How long does it take to make 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken?

Based on our recipe instructions, the dish takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and cook. This includes about 15-18 minutes for the chicken to cook in the air fryer and a few additional minutes to heat and thicken the sauce.

What ingredients do I need for 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken?

You'll need the following ingredients: skinless chicken thigh fillets, cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, vegetable oil, sesame oil, Chinese rice vinegar, honey, sweet chili sauce, tomato ketchup, light brown sugar, light soy sauce, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped spring onions. Serve it with boiled or egg-fried rice.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets. Just ensure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces as directed. Keep in mind that chicken breast can dry out faster than thighs, so monitor the cooking time closely to prevent overcooking.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking together in the air fryer?

To prevent the chicken pieces from sticking together in the air fryer, shake the basket a few times during cooking. This will also help ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is small, consider cooking the chicken in batches to provide enough space for hot air circulation.

What can I use if I don't have sweet chili sauce?

If you don't have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing some chili paste or hot sauce with a bit of sugar or honey to taste. This will give you the sweet and spicy profile needed for the sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce on the stovetop instead of the microwave?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce on the stovetop if you prefer. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.

20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken: Irresistibly Crispy and Flavorful

Name: 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: – 6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets (about 750g/1.65lbs untrimmed or 600g/1.3lbs once trimmed); – 3 tbsp (45 ml) cornflour (cornstarch in USA); – 1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt; – 1/4 tsp (1 ml) pepper; – 1/2 tsp (3 ml) garlic powder; – 1/2 tsp (3 ml) paprika; – 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil; – 1.5 tbsp (23 ml) sesame oil; – 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder (or use 2 minced cloves garlic); – 1.5 tbsp (23 ml) Chinese rice vinegar; – 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey; – 3 tbsp (45 ml) sweet chili sauce; – 4 tbsp (60 ml) tomato ketchup; – 3 tbsp (45 ml) light brown sugar; – 3 tbsp (45 ml) light soy sauce; – 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce; – sesame seeds; – chopped spring onions (scallions); – boiled or egg fried rice

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I’m Marie Ellero, the creator of Fryero—a place born out of equal parts necessity, creativity, and love for crispy food made healthier. As a health-conscious foodie and a busy mom constantly trying to balance nourishing meals with a packed family schedule, I discovered the magic of the air fryer. This kitchen marvel allows me to make delicious meals like the 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken without the guilt of deep-frying.

My journey began when I needed to find a way to make quick, satisfying meals that didn’t rely on greasy pans. The air fryer became my go-to tool. It turns out, many others were searching for the same solution, which led me to share my love for air-fried foods. This 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a testament to what can be achieved with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

What started as late-night kitchen experiments soon became an obsession. I began transforming classic dishes into lighter, air-fried versions. Now, I’m sharing this passion with you through recipes like this sesame chicken, which is perfect for busy nights. The air fryer revolutionizes cooking by reducing oil use while keeping the taste and texture we all love.

20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

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Author: Ellero
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Chinese

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Description

Discover the secret to making delicious Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken in just 20 minutes! Learn the easy steps to a flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

– 6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets (about 750g/1.65lbs untrimmed or 600g/1.3lbs once trimmed)
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) cornflour (cornstarch in USA)
– 1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt
– 1/4 tsp (1 ml) pepper
– 1/2 tsp (3 ml) garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp (3 ml) paprika
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil
– 1.5 tbsp (23 ml) sesame oil
– 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder (or use 2 minced cloves garlic)
– 1.5 tbsp (23 ml) Chinese rice vinegar
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) sweet chili sauce
– 4 tbsp (60 ml) tomato ketchup
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) light brown sugar
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) light soy sauce
– 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce
– sesame seeds
– chopped spring onions (scallions)
– boiled or egg fried rice

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Instructions

Trim the excess fat from the chicken thighs and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
Pour the oil over the chicken in the bowl and mix well. The chicken pieces should be evenly covered and have a sticky texture.
Transfer the chicken to the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 190C/375F for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and not pink inside. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to prevent the chicken pieces from sticking together. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.
As the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and stir until mixed. Heat in the microwave on high for about 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.
Once the chicken is done, mix it with the sauce in either a saucepan or a bowl.
Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions before serving. I prefer to serve this dish with egg-fried or boiled rice.

Notes

For a crisper coating, consider double-coating the chicken in the cornstarch mixture before air frying.
Adjust the sauce’s sweetness and spiciness to taste by adding more or less honey and sweet chili sauce.
Enhance the dish’s flavor by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top before serving, for a nutty touch.

Creating 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Fundamentals

The 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a game-changer for anyone seeking flavorful and quick meals. Using an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy chicken without deep-frying. This dish combines tender chicken thigh fillets with a savory sauce, creating a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.

The key ingredients include chicken thighs, cornflour, and a mix of spices like garlic powder and paprika. These components ensure the chicken remains juicy inside while achieving a crispy exterior. This recipe highlights the convenience of air frying, making it accessible for busy individuals and families.

Preparation/setup

Start by trimming excess fat from the chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking in the air fryer. In a bowl, combine cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in this mixture.

Once coated, add oil to the chicken and mix well. This will give the chicken a sticky texture, essential for achieving that crispy finish. Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced to allow hot air to circulate for consistent cooking.

Mastering the Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Technique

Cooking the chicken at 190C/375F for 15–18 minutes ensures proper doneness. Shake the air fryer basket occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even browning. This technique is fundamental in achieving the perfect texture that makes air-fried chicken so appealing.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce by combining rice vinegar, honey, sweet chili sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Heat this mixture in the microwave, stirring every minute, until it thickens slightly. This sauce is the heart of the dish, providing the signature Asian flavor profile.

20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Tips/tricks

To prevent overcrowding, cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Also, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce, catering to your family’s taste preferences.

For more air fryer inspiration, check out air fryer honey sesame chicken or explore how to make crispy air fryer breaded chicken breast for additional crispy delights.

Perfecting Your Sesame Chicken Experience

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken requires attention to detail. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it’s no longer pink inside. The sauce should cling to the chicken, providing a glossy finish with every bite.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for an added crunch and freshness. These toppings not only enhance the dish visually but also contribute to its flavor profile. For more air-fry tips, explore quick air fryer chicken sausage and veggies.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, for a tangier kick, increase the amount of rice vinegar. The flexibility of this recipe allows for customization, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

For more variation ideas, check out air fryer salt and pepper balsamic chicken or try your hand at making crispy air fryer zucchini chips as a side dish.

Serving Your Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Serving/presentation

Present your 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and spring onions. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of egg-fried or boiled rice, adding a complementary texture and flavor.

The vibrant colors and enticing aroma make this dish a standout on any dining table. Whether serving family or guests, this meal is sure to impress with its quick preparation and delightful taste.

Pairings/storage

This dish pairs well with simple vegetables or a fresh salad, complementing the rich flavors of the sesame chicken. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, ensuring the chicken stays fresh.

Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness. For more meal ideas, explore crispy air fryer chicken chop bites or try sous vide chicken breasts with lemon garlic and rosemary for a different cooking technique.

Conclusion

The 20 Minute Asian Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a remarkable dish that combines speed, flavor, and convenience. Its crispy, juicy texture is a testament to the power of the air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. This recipe not only satisfies cravings but also fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles.

By utilizing the air fryer, you can enjoy indulgent meals without compromising on health. This dish highlights the versatility of air frying and encourages exploration of new culinary possibilities. Embrace the ease and satisfaction of air-fried cooking with this delightful sesame chicken recipe.