AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN

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🍗 Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

🔹 Servings: 4

🔹 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🔹 Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

🔹 Total Time: 30 minutes

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 egg

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • Cooking spray or oil spray

For the Sesame Sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

For Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions

  • Extra sesame seeds

🍽️ Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine:

  • Chicken pieces

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 beaten egg

Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the sauce and preheat the air fryer.

2. Preheat Air Fryer

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

3. Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine:

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • ¼ cup flour

Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.

4. Air Fry the Chicken

  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.

  • Place chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

  • Spray tops of chicken with oil.

  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

5. Make the Sesame Sauce

While chicken cooks:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, mix all sauce ingredients (except slurry and sesame seeds).

  • Once it starts to bubble, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to stir until thickened (2–3 minutes).

  • Stir in sesame seeds. Turn off heat.

6. Toss and Serve

  • Toss cooked chicken in the sauce OR drizzle sauce over plated chicken for crispier texture.

  • Garnish with green onions and extra sesame seeds.

  • Serve with rice or steamed veggies.

❓ Q&A Section

🔸 Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A: Yes! Chicken breast works well too—just be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out faster than thighs.

🔸 Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy after saucing?

A: For crispier chicken, serve the sauce on the side or drizzle lightly just before eating. Avoid letting the chicken sit in the sauce too long.

🔸 Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and replace the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or just use more cornstarch.

🔸 Q: Can I use bottled sesame sauce?

A: You can, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and lets you control the sweetness, salt, and spice level.

🔸 Q: Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?

A: Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning and crisping.

🔸 Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to crisp back up.

🔸 Q: Can I freeze air fryer sesame chicken?

A: Yes, freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in air fryer and toss in fresh sauce before serving.

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