Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of Chinese takeout, you’re going to love this recipe for sesame chicken made in an air fryer. With its crispy coating, tender chicken, and deliciously sweet and savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
One of the great things about cooking sesame chicken in an air fryer is that it’s much healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the chicken, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior without all the added oil.
To make this dish, start by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. Then, coat the chicken in a combination of cornstarch and flour to create a light, crispy breading. Pop the chicken into the air fryer and let it cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, you can whip up the sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and crunch. Serve over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Easy Recipe for Sesame Chicken in Air Fryer
Looking for a delicious and healthy recipe to make in your air fryer? Try this easy recipe for sesame chicken! It’s packed with flavor and can be ready in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Place the chicken pieces in a ziploc bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- While the chicken is cooking, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they become fragrant and lightly browned.
- Once the chicken is done, sprinkle it with the toasted sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve the sesame chicken with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Note: You can adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Make sure to check if they are fully cooked before serving.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful sesame chicken recipe made in your air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, without sacrificing taste!
Ingredients
To make Sesame Chicken in an Air Fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Green onions: 2, sliced
Note: You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to your taste and preferences.
Preparation
Before starting to cook the sesame chicken in the air fryer, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth cooking process:
1. Marinating the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. In a bowl, combine 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight for optimal flavor.
2. Preparing the Breading
In another bowl, prepare the breading for the chicken. Combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Coating the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Coat each piece of chicken in the breading mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a crispy coating. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or a wire rack until ready to cook.
4. Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature for cooking the sesame chicken.
Cooking Time
To make sesame chicken in an air fryer, you will need to start by marinating the chicken. This will infuse the flavors and ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy when cooked. After marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, you can then cook it in the air fryer.
The cooking time for sesame chicken in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. However, as a general guideline, you can cook the chicken at 380°F (193°C) for about 12-15 minutes. It’s important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
If you prefer a crispy coating on the chicken, you may want to increase the cooking time slightly. Just be sure to monitor the chicken closely to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become even more flavorful.
When serving sesame chicken, you can garnish it with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and presentation. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, and you can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
| Chicken Type | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs | 12-15 minutes |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 10-12 minutes |
| Chicken Wings | 20-25 minutes |
Remember to always check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
Once your sesame chicken is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to think about serving it up. Here are a few suggestions for how to enjoy your delicious sesame chicken:
1. Rice
Serve your sesame chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a classic and satisfying meal. The savory chicken pairs perfectly with the neutral flavor of the rice, allowing the sesame sauce to shine.
2. Noodles
If you’re looking for a change from rice, try serving your sesame chicken with noodles. Egg noodles or rice noodles are both great options and will soak up the delicious sauce.
3. Stir-fried Vegetables
For a complete and balanced meal, serve your sesame chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are all great options that will add color, crunch, and nutrients to your plate.
4. Sesame Seeds and Green Onions
To enhance the sesame flavor even more, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of your sesame chicken. Not only does it add a nice visual touch, but it also adds extra texture and freshness to the dish.
Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to create a meal that suits your tastes. With its crispy exterior and flavorful sauce, sesame chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Health Benefits of Air Fried Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken cooked in an air fryer can offer various health benefits. By using this cooking method, you can enjoy a delicious meal while maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Reduced Fat Content
One of the primary advantages of air frying sesame chicken is the reduction in fat content. Compared to traditional frying methods, air frying requires little to no oil. This means that the chicken will have a lower overall fat content, making it a healthier choice.
By air frying the chicken, you can significantly reduce your calorie intake without compromising on taste and texture. This is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to cut back on unhealthy fats and calories while still being able to enjoy their favorite dishes.
Better Heart Health
Another notable health benefit of air frying sesame chicken is its positive impact on heart health. Traditional frying methods often involve using large amounts of oil, which can lead to the consumption of unhealthy trans fats and an increased risk of heart disease.
With air frying, you can enjoy crispy sesame chicken without the need for excessive oil. This can help reduce your consumption of unhealthy fats and, in turn, improve your heart health.
Furthermore, by air frying your chicken, you can eliminate the need for added fats, such as butter or lard, which are commonly used in traditional frying methods. This can lead to a lower overall intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, which are known to negatively impact heart health.
Therefore, by incorporating air fried sesame chicken into your diet, you can make a positive impact on your cardiovascular health.
In conclusion, air fried sesame chicken offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. By reducing the fat content and promoting better heart health, this dish allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without sacrifing your well-being.
FAQ
What is sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese dish made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce.
Can I make sesame chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely make sesame chicken in an air fryer. It gives the chicken a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
What ingredients do I need to make sesame chicken in an air fryer?
To make sesame chicken in an air fryer, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, sesame seeds, and green onions.
How do I make sesame chicken in an air fryer?
To make sesame chicken in an air fryer, start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix together cornstarch and soy sauce. Dip each chicken piece into the mixture, then place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce until coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
