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20-Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings 1x

Description

This quick and healthy 20-Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful sesame sauce—without deep frying! Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for tossing)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for spice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and toss again to enhance flavor.
  3. Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken with vegetable oil for crispiness.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

  1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

  1. Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and pour sauce over it.
  2. Toss well to ensure even coating.
  3. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

  • Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes.
  • Sweet & Tangy: Increase honey and add a splash of orange juice.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure cornstarch is GF.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken for air-fried tofu or cauliflower.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: air fryer
  • Cuisine: asian

Keywords: air fryer sesame chicken, Asian sesame chicken, healthy sesame chicken, crispy sesame chicken, quick air fryer chicken

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Find it online: https://eateatfood.com/20-minute-asian-air-fryer-sesame-chicken/