Air fryer revolution: effortless homemade sesame chicken in minutes

Craving the savory flavors of sesame chicken without the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This innovative appliance allows you to cook restaurant-quality dishes with ease, and sesame chicken is no exception. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of how to make sesame chicken in your air fryer, ensuring a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Sesame Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together all the ingredients for the sesame sauce in a small bowl.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve the sesame chicken hot over rice or noodles, and garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

• Use a light hand when dredging the chicken in cornstarch and flour. Too much coating can prevent the chicken from getting crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the chicken pieces enough space to circulate air and cook evenly.
• Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Healthier Options

• For a healthier version, use leaner cuts of chicken, such as breast or thigh meat.
• Reduce the amount of oil used for frying by spraying the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
• Serve the sesame chicken over brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

Variations

• Add vegetables to your sesame chicken, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding spices like paprika, chili powder, or cumin to the sesame sauce.
• Use a different type of sauce, such as sweet and sour or teriyaki.

Leftovers

Leftover sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until heated through.

Wrapping Up

Making sesame chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish. By following these steps and tips, you can create a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: How do I make my sesame sauce thicker?
A: You can thicken the sesame sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) and simmering it until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: What can I serve with sesame chicken?
A: Sesame chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables. It can also be served as an appetizer or snack.