Sesame Chicken Air Fryer: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish that can be easily made at home using an air fryer. This cooking method offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, resulting in a dish that is just as crispy and tasty but with reduced fat and calorie content.

To make sesame chicken in an air fryer, you will need boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. It is then coated in cornstarch or potato/tapioca starch and cooked in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes at around 400°F until golden brown.

While the chicken cooks, a savoury-sweet sesame sauce is prepared on the stovetop. This sauce typically includes ingredients such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds. The cooked chicken is then tossed in this sauce, resulting in a dish that rivals any takeout option.

Sesame chicken can be served with steamed rice and vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, for a delicious and healthy meal.

Choosing the right cut of chicken

Chicken Thighs:

Chicken thighs are a popular choice for sesame chicken because they tend to be more budget-friendly and are harder to overcook compared to chicken breasts. They stay juicy and tender, even if you leave them in the air fryer for a bit too long. Chicken thighs also have a richer flavour that can stand up to the bold flavours of the sesame sauce. When preparing the chicken thighs, trim any excess fat and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces (around 1-inch cubes).

Chicken Breasts:

Chicken breasts are a leaner option and are often preferred by those who want a lower-fat meal. They work well in sesame chicken, but you have to be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than chicken thighs. Chicken breasts have a milder flavour, which allows the flavours of the sauce to shine through. When cutting chicken breasts for this recipe, aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces.

In both cases, it is important to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking in the air fryer. You want the chicken to be cooked through but still juicy and tender.

Additionally, when shopping for chicken, look for boneless and skinless options, as they are easier to work with and require less preparation.

Preparing the chicken

Cutting the Chicken:

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces or cubes. You want them to be evenly sized, not too small, as they will shrink a little during cooking. This will ensure even cooking and a more attractive presentation.

Marinating the Chicken:

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with other ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add in an egg at this stage, which will help the coating adhere better to the chicken. Toss the chicken well to ensure it is evenly coated in the marinade. You can let the chicken marinate for as little as 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will be.

Coating the Chicken:

Set up a dredging station with two shallow bowls. In one bowl, place some cornstarch or potato/tapioca starch, and in the other, beat a couple of eggs. First, dip each piece of chicken into the egg, letting the excess drip off, and then coat it with the starch, ensuring it is evenly covered. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare the rest.

Air Frying the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F (this may vary depending on your model). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they have some space between them. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spray the chicken with a bit more cooking spray or olive oil to ensure a crispy texture. Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

Air frying the chicken

Preparing the Chicken for the Air Fryer:

Firstly, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes or chunks. Then, in a shallow bowl, prepare a mixture of dry ingredients like flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add cornstarch or potato starch. Dip each chicken piece into beaten eggs and then coat them evenly with the dry mixture.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces inside in a single layer, ensuring they have some space between them.

Cooking:

Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the manual for specific instructions. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F to be considered well done.

Tips for Crispy Chicken:

For crispy chicken, spray the chicken pieces with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will give them a nice golden colour and a crunchy texture. Additionally, mix the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time and add another coat of spray for an even crisp.

Making the sauce

For a basic sauce, you will need:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Orange juice
• Hoisin sauce
• Ground ginger
• Garlic
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Sesame seeds

Some recipes suggest adding rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chilli paste to the sauce. You can also add in red pepper flakes, red chilli pepper flakes, maple syrup, lime juice, or other ingredients to taste.

To make the sauce, simply add the soy sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, and garlic to a saucepan on medium-high heat. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. Once the sugar has dissolved and the sauce reaches a low boil, whisk in the water and cornstarch. Mix in the sesame seeds and remove the sauce from the heat. Set the sauce aside for about five minutes to thicken.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a bowl. Coat the chicken with the sauce and serve.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer sesame chicken. Here are some suggestions:

Rice

Rice is a popular side dish to serve with sesame chicken. You can choose from a variety of rice types, such as white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option. Serving the chicken with rice and steamed vegetables can create a perfect, easy meal.

Noodles

Noodles are another option to serve with sesame chicken. Try it with some instant, single-serving brown rice noodles.

Vegetables

You can serve sesame chicken with a variety of vegetables. Steamed broccoli or blanched green beans are simple yet tasty options. You could also try a side of easy bok choy or a salad with lettuce, sliced mandarin oranges, crispy wonton strips, shredded carrots, and scallions.

Other Sides

Some people like to serve sesame chicken with a side of wonton soup or sweet potato chips.

Drinks

A cool, refreshing drink can complement the flavours of sesame chicken. Why not try a glass of milk or some orange juice?

Desserts

For a sweet ending to your meal, you could try some brownies or chocolate cookies.

Presentation

When serving, you can sprinkle sliced green onions and additional toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for added flavour and presentation.

There you have it! Plenty of ideas to create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your air fryer sesame chicken.

Frequently asked questions