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A close-up shot of crispy sesame chicken in a white pan, glazed with a sweet and savory sauce and topped with sesame seeds.

Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Enjoy crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, all made healthier and easier in your air fryer. This quick weeknight meal brings delicious takeout flavors right to your kitchen.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
For the Breading
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs beaten
For the Sesame Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water for slurry
For Garnish
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions sliced

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken thighs with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Set up your breading stations: In one shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat the two large eggs.
  3. Working in batches, dredge each piece of marinated chicken first in the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then transfer to the flour mixture, pressing to adhere the coating evenly on all sides. Place breaded chicken on a plate or wire rack.
Make the Sesame Sauce
  1. While the chicken marinates or rests, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk well.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. In a small separate bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (it should be able to coat the back of a spoon). Remove from heat.
Air Fry the Chicken
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
  2. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd (you will likely need to work in 2-3 batches). Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil.
  3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Repeat with remaining chicken.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice and a side of your favorite vegetables.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can double-bread the chicken by dipping it in egg and flour, then egg again and flour again. Adjust honey/brown sugar to your sweetness preference in the sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb option.