Olivia Carter
Have you ever wanted to recreate your favourite Chinese takeout dishes at home? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make delicious sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer. This recipe is quick, easy, and healthier than traditional deep-fried versions.
With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture without all the excess oil. The secret to a successful sweet and sour chicken lies in the balance of flavours. The tangy and slightly sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone wanting seconds.
One of the best things about making sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer is the speed. You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes! It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you’re craving something tasty and satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!
Crispy and Delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving for some crispy and delicious sweet and sour chicken, look no further! This simple recipe will satisfy your taste buds and bring the flavors of the Chinese takeout right into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with cornstarch until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and pineapple juice to make the sweet and sour sauce.
- In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté bell peppers and onion until tender.
- Add the sweet and sour sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir until well coated.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
This crispy and delicious sweet and sour chicken is the perfect dish to indulge in on a weeknight. The air fryer ensures that the chicken is perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior. Enjoy the tangy and sweet flavors of the sauce with the tender chicken and vegetables. It’s an easy and tasty homemade version of a classic Chinese takeout favorite!
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start making sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken:
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1/4 cup of ketchup
1/4 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1/4 cup of water
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of ginger
1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables:
1 cup of bell peppers, sliced
1 cup of onion, sliced
1 cup of pineapple chunks
Make sure to have all the ingredients measured and ready to use before you start cooking. This will help you stay organized and ensure a smooth cooking process.
Note: You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or snap peas.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!
Coat the Chicken in Batter
Start by preparing the batter for the sweet and sour chicken. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, add cold water to the dry mixture and whisk until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.
Take the chicken pieces and dip them into the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. Use tongs or a fork to ensure even coating.
Once the chicken pieces are coated in batter, let them sit for a few minutes to allow the batter to adhere to the chicken.
Tip: For extra crispy chicken, you can repeat the batter coating process a second time.
Cook the Chicken in Air Fryer
Once you have marinated the chicken, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these steps to achieve crispy and delicious sweet and sour chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside.
The air fryer will give the sweet and sour chicken a crispy texture without the need for deep frying in oil. It’s a healthier alternative that still results in flavorful and tender chicken.
Toss the Chicken in Sweet and Sour Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy in the air fryer, it’s time to toss it in a delicious sweet and sour sauce. The combination of tangy and sweet flavors will elevate the dish to a whole new level.
You will need:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Once the sauce is ready, transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Now you have a mouthwatering dish of sweet and sour chicken made right in your air fryer. The combination of crispy chicken and tangy sauce will surely satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering!
FAQ
What is the recipe for sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer?
The recipe for sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer includes marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Then, the chicken is coated in a batter made of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and water. The coated chicken is then air-fried until it is crispy and cooked through. Meanwhile, a sauce is made using ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and water. The cooked chicken is tossed in the sauce and served.
What are the ingredients required for making sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer?
The ingredients required for making sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer include chicken breast, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, water, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and water.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast to make sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast to make sweet and sour chicken in an air fryer. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken before air frying it?
Yes, it is recommended to marinate the chicken before air frying it as it helps to infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize it. The marinade in this recipe includes soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
