AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN

If you’re craving a deliciously crispy, savory-sweet dish, this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken will quickly become a favorite. Made with tender pieces of chicken cooked in an air fryer for a healthier twist, this recipe is topped with a mouth-watering honey-soy-sesame sauce. Not only does it deliver flavor in every bite, but it also cuts down on the calories and unhealthy fats often found in the deep-fried version.

Why Choose Air Fryer Sesame Chicken?

Cooking chicken in the air fryer is an excellent option for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it eliminates the need for excessive oil, making the dish healthier without sacrificing the crispy texture that sesame chicken is known for. Additionally, air fryers cook food faster, meaning you can have dinner on the table in less time.

Ingredients Breakdown for Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Let’s explore the ingredients that make this sesame chicken recipe both flavorful and easy to prepare. Many of the components are likely already in your pantry, which means you can whip this up without an extensive grocery run.

Chicken Thigh or Breast: Both options work well here. Chicken thighs are often juicier and more flavorful, while chicken breasts provide a leaner alternative. Cut into bite-sized pieces, either option ensures the perfect crispy outside with tender meat inside.
Soy Sauce: This is the base for both the marinade and sauce. Soy sauce provides a rich, umami flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the sauce.
Rice Vinegar: A mild vinegar that adds a bit of tang to balance out the richness of the soy sauce and sugar.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient gives the sauce its sweet, sticky coating. The molasses in brown sugar deepens the flavor, making it richer than using white sugar.
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty richness that complements the sesame seeds perfectly.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These two aromatic ingredients enhance the flavor of the chicken and sauce. They provide a warm, spicy undertone that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Eggs & Cornstarch: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy coating, the eggs help the cornstarch stick to the chicken, creating a light yet crunchy exterior.
Cooking Oil: Even though you’re air frying, a small spritz or brush of oil ensures the chicken crisps up properly without being greasy.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are the finishing touch, giving the dish extra crunch and flavor.
Chile Paste (Optional): If you prefer a bit of heat, chile paste adds a subtle kick to the sauce.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

The secret to achieving restaurant-quality sesame chicken lies in the combination of a flavorful marinade, a crispy coating, and a sweet-savory sauce. Follow these tips to ensure your dish is perfectly crispy every time:

Marinate the Chicken: The longer your chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Aim to marinate for at least 20 minutes, but if time allows, refrigerating it overnight will yield the best results. The marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic infuses the chicken with deep flavor while also tenderizing it.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper helps keep the chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking. The holes allow air to circulate, giving your chicken that golden-brown finish.
Timing is Key: To achieve perfectly crispy chicken, it’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to allow the hot air to circulate freely. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure an even crisp on all sides.
Make the Sauce Fresh: While you can prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to cook the sauce just before serving. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, but if you cook it too far in advance and refrigerate it, it can become overly thick.
Toss Just Before Serving: For maximum crunch, toss the air-fried chicken in the sauce right before serving. This keeps the chicken crispy while still ensuring it’s fully coated in the delicious sesame sauce.

What to Pair with Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

The beauty of sesame chicken lies in its versatility. It pairs well with simple sides that allow the rich flavors of the dish to shine. Here are a few options to consider:

Steamed Rice: White or brown rice is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the extra sauce.
Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside steamed broccoli or blanched green beans for a complete, balanced meal.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a light, nutritious base for the sesame chicken.

The Deep-Fried Alternative

For those who don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy crispy sesame chicken by deep frying. Here’s how to do it:

Heat a few inches of oil (vegetable or another neutral, high-smoke point oil) in a deep pot or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F.
Coat the marinated chicken in cornstarch and drop the pieces into the hot oil, frying in small batches until golden brown.
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels, toss it in the sauce, and serve.

A Healthier, Yet Flavorful Sesame Chicken

By air frying the chicken, you’re cutting back on unhealthy fats without sacrificing the crispy exterior and flavorful interior. The marinade ensures each bite is packed with savory-sweet goodness, while the sauce provides that addictive coating that makes sesame chicken a beloved dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or even meal prep for the week.

Simple Recipe for Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 376 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 garlic clove (minced)
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 cup cornstarch

For the Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar
¼ cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1-2 tsp chile paste (optional)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF and line the basket with parchment paper.
In a bowl, marinate chicken with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 20 minutes or overnight.
Beat eggs in a small bowl and place cornstarch in another shallow dish.
Coat the marinated chicken pieces in egg, then cornstarch, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush with oil.
Air fry at 400ºF for 8-10 minutes. Flip the pieces, add more oil, and cook another 7 minutes until crispy.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic, then stir in soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Cook until thickened.
Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 376 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 13g
Sodium: 1081mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g