Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces that are bursting with Asian-inspired flavors – without the guilt of deep-frying! This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality taste in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite that's sure to impress family and friends.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken. Cut 1 lb of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tbsp of sesame oil, 2 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of cornstarch, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp of ginger powder. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces in the mixing bowl. Toss the chicken until all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl and let any excess marinade drip off. This will help achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish the sesame chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or your choice of side dish, and enjoy your delicious air fryer sesame chicken!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes to prevent the meat from becoming too salty.
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure crispy, evenly cooked pieces. If needed, cook in multiple batches.
- Shake and Flip: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the chicken pieces to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Fresh Garnishes Matter: Add sesame seeds and green onions just before serving to maintain their fresh crunch and vibrant flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Air-fried chicken is best enjoyed hot and crispy right after cooking.Pro Tip: For an extra crispy coating, you can lightly dust the marinated chicken pieces with a thin layer of cornstarch before air frying!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
