Crispy & Flavorful Air Fryer Sesame Chicken: Your New Go-To Healthy Takeout

Craving the irresistible taste of sesame chicken but want a healthier, homemade alternative to greasy takeout? Look no further! This incredible Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe has become a staple in our kitchen, consistently delivering restaurant-quality flavor with a fraction of the calories and cost. Utilizing the magic of your air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chicken pieces, all coated in a luscious, sticky, savory-sweet sesame sauce that will have your taste buds singing. It’s simple, quick, and undeniably delicious. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this easy-to-follow air fryer chicken recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a delicious Chinese meal, and our Air Fryer Sesame Chicken brings that experience right to your home kitchen. Gone are the days of feeling guilty about ordering greasy takeout! With your air fryer, you can effortlessly create a dish that’s not only incredibly easy to prepare but also significantly lighter on calories, all without compromising on that amazing, authentic taste. This recipe promises perfectly crispy chicken, lovingly coated in a rich, sticky, and wonderfully flavorful sauce, ensuring it will be a resounding hit for any meal, whether it’s a cozy night in or a family dinner.

The beauty of the air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air, crisping food to perfection using minimal oil. This method is ideal for achieving that coveted restaurant-style texture for your sesame chicken – golden brown and tender on the inside. Plus, because this recipe is so straightforward and uses readily available ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite comfort food while having complete control over the ingredients, making it a healthier choice you can feel good about.

And let’s be honest, there’s just something about sesame chicken that makes you want to get comfy in your sweatpants and binge-watch your favorite show. With this homemade version, you can indulge in that craving without the hundreds of extra calories often found in restaurant orders. Even the most novice cooks will find this delicious dinner recipe incredibly approachable, requiring just a few simple steps to achieve truly impressive results.

If you’re looking to explore more air fryer delights, you might also like this Air Fryer Stir Fry or these Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. For a treasure trove of inspiration, be sure to check out our top 50 air fryer chicken recipes!

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Sesame Chicken starts with high-quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: We opt for chicken thighs because their higher fat content ensures a juicier, more flavorful outcome compared to chicken breasts, especially when air frying. They remain tender and moist, even with the crispy coating.
• Corn Starch (for chicken): This is your secret weapon for a light, incredibly crispy coating. When air fried, corn starch creates a delicate crust that locks in moisture and turns a beautiful golden brown. It’s superior to flour for achieving this specific crispness.
• Olive Oil Spray: A light, even spritz of olive oil is essential for helping the corn starch adhere and encouraging that wonderful crispiness without drenching the chicken in excessive oil. This is key to a healthier air-fried dish.
• Soy Sauce: The foundational element of our savory sauce, providing a rich, umami depth that is characteristic of authentic Asian cuisine. We recommend a low-sodium option to control saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a crucial hint of sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and contributing to the sauce’s sticky, glossy texture. Feel free to adjust to your sweetness preference.
• Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! The bright, citrusy zing from orange zest elevates the entire sauce, adding a layer of fresh, complex flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully and cuts through the richness.
• Hoisin Sauce: A thick, fragrant, and slightly sweet sauce often used in Chinese cooking, hoisin sauce introduces a rich, tangy, and subtly spicy flavor profile, deepening the complexity of our sesame sauce.
• Ground Ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy, and aromatic note that is classic in Asian-inspired dishes. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Minced Garlic: An absolute must for its pungent, savory depth. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Cold Water and Corn Starch (for sauce thickening): This mixture, known as a cornstarch slurry, is what thickens your sauce, giving it that desirable glossy, sticky consistency that clings perfectly to the crispy chicken.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Used as a garnish and for a delightful nutty flavor. Toasting them briefly enhances their aroma and taste, adding a final touch of authenticity.

How to Cook Perfect Sesame Chicken in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful sesame chicken in your air fryer is straightforward with these easy steps. Follow along to create a fantastic meal:

STEP 1 – Prepare Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390º Fahrenheit (199ºC). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a consistently crispy exterior on your chicken.

STEP 2 – Coat the Chicken: Cube your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and generously toss them with corn starch until each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated. This corn starch coating is crucial for that golden, crispy crust.

STEP 3 – Load the Air Fryer Basket: Carefully arrange the corn starch-coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Ensure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Give the chicken a generous spray with olive oil, ensuring all visible surfaces are lightly coated.

STEP 4 – Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken in the air fryer for a total of 24 minutes. Crucially, midway through the cooking time (around 12 minutes), pause the air fryer, remove the basket, and give the chicken a good shake to ensure even cooking and browning. Add another light spritz of olive oil after tossing the chicken to maintain crispiness. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

STEP 5 – Prepare the Sauce Base: While the chicken is air frying, combine all the sesame chicken sauce ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, orange zest, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, and minced garlic) in a small saucepan. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil and the brown sugar has completely dissolved.

STEP 6 – Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold water and corn starch to create a smooth slurry. Once your sauce base is boiling, slowly whisk in this cornstarch slurry. Continue whisking constantly for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a glossy, sticky consistency.

STEP 7 – Add Sesame Seeds: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the toasted sesame seeds. These add a wonderful nutty flavor and visual appeal to your sauce.

STEP 8 – Rest the Sauce: Set the sauce aside for an additional 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the sauce to continue thickening to its ideal sticky texture.

STEP 9 – Coat the Chicken: Transfer the freshly air-fried, crispy chicken pieces into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour the warm sesame sauce over the chicken. Using a spatula or tongs, gently toss the chicken until every piece is thoroughly coated in the delicious, sticky sauce.

STEP 10 – Serve and Garnish: Plate your delicious Air Fryer Sesame Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice (or your preferred grain). For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish generously with chopped green onions.

NOTE: This recipe was developed and tested using a 5.8 qt Cosori air fryer. If you’re using a different air fryer model, please keep in mind that cooking times and temperatures may vary. It’s always a good idea to monitor your food closely and adjust as needed, especially during your first few attempts.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is easy with a few key tips:

• Ensure Even Cooking: To get every piece of chicken wonderfully crispy and cooked through, always arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can steam the chicken instead of frying it. Remember to shake the basket vigorously halfway through the cooking time to expose all sides to the circulating hot air.
• Serve Immediately for Optimal Texture: For the ultimate crispy texture and rich flavor, serve your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken immediately after tossing it in the warm sauce. The longer it sits, the softer the chicken’s coating will become.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Don’t skip the preheating step! A hot air fryer basket creates an instant crisp on the chicken, sealing in juices and ensuring a superior texture from the start.
• Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety while preventing overcooking.
• Don’t Drown in Oil: While a little oil is necessary for crispiness, too much can make the chicken greasy. Using an olive oil spray provides a fine, even mist, delivering crispiness without excess fat.

Delicious Sesame Chicken Variations to Try

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

• Add a Kick of Heat: If you love a bit of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering, or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture for a subtle warmth. Serve with extra chili flakes on the side for those who prefer more fire.
• Boost with Veggies: Transform this dish into a wholesome, one-bowl meal by adding steamed or air-fried vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or shredded carrots are excellent choices. Toss them with the chicken and sauce during the final coating step, or serve them on the side.
• Different Proteins: While chicken thighs are fantastic, this recipe works well with other proteins. Try cubed pork tenderloin, firm tofu, or even shrimp for a delicious alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Honey Sesame Chicken: For an extra sticky and sweet glaze, replace half of the brown sugar with honey in the sauce recipe. This creates an even richer, more caramelized flavor.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond green onions, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a few extra toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for an added aromatic touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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

Absolutely! You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders for thighs. Just be sure to cube them into similar bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind that chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more quickly, so you might need to slightly reduce the air frying time. Cook until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

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

It’s crucial not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. For the crispiest results, always cook the chicken in a single layer. If you have too much chicken, simply cook it in small or large batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. This ensures proper air circulation and that desirable crispy texture.

What vegetables go well with this recipe?

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables. We highly recommend Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Broccoli, or simply steamed mixed vegetables. A simple side of blanched asparagus or sautéed bell peppers would also be fantastic.

Can I use All-Purpose Flour instead of Corn Starch for coating the chicken?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for corn starch, as it also contains starch. However, be aware that corn starch typically yields a lighter, crispier coating, while flour might result in a slightly denser, more breaded texture. For sauce thickening, you’ll need approximately twice the amount of all-purpose flour compared to cornstarch to achieve the same thickness.

How can I make this recipe low carb?

To reduce the carb count, you can make a few adjustments. For coating the chicken, substitute tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch) for corn starch; it provides a similar crisp texture without the added carbs. For the sauce, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of brown sugar. You can also opt for a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.

Why isn’t my sauce sticky enough?

A sticky sauce is key for sesame chicken! To ensure proper stickiness, make sure the brown sugar is completely dissolved in the sauce base before adding the cornstarch slurry. Also, allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for the full 5 minutes, whisking consistently. If it’s still not sticky enough, you can create a small additional cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce, letting it cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.

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

There are a few tricks to prevent sticking. Before placing the chicken, ensure your air fryer basket is clean and lightly coated with oil spray. You can also use a small piece of perforated parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers at the bottom of the basket. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup significantly easier!

How to achieve the best results with this recipe?

For the most mouthwatering Air Fryer Sesame Chicken, pay attention to these details: First, use a proper cooking spray to lightly coat the chicken, rather than pouring oil, which can lead to greasy results. Second, cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces; this ensures even cooking and allows each piece to be perfectly coated with the delectable sesame sauce. Lastly, don’t forget to preheat your air fryer for that initial crisp, and shake the basket often!

If you’re as big a fan of chicken as we are, explore more of my favorite air fryer chicken recipes below for endless meal ideas!

MORE AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPES:

Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Appetizers

Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

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