I’ve always been a little obsessed with that glossy, sticky sesame chicken from my favorite takeout spot—the kind that clings to your fork and has just the right balance of sweet and savory. One evening, I decided to recreate it at home, but with a lighter twist that didn’t mean standing over a pot of bubbling oil. That’s when my air fryer came to the rescue. Crispy little chicken bites coated in a luscious, homemade sesame glaze? Yes, please.
The best part? This recipe is so quick and satisfying, you’ll barely have time to set the table before the chicken is ready. Each piece is tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and covered in a sauce so good you might want to drizzle it on rice, veggies, or… let’s be honest, straight into your mouth. This is comfort food, upgraded for busy weeknights.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: This lean, protein-rich cut is perfect for bite-sized pieces that stay tender inside. The air fryer ensures the outside crisps up beautifully without needing heavy breading or deep frying.
Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crunch. Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before cooking helps create a light, golden crust that holds up perfectly to the sticky sauce.
Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich base for the glaze. It balances the sweetness and brings that signature Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.
Honey: Natural sweetness that creates the sticky texture in the glaze. As it heats, it caramelizes slightly, adding depth and shine.
Rice vinegar: A gentle tang that cuts through the richness of the sauce, keeping every bite bright and balanced.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a little savory punch.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle adds a nutty fragrance that ties the whole dish together and enhances the sesame seed garnish.
Sesame seeds: A finishing touch that brings crunch and visual appeal. Toasted sesame seeds deepen the flavor and give each bite an extra layer of nuttiness.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, if preferred)
- Cooking spray or oil mist
How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the coating stick. Toss the chicken cubes in cornstarch until each piece is well coated. This step ensures maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
Step 2: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until the sauce starts to bubble and slightly thicken—about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is coated in that glossy, sticky goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed so the chicken gets crispy instead of steaming.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. They stay moist and flavorful even after air frying.
- Toast your sesame seeds. It enhances their nutty flavor and makes the garnish even better.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. If you like a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly or add an extra splash of vinegar.
- Make it spicy. Stir in a teaspoon of chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can air fry the chicken in advance, store it in the fridge, and toss it with the sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely—just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
It’s great with jasmine rice, brown rice, fried rice, or even over noodles. Add steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook the chicken in batches so each piece stays crispy, then combine everything in a large bowl with the sauce.