Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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Air Fryer Sesame Chicken brings the flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen. This healthier version of a classic is crispy, flavorful, and coated in a delicious sesame sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe delivers all the taste with less oil and mess.

air fryer sesame chicken

Quickly make this isn’t a full meal by serving steamed rice and roasted broccoli on the side.

Helpful Tips

  • Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before air frying. This creates a crisp, golden exterior without deep frying.
  • Shake the Basket: Periodically shake the air fryer basket during cooking to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides.
  • Toss in Sauce After Cooking: For best results, toss the chicken in the sesame sauce after it’s cooked. This keeps the chicken crispy while evenly coating it in the flavorful sauce.

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air fryer sesame chicken

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken brings the flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen with crispy, flavorful, chicken coated in a delicious sesame sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 358 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound (454 g) chicken breast or thigh cut in bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) less-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons (4 g) ginger peeled and minced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (64 g) cornstarch
  • 2 cups (316 g) cooked rice for serving

For the sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) hoisin sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) ginger peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) less-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water
  • Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat.
  • Cover and marinate for 30 mins in the refrigerator.
  • When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and toss with the cornstarch to coat.
  • Spread the chicken in the air fryer basket in an even layer so they don’t overlap. Spray with cooking oil.
  • Air fry at 390°F (195°C) for 6 mins, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • While the chicken is cooking, add all sauce ingredients to a saucepan and stir to combine.
  • Cook sauce over medium heat for 3-5 mins, then add the cornstarch mixed with water. Whisk to combine. When slightly thickened, remove from heat.
  • When chicken is done, add it to the saucepan with the sauce and toss to coat. Serve over rice with sesame seeds and green onion as garnish.

Notes

  • Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before air frying. This creates a crisp, golden exterior without deep frying.
  • Periodically shake the air fryer basket during cooking to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides.
  • For best results, toss the chicken in the sesame sauce after it’s cooked. This keeps the chicken crispy while evenly coating it in the flavorful sauce.

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 28gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1019mgPotassium: 509mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Chicken
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