Image Source from ncbasia

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe: A Crispy Delight

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing flavour or texture. One dish that shines when prepared in an air fryer is sesame chicken – a beloved Asian-inspired recipe that pairs tender chicken pieces with a deliciously sticky sesame sauce. This article will guide you through making your own air fryer sesame chicken, taking you step by step to create a crispy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or a light coating of oil

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated, then shake off any excess.
3. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Finally, roll the chicken pieces in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your chicken starts cooking immediately, aiding in achieving that lovely crispy coating.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

Step 4: Prepare the Sesame Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch and water mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens. This should only take a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the sesame sauce over the top. Gently toss the chicken until it is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for an added touch of flavour and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer sesame chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. For a complete meal, add some stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad on the side.

Conclusion

This air fryer sesame chicken recipe is fantastically simple and yields beautifully crispy results without the guilt of traditional frying. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when entertaining friends and family. With its delightful combination of flavours, this dish is sure to become a favourite in your household. Enjoy the health benefits of air frying while indulging in this mouth-watering delight!