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Chinese Sesame Chicken in Air Fryer: A Crispy Delight

Chinese cuisine has long been loved across the globe for its rich flavours and enticing aromas, and one dish that stands out is Sesame Chicken. Traditionally deep-fried until golden brown and tossed in a sweet-and-savoury sauce, this comfort food can be a bit indulgent. Luckily, with the advent of the air fryer, we can now enjoy this beloved dish in a healthier form without compromising on taste or texture. In this article, we will guide you through preparing Chinese Sesame Chicken in an air fryer, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornflour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped spring onions, for garnish

Method

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure all the chicken is well coated.

2. Breading Process: Set up a breading station with two plates: one containing the cornflour and the other with the beaten egg. Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the cornflour, ensuring it is well coated before shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.

4. Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Spray a light mist of oil over the chicken to promote crisping.

5. Cooking Time: Air fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

6. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is air frying, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm and slightly thickened. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds.

7. Combine: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the warm sesame sauce over it. Toss gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated with the rich, glossy sauce.

8. Serve: Plate your Sesame Chicken and garnish with chopped spring onions for a fresh touch. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The air fryer has revolutionised the way we enjoy our favourite dishes, and Chinese Sesame Chicken is no exception. This method allows us to savour the delightful flavours and textures with minimal guilt. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty treat for friends, this healthy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is sure to please every palate. Enjoy this crispy delight and elevate your culinary repertoire with this fantastic recipe!

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