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Crispy and Tasty Sesame Chicken in the Air Fryer

Crispy and Tasty Sesame Chicken in the Air Fryer

Skip the takeaway and make this crispy air fryer sesame chicken at home! Tender chicken bites are coated in a light, crunchy crust and tossed in a sweet and savoury sesame sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it's an easy family-friendly dinner that's healthier than deep-fried versions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup plain flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Cooking oil spray as needed

For the Sesame Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 spring onions sliced, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Whisk the eggs in one bowl. In another bowl combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.
  • Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
  • Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the chicken cooks, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Mix the cornstarch and water together, then stir into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl and pour the sesame sauce over it. Toss until evenly coated.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

 
  • Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to keep it crispy.
  • Spray lightly with oil for the best golden finish.
  • Toss the chicken with the sauce just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Vitamin A: 6% DV
  • Vitamin C: 4% DV
  • Calcium: 5% DV
  • Iron: 15% DV