Elevate your dinner: learn the secrets of air fryer sesame chicken

Sesame chicken, a beloved Chinese takeout staple, can now be recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen with the help of an air fryer. This innovative cooking appliance allows you to enjoy a crispy, flavorful dish without the guilt of deep-frying. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make sesame chicken in an air fryer:

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Marinate the chicken: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

4. Coat the chicken in sesame seeds: Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Press the seeds gently into the chicken to adhere.

5. Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

6. Make the sauce: While the chicken is air frying, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl.

7. Toss the chicken in the sauce: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.

8. Serve: Garnish the sesame chicken with green onions and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips

• For a crispier chicken, double the amount of cornstarch in the coating.
• To make the sauce thicker, add more cornstarch to the mixture.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Serve the sesame chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or honey mustard.

Variations

• Spicy sesame chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey sesame chicken: Double the amount of honey in the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Teriyaki sesame chicken: Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:

• Steamed rice
• Fried rice
• Noodles
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Egg rolls

Final Thoughts

Making sesame chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and crispy takeout favorite at home. With its flavorful sauce and crispy coating, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, give this air fryer sesame chicken recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, be sure to thaw it completely before coating and air frying.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.