Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

We’ve made this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken a ton of times, and each time it’s as delicious as the last. This recipe gives you restaurant-quality Chinese food at a fraction of the cost and calories while still giving great flavor. Keep reading to discover how you can make this easy Air Fryer chicken recipe!

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

Using your air fryer, you can create a dish that’s easy to make and lighter on calories without sacrificing taste. This recipe delivers crispy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce, making it a sure hit for any meal.

Plus, since this is such an easy recipe, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make it more often!

Something about Sesame Chicken makes you want to sit in your sweatpants and watch your favorite show. I know I do.

However, ordering Sesame Chicken from your local Chinese restaurant can add hundreds of extra calories!

This delicious dinner recipe only requires a few ingredients, so even the most novice cooks can make it!

You might also like this Air Fryer Stir Fry or these Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.

Are you looking for more? Check out this article where we share our favorite top 50 air fryer chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: The thigh meat offers juiciness and more flavor, perfect for air frying.
• Corn Starch: Provides a light, crispy coating that turns golden when air fried.
• Olive Oil Spray: A light spritz ensures the chicken pieces become wonderfully crispy.
• Soy Sauce: Forms the savory base of the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
• Orange Zest: A citrusy zing that enhances the depth of the sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: Introduces a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Ground Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note.
• Minced Garlic: Adds essential pungency and depth.
• Cold Water and Corn Starch: Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty flavor and a decorative touch.

How to Cook Sesame Chicken in the Air Fryer

STEP 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer to 390º Fahrenheit.

STEP 2 – Begin by cubing the chicken thighs and tossing them in corn starch until evenly coated.

STEP 3 – Place the coated chicken pieces into the air fryer basket and use olive oil spray to coat the chicken.

STEP 4 – Air fry the chicken for 24 minutes until golden brown, tossing the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Add a spritz of oil after tossing the chicken.

STEP 5 – Add the sesame chicken sauce ingredients into a small saucepan and whisk over medium heat until the sauce has reached a small boil.

STEP 6 – Whisk in the mixture of cornstarch and water and let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes, continuing to whisk.

STEP 7 – Mix in the sesame seeds.

STEP 8 – Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to continue thickening.

STEP 9 – Place the chicken into a medium size mixing bowl and cover with the sauce. Toss the chicken so that each piece is coated in sauce.

STEP 10 – Serve topped over rice and garnish with green onion.

NOTE: This recipe was made using a 5.8 qt Cosori air fryer. If you’re using a different air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

• Ensure Even Cooking: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure each piece of chicken cooks evenly.
• Serve Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, serve the chicken immediately after it’s tossed in the sauce.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Variations

• Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the sauce.
• Veggie Toss: Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for a colorful and wholesome meal.

FAQs:

Can I use chicken breasts or chicken tenders for this recipe?

Absolutely! As long as you cube the chicken tenders and boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you’ll still have a great dish.

What if all my chicken won’t fit in the Air Fryer?

You can cook the chicken in small or large batches, depending on the size of your Air Fryer.

What vegetables go well with this recipe?

Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Broccoli, or steamed vegetables pair well with this easy Air Fryer recipe.

Can I use All-Purpose Flour instead of Corn Starch?

Yes! Flour is a wonderful substitute for corn starch as it already contains starch. However, keep in mind that you will need twice as much flour as cornstarch to make homemade sesame sauce.

How can I make this recipe low carb?

You can substitute tapioca flour for corn starch to coat the chicken. You’ll still get crispy chicken without the added carbs.

Why isn’t my sauce sticky?

To make a sticky sauce, you need to dissolve the sugar completely and allow the sauce to thicken for at least 5 minutes. If your sauce still isn’t sticky enough, you may need to add more cornstarch or flour mixture (if you’re using flour instead).

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the basket of the Air Fryer?

You can use a little oil to coat the bottom and sides of the Air Fryer basket or add a small piece of parchment paper to the basket. Adding parchment paper also makes cleanup a lot easier!

How to achieve the best results with this recipe?

To get the most out of this recipe, make sure you use a cooking spray so that you don’t drown the chicken in oil. Too much oil can cause the chicken to become greasy and not as crispy.

In addition, you need to cut your chicken into even bite size pieces so that they cook through and be easily coated with sesame sauce.

If you like chicken, check out more of my favorite chicken recipes below.

MORE AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPES:

Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Appetizers

Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

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