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Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Sandra
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

Crispy golden chicken thighs drenched in a sweet and tangy sesame-soy glaze, made with an air fryer for easy, healthy cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal with bold Asian flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets (about 600g/1.3lbs)
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
3 tbsp oil
1.5 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
1.5 tbsp Chinese rice vinegar
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
4 tbsp tomato ketchup
3 tbsp light brown sugar
3 tbsp light soy sauce


Instructions

Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Coat each thigh evenly in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear chicken for 1-2 minutes per side (optional for extra crispiness)
Air fry chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
In a saucepan, combine sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, honey, sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Brush or drizzle sauce over air-fried chicken immediately before serving.


Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Chicken can be baked in an oven if preferred (375°F/190°C for 25-30 mins).
Leftovers store well in fridge for 3-4 days; reheat in air fryer for crispiness.
Substitute sweet chilli sauce with sambal oelek for less sweetness or Sriracha for different heat.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with 2 tbsp sauce
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 4500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg