Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
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If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dinner option, look no further than this Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken. This popular dish brings a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, all while skipping the deep-frying mess. Having made this recipe countless times, I can affirm that it’s an accessible yet impressive choice for busy weeknight meals or a cozy weekend dinner.
Why you’ll love this dish
So, why should you whip up Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken tonight? Let’s break it down. Not only is it a fantastic way to explore Asian culinary flavors from the comfort of your home, but it also caters to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste. The air fryer cuts down on fat and cooking time, making this dish a healthier alternative to its traditional counterpart—perfect for anyone mindful of their health but not willing to compromise on flavor.
Imagine gathering around the table with family, dinner served in less than 30 minutes, while everyone digs into crispy chicken bites glazed with a mouthwatering sauce. There’s a reason this recipe has become a family favorite in many households!
"Absolutely loved this recipe! The chicken came out perfectly crispy and the sauce was so flavorful—definitely making it again!" — A happy home cook
The cooking process explained
Now let’s dive into how to bring this culinary joy to your kitchen. This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks alike. The magic happens in just a few key stages: you’ll marinate the chicken, coat it with a light batter, cook it in the air fryer, and finally coat it in that delectable General Tso’s sauce. Each step is designed to maximize flavor while minimizing effort.
What you’ll need
Here’s your ultimate shopping list to whip up Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for the sauce)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (optional, can be found at Asian stores)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or adjust the sauce ingredients to make it spicier or sweeter based on your taste!
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s break down the process to make this delicious dish:
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the chicken to it, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Transfer the chicken to the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking. Look for a golden brown color.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and chili flakes.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then add to the sauce. Stir until thickened.
Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Best ways to enjoy it
Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside a crisp vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider a garden salad topped with this flavorful chicken. You can also indulge in some homemade fried rice on the side for an authentic experience at home!
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, given how delicious it is!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, the air fryer does wonders to retain that crispy texture—just pop the chicken back in for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). It’s not recommended to freeze as the sauce can alter the texture of the chicken.
Helpful cooking tips
- For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken pieces rest for about 10 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Experiment with your spice level! Adding more chili flakes or using different sauces can elevate the flavor profile according to your palate.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry for the sauce! It thickens beautifully and gives that authentic sticky glaze you expect from General Tso’s Chicken.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try these variations to jazz up your dish:
- Orange General Tso’s Chicken: Add some fresh orange juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a meatless meal that’s still packed with flavor!
- Sweet and Spicy: Mix in a dash of sriracha along with the chili flakes for an extra kick.
Common questions
What is the prep time for Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, followed by a cooking time of around 12-15 minutes in the air fryer.
Can I substitute the chicken thighs for something else?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, or you can replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
Is it safe to reheat leftovers?
Yes, just ensure it’s heated thoroughly to 165°F (75°C) before consuming. Using the air fryer helps maintain the chicken’s crispy texture while reheating.
Dive into this delightful recipe, and surprise your family with flavors they’ll love! Happy cooking!
Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the chicken to it, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Transfer the chicken to the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking. Look for a golden brown color.
- In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and chili flakes.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then add to the sauce. Stir until thickened.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
