Enjoy a healthier twist on classic sesame chicken with this air-fried version. Tender pieces of chicken coated in a crunchy, sesame-infused batter are paired with a sweet and savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the sesame seeds.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat it in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve the crispy sesame chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and additional sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried sesame chicken!