Air Fryer Sesame Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Deliciously Crispy

Who doesn't love a plate of crispy, golden chicken? But frying can be messy and deep-fryers can be intimidating, not to mention the health concerns. Enter the air fryer, a kitchen appliance that has revolutionized how we prepare fried foods, offering a healthier, less greasy, and easier alternative. One dish that's perfectly suited for the air fryer's magic is Sesame Chicken. This delightful dish, traditionally deep-fried and then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce, can now be prepared with all the crunch but less of the guilt.

Understanding the Air Fryer

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Before we jump into the recipe, let's take a moment to understand why the air fryer is an ideal tool for this dish:

• Crispiness: Air fryers use rapid air technology to produce a crispy exterior, much like deep frying, but with significantly less oil.
• Healthier Cooking: By requiring less oil, you reduce the overall calorie content and the amount of unhealthy fats in your meal.
• Efficiency: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, and they require less cleanup.
• Versatility: From chicken to vegetables, the air fryer can handle a variety of foods, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Preparing the Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make Air Fryer Sesame Chicken:

• Chicken:

  • 500 grams chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Breading:

  • 1 cup of flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten 🥚
  • 1 cup of panko bread crumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

• For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce 🍶
  • 2 tablespoons honey 🍯
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil 🌿
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening

• Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds 🍢
  • Sliced green onions

The Cooking Process

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Let's dive into the steps:

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season: Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2. Breading: Set up three bowls - one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. Here's how to bread:

   • Dip the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
   • Dip into the egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F).

2. Air Fry:

   • Place the breaded chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray or oil.
   • Cook for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the chicken is golden and crispy.

   <p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: Cooking times might vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it!</p>

Making the Sauce

While the chicken cooks:

1. Combine: In a saucepan, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, minced garlic, and water.

2. Thicken: Add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

3. Toss: Once the chicken is done, add it to the sauce, stirring to ensure each piece is well-coated.

Serving Suggestions

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Serve your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken hot:

• With Rice: The perfect base to soak up the delightful sauce.
• Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas for a nutritious meal.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for that extra touch.

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">🍽 Note: If the chicken is not crispy enough, you can return it to the air fryer for a couple of minutes after saucing to crisp it up further.</p>

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

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Why should you consider the air fryer for dishes like this?

• Less Oil: Reduces fat content in your food.
• Flavor: Allows for even cooking, enhancing the flavor profiles of your dishes.
• Convenience: Easy to use with minimal clean-up.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken ticks all the boxes for a weekday dinner - it's quick, easy, and delicious. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, giving you crispy chicken with a flavourful sauce in minimal time, without the mess or guilt of traditional frying. This dish proves that you don't have to sacrifice taste for health. Enjoy your culinary creation with family or friends, and take pride in knowing you've prepared a meal that's both flavorful and nutritious.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use regular flour instead of panko breadcrumbs?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use regular flour, but you'll miss out on the extra crunch that panko breadcrumbs provide. For best results, panko is recommended.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is air-fried sesame chicken healthier than deep-fried?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely, air frying requires less oil which leads to a reduction in calorie intake and fewer unhealthy fats.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make this dish in advance?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then toss and serve when ready. The breading might not stay as crispy, but it will still be delicious.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's a good substitute for sriracha in the sauce?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can use any hot sauce or even red pepper flakes for a similar kick if you don't have sriracha on hand.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the air fryer?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Ensure not to overcook the chicken. Using dark meat like thighs can also help as they have more fat, which keeps them moist. Also, lightly oiling the chicken before air frying helps retain moisture.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>