Air fryer Sesame Chicken has quickly become a favorite for busy weeknights in my kitchen. With tender chicken pieces coated in a delightful blend of sesame flavor and a hint of spice, it serves as both a satisfying meal and a treat for those evenings when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy recipe brings a touch of Asian-inspired flair right to your dinner table, and it’s perfect for family gatherings or casual nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken isn’t just any chicken dish; it’s quick, budget-friendly, and sure to win over the hearts (and stomachs) of family and friends alike. The crispy exterior comes from the air frying process, while the tender, juicy chicken inside keeps it comforting and classic. Plus, the delicious glaze made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil satisfies those sweet and savory cravings we all have.
"This sesame chicken was a hit at our last family dinner. Simple to make, and everyone went for seconds!" – A happy reader
Preparing Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Making this dish is as simple as it gets! You’ll have crispy, flavorful chicken on your table in just about 20 minutes. Get ready to toss the chicken in cornstarch, whip up a quick sauce, and then let your air fryer do the hard work. Here’s what you’ll need.
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What You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. You can swap out honey for maple syrup if you prefer a vegan option!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Once cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Giving your chicken ample space in the air fryer helps it crisp up beautifully—don’t overcrowd the basket!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Sesame Chicken shines on its own, but you can enhance your meal with some delightful sides. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some fluffy quinoa. Roasted veggies or a fresh cucumber salad can add a bright element to your plate, balancing the flavors perfectly. For an extra kick, have some additional sriracha on the side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you somehow find yourself with leftovers—though I can’t guarantee that!—store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for that wonderful crispiness. You can also freeze any extras for up to three months—just be sure to let them cool completely before storing!
Helpful Cooking Tips
To achieve that perfect golden crust, ensure your chicken is evenly coated in cornstarch. This not only enhances crispiness but also helps hold the sauce you’ll drizzle on after it cooks. If you like things spicy, play around with the sriracha—it’s your dish, after all!
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix it up! Add some chopped bell peppers or snap peas to the air fryer for added color and nutrition. You can also swap sesame seeds for crushed peanuts for a delightful twist. Got leftovers? Toss them in a spring roll or serve with noodles for a quick new meal.
Common Questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 10-12 minutes.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze them for up to three months.
With these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a delicious, family-friendly meal that brings a bit of fun and flavor to your kitchen. Enjoy!
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Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Quick and crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken with a delightful blend of sesame flavor and spice, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Once cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. For a vegan option, swap honey for maple syrup. Storing leftovers in an airtight container ensures freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg