Crispy Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken: Your Easy Homemade Takeout Favorite

Craving the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of General Tso’s Chicken but want a healthier, quicker, and undeniably delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried takeout? Look no further than your air fryer! This incredible appliance transforms boneless chicken pieces into wonderfully crispy bites, perfectly coated in a rich General Tso’s sauce, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Our Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing restaurant-quality Chinese food to your dinner table with minimal fuss and less oil.

Forget the long waits and greasy results of conventional takeout. With this easy recipe, you’ll be enjoying succulent chicken with an irresistible crunch in a fraction of the time. It’s a popular choice for a good reason, and once you try this air fryer version, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation of favorite weeknight meals and top air fryer recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this succulent chicken recipe, especially when paired with its iconic General Tso’s sauce. It’s truly like having your own little crispy chicken bites, each piece boasting an addictive and delicious crunch that’s hard to replicate with other cooking methods.

I genuinely believe that this homemade version tastes even better than anything you’ll find at a restaurant. It’s an opportunity to put your own culinary spin on a beloved Chinese takeout classic and create a “cheater” version right at home that’s not only quicker but also significantly healthier. The air fryer provides a wonderfully crispy coating without the need for excessive oil, drastically reducing the fat content while maintaining all the flavor and texture you love. This healthier take, combined with a quicker cook time, makes it an absolute winner for any occasion.

If you’re a fan of delicious chicken dinners, be sure to explore some of my other favorite air fryer recipes like Air Fryer Orange Chicken, Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken, Air Fryer Dorito Chicken, or these Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Potstickers. For an extensive collection of poultry delights, check out our article featuring the top 50 Air Fryer Chicken Recipes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delicious Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken requires just a few simple ingredients, easily found at any grocery store. We focus on fresh chicken and a choice of sauce – either convenient store-bought or a vibrant homemade version.

• Boneless Chicken: For the best results, use skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into uniform 1-2 inch pieces. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are a leaner option. Ensure pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
• Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for achieving that coveted crispy coating without deep frying. It creates a light, golden crust on the chicken when air-fried.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning. Freshly ground pepper is always recommended for superior flavor.
• General Tso’s Sauce: You have two excellent options here:
  • Store-bought: For ultimate convenience, a quality store-bought sauce like Hormel’s House of Tsang Sauce works wonderfully. It saves time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Homemade: If you prefer to customize your flavors and enjoy making things from scratch, our simple homemade sauce recipe (detailed below) is a fantastic choice.

Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended): Chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of color, and sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and appealing texture.

How to Make Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

Making this incredible Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is surprisingly simple and comes together in just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for perfect, crispy chicken every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium shallow bowl, take your chicken pieces and evenly toss them with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Ensure every piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. This coating is what will give you that irresistible crispy texture in the air fryer. Work in batches if necessary to ensure all chicken is well-seasoned and not overcrowded in the bowl.

Step 2: Load the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps ensure the chicken crisps up nicely. Carefully arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. If necessary, cook the chicken in two or more batches to allow proper air circulation.

Step 3: Air Fry for Crispiness
Air fry the chicken at 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 4-5 minutes), open the basket and toss or shake the chicken pieces. This ensures even cooking and uniform crispiness on all sides. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) when checked with a digital meat thermometer. This internal temperature is key for food safety.

Step 4: Coat with Sauce and Finish
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, remove the basket from the air fryer. Pour your General Tso’s sauce over the chicken and gently toss to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes at 380 degrees F (193 degrees C). This brief final cook time allows the sauce to warm up, thicken slightly, and adhere beautifully to the crispy chicken, creating that signature glossy finish. Always use a digital meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve Immediately
Your perfectly cooked and sauced Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot with a side of fluffy white rice, nutritious steamed broccoli, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Expert Tips for Success

To ensure your Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Air Fryer Variations: Air fryers can vary significantly in size, wattage, and heating elements. I typically use my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer or a 6.8 quart air fryer. If your chicken isn’t as crispy as desired or seems to be cooking too fast/slow, don’t hesitate to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. It’s always a good idea to monitor your food during the first few cooks to get a feel for your specific appliance.
• Prevent Sticking & Easy Cleanup: For an even easier cleanup process, consider using a silicone liner in your air fryer basket. These liners are reusable and prevent food from sticking, making post-meal cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, a light spray of oil directly into the basket also helps.
• Food Safety First: Always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached a safe 165°F (74°C). This is the gold standard for poultry safety and prevents undercooked chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken piece.
• Avoid Overcrowding: This is arguably the most crucial tip for crispy air-fried food. Overcrowding the air fryer basket reduces air circulation, leading to steamed (not crispy) chicken. Cook in a single layer, in batches if necessary, to allow hot air to reach all surfaces of the chicken pieces.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: While not always strictly necessary for all air fryer recipes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken can help achieve a more consistent and quicker crisp.
• Light Oil Spray for Extra Crisp: After tossing the chicken in cornstarch and placing it in the air fryer, a very light spray of olive oil or avocado oil (using an oil mister) can enhance the crispiness and golden-brown color.

Ingredients for Homemade General Tso’s Sauce

While a good quality store-bought General Tso’s sauce is convenient, making your own at home allows you to control the sweetness, spice, and overall flavor profile to your exact preference. Here’s what you’ll need for a vibrant and delicious homemade sauce:

• Rice Wine or Vinegar: Provides the essential tang and depth to the sauce. Rice wine vinegar is a common choice.
• Hoisin or Teriyaki Sauce: These sauces contribute a rich, savory, and slightly sweet base, adding complex umami flavors. Hoisin tends to be sweeter and thicker, while teriyaki offers a more pronounced soy flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For that signature spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your desired level of heat.
• Fresh Garlic, Minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic foundation. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Ginger, Grated: Contributes a warm, spicy, and fragrant note that is quintessential to General Tso’s sauce. Use a microplane for fine grating.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements, providing the classic sweet notes of General Tso’s. You can adjust the quantity based on how sweet you like your sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that luxurious, clingy consistency.

How to Make Homemade General Tso’s Sauce

Crafting your own General Tso’s sauce is a rewarding process that allows for perfect customization. Here’s how to do it:

1. Combine Aromatics and Liquids: In a medium saucepan, add the rice wine or vinegar, hoisin or teriyaki sauce, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat until the aromatics become fragrant, typically about 1-2 minutes. This step helps to release their full flavor.
2. Add Sweetness and Simmer: Stir in the granulated sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to gently simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: While the sauce simmers, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water (e.g., 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water) to create a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps when added to the hot sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while continuously whisking vigorously. Return to low heat, and continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency – it should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Your homemade General Tso’s sauce is now ready to coat your crispy air-fried chicken!

How to Serve Your General Tso’s Chicken

This Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is incredibly versatile and easy to serve, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate meal. Just plate your deliciously sauced chicken, and you can add a little extra sweet or tangy sauce on the side if you wish. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• Classic Rice Pairing: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or healthier brown rice. The rice perfectly absorbs the rich, flavorful sauce.
• Low-Carb Options: For a lighter meal, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli is a traditional and excellent choice, adding freshness and nutrients. You can also quickly stir-fry other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to complement the chicken.
• Noodles: Serve alongside your favorite lo mein or rice noodles for a more substantial meal.
• Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for an authentic touch and added texture.
• Drink Pairings: This dish pairs well with iced tea, a light lager, or even a chilled sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best parts about making a popular Chinese dish like General Tso’s chicken is the potential for delicious leftovers! If you find yourself with extra, you’ll be delighted to know that you can enjoy that crispy coating texture once again.

• Storing Leftovers: Allow the air-fried chicken to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken can be safely stored and enjoyed for 3-4 days.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer (Recommended): To best revive that crispy texture, reheat your leftovers in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 2-3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and crisp once more. Avoid reheating for too long, as this can dry out the chicken.
• Alternative Reheating Methods:
  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes.
  • Microwave: While convenient, the microwave will not bring back the crispiness. Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken:

I genuinely hope you love this Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken as much as we do! It’s truly the perfect way to get that satisfying takeout fix without having to leave the comfort of your home. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!

More Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is a fantastic tool for making a wide variety of chicken dishes, from quick and simple to surprisingly gourmet. Here are some more easy air fryer chicken recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

Dinner

Frozen Chicken Breast in Air Fryer

Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Appetizers

Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Dinner

Frozen Chicken Patties in Air Fryer

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