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A close-up shot of delicious Chilli Chicken served over white rice with green peppers and onions in a rustic bowl.

Spicy Tangy Air Fryer Chili Chicken

Crispy, juicy chicken bites tossed in a vibrant, spicy, and tangy Indo-Chinese sauce. This recipe uses an air fryer for a healthier, less greasy take on a classic takeout favorite.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Indo-Chinese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste or finely minced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
For the Coating
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil for spraying/tossing chicken
For the Chili Sauce
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil e.g., vegetable, canola
  • 1 tbsp ginger finely minced
  • 1 tbsp garlic finely minced
  • 2-3 green chilies serrano or Thai bird's eye slit lengthwise (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup onion diced small
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper red or green, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
  • 1 tbsp vinegar rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce optional, for added sweetness and mild heat
  • 1 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste for richer flavor
  • 1 tsp sugar or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp spring onions chopped, white and green parts separated
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds toasted (optional)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Wok or Large Skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken with ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
Prepare the Coating & Air Fry
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In another shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg.
  3. Dip each marinated chicken piece first into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently shake off any excess coating.
  4. Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with neutral oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with oil.
  5. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces, spray again lightly with oil, and continue to air fry for another 7-9 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Repeat with remaining chicken. Set aside the crispy chicken.
Make the Chili Sauce
  1. While the chicken is air frying, prepare the chili sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tbsp soy sauce, vinegar, sweet chili sauce (if using), ketchup, sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
  4. Pour in the prepared chili sauce mixture and stir well. Add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more water or broth.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the air-fried crispy chicken to the wok with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped spring onion whites and greens, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
  3. Serve immediately with steamed white rice, noodles, or fried rice.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a saucier chili chicken, increase the amount of water/broth and cornstarch slurry slightly. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the chicken can lose its crispness over time.