Air Fry Sesame Chicken Like A Pro And Impress Your Family Tonight!

Craving that crispy, flavorful sesame chicken without the greasy aftermath? Look no further than your air fryer! Air frying has revolutionized home cooking, allowing us to enjoy our favorite dishes with a healthier twist. But can you air fry sesame chicken and achieve the same tantalizing results as traditional deep frying? This comprehensive guide will delve into the art of air frying sesame chicken, providing you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to elevate your culinary game.

Ingredients

To begin your sesame chicken adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch, ensuring they are well-coated.

Air Frying the Sesame Chicken

1. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
3. Air fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Making the Sesame Sauce

While the chicken is air frying, prepare the sesame sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
• Set aside until ready to use.

Finishing the Sesame Chicken

1. Toss in the sesame sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
2. Sprinkle sesame seeds: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the coated chicken and stir to combine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air-fried sesame chicken hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh green onions or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Success

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken in cornstarch.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
• Shake the basket halfway through the air frying process to ensure even browning.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
• If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients in the sesame sauce.

Alternatives and Substitutions

• Chicken: Instead of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or tenders.
• Marinade: If you don’t have time to marinate the chicken, you can simply coat it in the cornstarch and seasonings before air frying.
• Sesame sauce: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice.

Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Sesame Chicken

• Spicy sesame chicken: Add some heat to your sesame chicken by adding a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili powder to the sesame sauce.
• Sweet and sour sesame chicken: Create a sweet and sour sauce by adding 1/4 cup pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon brown sugar to the sesame sauce.
• Orange sesame chicken: Give your sesame chicken a citrus twist by adding 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 tablespoon orange zest to the sesame sauce.

Wrap-Up: Air Frying Sesame Chicken Mastery

With the right ingredients, techniques, and a touch of culinary creativity, you can air fry sesame chicken that rivals any restaurant dish. Enjoy this healthier, crispy, and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I use frozen chicken to make air-fried sesame chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it will take longer to cook. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry the frozen chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.

2. What is the best way to store leftover sesame chicken?

Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

3. Can I make sesame chicken in a regular oven?

Yes, you can make sesame chicken in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the sesame chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.