Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, a rich sesame-infused sauce, and the convenience of air frying. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this recipe balances sweet and savory flavors seamlessly. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up, making it a go-to in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken doesn’t just taste fantastic, it’s also a family favorite. The wonderful thing about this dish is how it strikes thebalance between quick prep and comforting, hearty flavors. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for those evenings when your family craves something special without hours of cooking.
"This is our new weeknight dinner staple! So fast and everyone in the family devours it!" – A happy home cook
This recipe is also adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a winner for any occasion.
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What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of the ingredients you’ll need to get started on your flavorful creation:
- 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)
If you’re looking for substitutions, consider using chicken thighs for a richer flavor or swap the soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken ready is a breeze. Here’s how the process comes together:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated. This helps create that perfect crispy texture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha. This sweet and spicy sauce is what makes the dish shine!
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give them space to breathe!
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The goal is perfectly golden, crispy chicken bites.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Give it a good mix to ensure every piece is flavorful.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. The finishing touches make all the difference!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is fantastic on its own, but consider serving it with fluffy rice or a woven veggie stir-fry for a well-rounded meal. You can also toss it in a salad for a lighter option or pair it with spring rolls for a fun menu idea.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! To keep your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes, ensuring it stays crispy and delicious.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For the crispiest chicken, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. A single layer ensures optimal airflow and even cooking. If you want a little more kick, feel free to add more sriracha to your sauce.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein. You could also experiment by adding vegetables to the air fryer like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s the prep time for this recipe?
A: Prep time takes about 10 minutes, and then you’ll have delicious Air Fryer Sesame Chicken on your table in about 20 minutes total!
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari, and you’re all set.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
A: This dish goes wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or even a fresh salad!
With this recipe, you’ll have a comforting meal that brings smiles to the dinner table. Give it a try, and watch your family’s faces light up with delight!
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Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich sesame-infused sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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 the 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 gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg