a salad.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Cornstarch or potato starch
- Olive oil or cooking oil spray
- Sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar or orange juice
- Hoisin sauce
- Ground ginger
- Garlic
- Scallions (optional)
Method:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and toss them in a bowl with cornstarch or potato starch. Use enough to coat the chicken evenly.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer. Spritz or brush the chicken with oil or cooking spray.
- Air fry the chicken at 380-400°F for 7-10 minutes, until the chicken pieces are golden brown.
- Flip the chicken pieces over, spritz or brush with more oil, and cook for another 7-10 minutes at the same temperature.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar or orange juice, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tsp of water to create a slurry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until it reaches the desired thickness.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a bowl. Immediately coat the chicken with the sauce and toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve with rice and steamed vegetables or a salad.
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How to make crispy green beans in an air fryer
First, prepare the green beans by washing them and removing the ends. You can use fresh French green beans or regular green beans. Then, dry the beans very well to help the oil and seasonings stick better. Next, place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded as this will affect the texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beans in two batches. Add a little olive oil and, if you want to add some heat, a bit of chili oil or chili powder. Shake the basket to distribute the beans evenly and cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are crisp and tender.
Once they are done, remove the beans from the air fryer and serve immediately while still hot and crispy. You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer to preserve the crispy texture.
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How to make dumplings in an air fryer
Making dumplings in an air fryer is a great way to achieve extra crunch without deep frying or the effort of watching a pan. This method works for frozen dumplings, potstickers, gyoza, and wontons, as well as homemade ones.
Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings
Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, spacing them around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch (1 cm) apart. If using frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them before cooking.
Step 2: Oil the Dumplings
Brush or spray the dumplings on all sides with a thin coat of oil. If you don't have a pastry brush or oil spray, you can oil your hands and rub the dumplings to coat them.
Step 3: Add Water
Use your fingers to sprinkle the dumplings with a small amount of water, or pour it into the base of the air fryer basket. This step helps to prevent the dumplings from drying out.
Step 4: Air Fry
Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes if using fresh dumplings, or 12-14 minutes for frozen ones. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of dumplings, so adjust as needed.
Step 5: Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
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How to make tofu with hoisin sauce in an air fryer
Tofu with hoisin sauce is a delicious, easy-to-make Chinese dish that can be prepared in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make tofu with hoisin sauce using an air fryer:
Ingredients:
- Extra-firm tofu
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger paste
- Rice vinegar
- Water
- Cornstarch (optional)
- Cooking spray (optional)
- Salt
- Sesame seeds, cilantro, and/or green onion (optional)
Instructions:
Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu in a dishcloth, place it on a plate, and then set a cutting board or something flat on top. Place a heavy object, such as cans or a book, on the cutting board to press the tofu. This step is crucial, as removing the excess moisture helps achieve a crispy texture. It is recommended to press the tofu for about 20 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer heats up, cut the tofu into cubes. Place the tofu cubes in a medium-sized bowl and add in liquid aminos or light soy sauce, tossing to coat. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ground black pepper to enhance the flavour.
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space around each piece. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this may affect the cooking process. Set the air fryer timer for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking, and then continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the tofu is crisp and golden brown.
While the tofu is cooking, prepare the hoisin sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ginger paste, 2 teaspoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of water. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to your taste preferences.
Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. In a saucepan, heat the hoisin sauce mixture over low to medium heat. Add the cooked tofu to the saucepan and gently mix until all the tofu pieces are evenly coated with the sauce. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to simmer, thicken, and caramelize on the tofu.
Finally, serve the tofu warm. You can sprinkle it with sesame seeds, cilantro, and/or green onion for added flavour and texture. This dish goes well with steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles. Enjoy your delicious and crispy tofu with hoisin sauce!
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Frequently asked questions
You can make Chinese-style fried chicken in an air fryer by coating chicken pieces in cornstarch and seasonings like salt and pepper (and sometimes ginger) before frying until crispy. You can also make a sauce with ingredients like soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and garlic to coat the chicken in.
You can cook frozen dumplings directly in an air fryer, but for more authentic-tasting dumplings, it is recommended to first boil them and then air fry them.
You can make tofu with hoisin sauce, dry-fried green beans, and fried shrimp in an air fryer.
