I have always been a fan of easy, delicious meals that pack a punch of flavor, and this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is no exception! With its crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside, it’s the perfect dish for any day of the week. Not only does it cook up quickly in the air fryer, but it also provides a healthier alternative to deep-frying, making it a family-friendly choice. Plus, the savory sesame sauce is simply irresistible, balancing sweet, salty, and savory in the best way.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it over rice, paired with veggies, or as a stand-alone snack, it never disappoints. The air fryer ensures the chicken is golden and crispy, without the excessive oil, giving you all the indulgence without the guilt. Ready to make this dish? Let’s dive into the details!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breast: This is the main ingredient of the recipe. Chicken breast is lean, quick to cook, and absorbs the flavors of the sauce wonderfully. You’ll want to cut it into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and get that crispy texture.
Sesame oil: Sesame oil gives this dish its distinct flavor. It adds a nutty aroma and rich taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Just a small amount will go a long way in giving the dish that signature sesame flavor.
Soy sauce: Soy sauce brings a savory and slightly salty element to the sauce, giving the sesame chicken its depth. You can use regular or low-sodium soy sauce based on your preference.
Honey: Honey balances out the saltiness from the soy sauce and gives the dish a touch of sweetness that complements the sesame oil. It also helps in achieving that sticky, caramelized finish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic and savory punch to the sauce. Minced garlic infuses its flavor into the chicken, making every bite burst with flavor.
Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are a classic garnish for sesame chicken, adding a lovely crunch and a little extra flavor. They also make the dish look more authentic and appetizing.
Cornstarch: This is used to coat the chicken pieces before air frying to give them that crispy texture. It helps the chicken brown beautifully in the air fryer while keeping it tender on the inside.
Egg: The egg acts as a binding agent for the cornstarch, ensuring that the coating sticks to the chicken pieces while they cook. This step is essential for getting that crispy exterior.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and gets that crispy texture. In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and egg. Coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch and egg mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden and crispy when done. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce has thickened slightly and the garlic has softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and give it one last toss. Serve the sesame chicken hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds if desired. Pair it with steamed rice or sautéed veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For extra crispy chicken, be sure to coat the chicken well in cornstarch before air frying.
- You can use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier result.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of chili paste to the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
- For a more authentic taste, drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top before serving.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to get the desired crispy texture. If you use frozen chicken, make sure it’s completely thawed and pat it dry before coating and air frying.
Can I make the sesame chicken in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes, then toss it with the sauce.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that your cornstarch is also gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply increase the amount of chicken and sauce ingredients accordingly. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.