If you love takeout-style dishes but want to make them at home with less oil and a crispy finish, then this Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken recipe is for you! It’s the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, paired with a crispy crunch that rivals your favorite restaurant version, but without the extra grease. Plus, the air fryer makes it so easy to prepare, cutting down on cooking time and mess, so you can enjoy this amazing dish any night of the week!
What I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are while still packing in all the bold flavors. Whether you’re new to the air fryer or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a favorite in no time. The chicken turns out perfectly golden and crisp, and the sauce adds that tangy, flavorful punch that makes General Tso’s Chicken so irresistible. So let’s get started on making this flavorful dish!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken is the main star of this dish, and I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for their tender, juicy texture. The meat should be cut into bite-sized pieces, perfect for frying and coating in that crispy batter.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the magic ingredient that makes the chicken pieces extra crispy when air fried. It helps create that perfect crunchy coating while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works great in this recipe, helping to bind the batter to the chicken and ensuring that golden, crispy texture once fried.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dry ingredients together and coats the chicken pieces evenly, ensuring that the crispy flour and cornstarch batter sticks to each piece perfectly.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a must in any stir-fry or General Tso’s chicken recipe. It adds a salty depth of flavor and pairs beautifully with the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce we’ll be making.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar brings a slight tangy, acidic kick to balance out the sweetness in the sauce. It’s an essential ingredient for achieving that perfect flavor balance.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic, savory depth to the sauce, making it extra fragrant and flavorful.
Ginger: Fresh grated ginger adds a zesty, peppery warmth that complements the soy sauce and rice vinegar in the sauce. It’s a must-have for that authentic General Tso’s flavor.
Sugar: Sugar helps to bring that signature sweetness to the sauce, balancing the salty and tangy flavors from the soy sauce and vinegar.
Chili Flakes: For those who like a bit of spice, chili flakes are perfect for adding heat to the dish. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient gives the sauce a rich, toasty flavor and adds that delicious hint of nuttiness that makes this dish so delicious.
Green Onion: Chopped green onions are used as a garnish at the end, providing a fresh and slightly pungent flavor to contrast with the richness of the sauce.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by preparing the chicken pieces. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with the flour-cornstarch mixture. This will give the chicken a nice crispy batter once air-fried.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sugar, chili flakes, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. The sauce should stick to the crispy chicken, creating that irresistible glaze.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether. For extra heat, feel free to add a bit more!
- Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat: While chicken breast is a lean option, using chicken thighs will give you a juicier result. The added fat ensures the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch is crucial for creating the crispy coating. It ensures the chicken has that crunchy exterior and doesn’t turn soggy when coated with the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: For the crispiest chicken, serve the dish right after tossing it with the sauce. If you let it sit too long, the crispy coating may soften.
FAQs
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great! They are more tender and juicy than chicken breasts, so it’s a perfect alternative.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to make this dish fresh for the crispiest chicken, but you can prep the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to cook.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or peanut oil. Just note that the flavor will be slightly different.
What should I serve with Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad. You can also serve it with a side of crispy spring rolls for a complete meal.