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Plate of sesame chicken with sesame seeds and green onions.

Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

This crispy air fryer sesame chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze. A healthier take on the classic Chinese-American takeout favorite that's ready in just 35 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • as needed cooking spray
For the Sesame Sauce
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water cold
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 2 green onions sliced thin

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch and flour. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  2. Place coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not overcrowding. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
  3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Sesame Sauce
  1. While chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add to the saucepan and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove cooked chicken from air fryer and immediately toss with the warm sesame sauce until evenly coated.
  2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces sit for 5 minutes before air frying. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.