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Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is one of those recipes that checks every box for modern home cooks: it’s fast, flavorful, crispy, and far lighter than traditional takeout-style versions. If you love the sweet-and-savory glaze of classic sesame chicken but don’t want to deep-fry or spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is exactly what you need.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about making the best Air Fryer Sesame Chicken at home. From understanding why the air fryer works so well for this dish, to ingredient breakdowns, cooking techniques, variations, storage tips, and serving ideas—this is the ultimate resource for mastering this popular dinner.

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What Is Air Fryer Sesame Chicken?

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a healthier, faster adaptation of the classic Chinese-American takeout favorite. Traditionally, sesame chicken is battered and deep-fried, then tossed in a thick sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. While undeniably delicious, the traditional method can be heavy, oily, and time-consuming.

By using an air fryer, you achieve the same golden, crispy chicken texture with significantly less oil. The chicken pieces are coated lightly in cornflour (cornstarch), air-fried until crisp, and then tossed in a glossy sesame sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and deeply savory.

The result? A dish that tastes indulgent but feels lighter—and is ready in under 30 minutes.

Why Make Sesame Chicken in the Air Fryer?

There are many reasons why Air Fryer Sesame Chicken has become such a popular recipe:

1. Healthier Than Takeout

Air frying uses hot circulating air instead of deep oil, cutting down on excess fat and calories without sacrificing texture.

2. Fast and Convenient

From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

3. Crispy Without Deep Frying

Cornflour and a small amount of oil help the chicken crisp beautifully in the air fryer.

4. Easy Cleanup

No splattering oil, no heavy pans—just the air fryer basket and one bowl for sauce.

5. Family-Friendly Flavor

Sweet, savory, and mild enough for kids, yet customizable for spice lovers.

Time & Servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Course: Dinner

  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

One of the reasons Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is so accessible is that it uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Let’s break them down.

Crispy Chicken

  • 6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets
    About 750 g / 1.65 lb untrimmed, 600 g / 1.3 lb trimmed. Chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and flavorful in the air fryer.

  • 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
    Essential for achieving that crispy coating.

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika
    These seasonings add depth and warmth without overpowering the sauce.

  • 3 tbsp oil
    Helps the coating crisp and turn golden.

Sesame Sauce

  • 1½ tbsp sesame oil
    Provides that signature nutty aroma.

  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)

  • 1½ tbsp Chinese rice vinegar
    Adds brightness and balances sweetness.

  • 3 tbsp honey
    Natural sweetness with a slight floral note.

  • 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
    Sweet with just a hint of heat.

  • 4 tbsp tomato ketchup
    Adds tang and thickness.

  • 3 tbsp light brown sugar

  • 3 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
    The combination gives both saltiness and rich color.

To Serve

  • Sesame seeds

  • Chopped spring onions (scallions)

  • Boiled rice or egg fried rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

2. Coat the Chicken

In a medium bowl, mix cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Each piece should look dry and evenly dusted.

3. Add Oil

Drizzle the oil over the coated chicken and mix again. The coating should now look slightly sticky—this helps it crisp.

4. Air Fry

Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 190°C / 375°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket at least three times during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Tip: If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping.

5. Make the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, add all sauce ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir well and microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until hot and slightly thickened.

Alternatively, heat the sauce gently in a saucepan on the stovetop.

6. Combine

Once the chicken is fully cooked and golden, toss it immediately in the warm sesame sauce. Stir until every piece is evenly coated and glossy.

7. Serve

Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. Serve hot with boiled rice or egg fried rice.

What Makes This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken So Crispy?

The secret to perfectly crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken lies in a few key techniques:

  • Cornflour (cornstarch): Creates a light, crunchy coating.

  • Oil coating: Helps the hot air crisp the surface.

  • Shaking the basket: Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

  • Single-layer cooking: Allows air to circulate around each piece.

Tips for Best Results

  • Chicken thighs vs breast: Thighs stay juicier, but breast can be used if preferred. Reduce cooking time slightly for breast.

  • Preheat your air fryer: A hot air fryer helps the coating crisp immediately.

  • Don’t add sauce too early: Tossing in sauce before cooking will prevent crisping.

  • Customize sweetness: Reduce sugar or honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

  • Add heat: Chilli flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilli can easily spice things up.

Variations of Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

One of the joys of Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is how adaptable it is.

Spicy Sesame Chicken

Add chilli flakes, sriracha, or gochujang to the sauce.

Orange Sesame Chicken

Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.

Low-Sugar Option

Replace honey and sugar with a sugar-free alternative and reduce sweet chilli sauce.

Vegetarian Alternative

Swap chicken for air-fried tofu or cauliflower florets.

Serving Ideas

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

  • Egg fried rice

  • Noodles or lo mein

  • Stir-fried vegetables

  • Asian-style slaw

You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or rice bowls.

Meal Prep and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Air Fryer Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the coating.

Freezing

Freeze cooked, unsauced chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer, then toss in freshly made sauce.

Print

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Print Recipe

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a quick and easy dinner made with crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-savory soy–sesame sauce. Using the air fryer keeps the chicken golden and crunchy with less oil, and the whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Author: salah saloh

Ingredients

Scale

Crispy Chicken

  • 6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets (about 750 g / 1.65 lb untrimmed, 600 g / 1.3 lb trimmed)

  • 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • 3 tbsp oil

Sesame Sauce

  • 1½ tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)

  • 1½ 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

  • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce

To Serve

  • Sesame seeds

  • Chopped spring onions (scallions)

  • Boiled rice or egg fried rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken
    Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

  2. Coat the chicken
    In a medium bowl, mix the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken and toss until every piece is fully coated.

  3. Add oil
    Drizzle the oil over the chicken and mix well. The chicken should look sticky and well covered.

  4. Air fry
    Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 190°C / 375°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket at least 3 times during cooking to prevent sticking.
    Tip: Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.

  5. Make the sauce
    While the chicken cooks, add all sauce ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir well and microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until hot and slightly thickened.
    (You can also heat it gently in a saucepan on the stove.)

  6. Combine
    Once the chicken is cooked through, toss it in the warm sesame sauce until evenly coated.

  7. Serve
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. Serve hot with boiled rice or egg fried rice.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breast, but breast can be used if preferred.

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—this helps the chicken crisp up properly.

  • For extra crunch, spray the basket lightly with oil before adding the chicken.

  • Like it spicy? Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

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Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)

  • Calories: ~520 kcal

  • Protein: ~32 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~45 g

  • Fat: ~24 g

  • Sugar: ~28 g

Why Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Modern home cooks need recipes that are fast, reliable, and satisfying. Air Fryer Sesame Chicken delivers on all fronts. It’s quicker than ordering takeout, healthier than deep-fried alternatives, and flexible enough to suit different tastes and diets.

Because the air fryer handles most of the work, you can focus on prepping sides or simply relaxing while dinner cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Sesame Chicken ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the chicken ahead, store it unsauced, and toss with freshly heated sauce before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even coating and crisping.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The sauce is sweet and mild, but spice can be adjusted easily.

What air fryer temperature is best?

190°C / 375°F strikes the perfect balance between crisping and juiciness.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is more than just a healthier alternative to takeout—it’s a genuinely delicious, versatile, and satisfying meal that deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation. With crispy, golden chicken and a sticky, sweet-and-savory sesame sauce, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something comforting yet light, Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a recipe you can rely on. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout in the first place.