We’ve made this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken many times and it’s always a hit. This recipe delivers restaurant-style Chinese sesame chicken with fewer calories and at a fraction of the cost. Read on for a simple, flavorful air fryer chicken recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe
Your air fryer makes this dish fast, crispy, and lighter than the takeout version without sacrificing flavor. Bite-size pieces of chicken become golden and crunchy, then get coated in a sticky, citrus-scented sesame sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s an easy weeknight dinner and also great for meal prep.
The recipe uses a handful of common ingredients and simple steps, so even beginner cooks can get great results.
Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful for air frying.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating.
- Olive oil spray: A quick spritz helps the chicken crisp up.
- Soy sauce: The savory base of the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances the soy with sweetness.
- Orange zest: Adds bright citrus notes.
- Hoisin sauce: Gives a rich, slightly sweet depth.
- Ground ginger: Warm, aromatic spice.
- Minced garlic: Essential flavor boost.
- Cold water + cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Nutty garnish and texture.
How to Cook Sesame Chicken in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
Step 2: Cube the chicken thighs and toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 3: Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with olive oil.
Step 4: Air fry for about 24 minutes, shaking or tossing the chicken halfway through. After tossing, spray lightly with oil again to help it crisp.
Step 5: While the chicken cooks, combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Step 6: Mix the cornstarch with cold water, then whisk it into the sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in toasted sesame seeds, then remove the sauce from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes so it becomes glossy and slightly thicker.
Step 8: Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl, pour the sauce over it, and toss until each piece is coated.
Step 9: Serve the sesame chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onion.
Note: This recipe was developed using a 5.8 qt Cosori air fryer. If your model is different, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly.
Tips
- Even cooking: Shake or toss the basket halfway through to brown the chicken evenly.
- Serve immediately: Toss the chicken in the sauce and serve right away for best texture and flavor.
Sesame Chicken Variations
- Add heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for spice.
- Add vegetables: Toss in steamed broccoli or bell peppers for color and extra nutrients.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or tenders?
Yes. Cube boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders and follow the same coating and air frying instructions. Adjust cook time if pieces are larger or smaller.
What if my air fryer is too small?
Cook in batches so pieces aren’t crowded; that ensures they get crispy instead of steaming.
What vegetables pair well?
Air fried green beans, broccoli, or simple steamed vegetables complement the dish nicely.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes. Flour works as a substitute, but use roughly twice the amount of flour as you would cornstarch for a similar coating.
How can I make this low-carb?
Use tapioca flour or another low-carb coating alternative to keep the chicken crispy with fewer carbs.
Why isn’t my sauce sticky?
Make sure the sugar dissolves completely and the cornstarch slurry is cooked long enough (about 4–5 minutes) to thicken. Add a bit more slurry if needed.
How do I prevent sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly oil the basket or use a small piece of parchment paper made for air fryers. Avoid too much oil—just a spritz will do.
How to get the best results?
Use an oil spray instead of pouring oil so the chicken crisps without becoming greasy. Cut the chicken into even, bite-size pieces so they cook uniformly and coat well with the sauce.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Appetizers
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders
Dinner
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Dinner
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
We’d love your feedback — please leave a review and star rating to let others know how this recipe turned out for you.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 5 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon cold water
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Chicken Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon olive oil spray
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-size cubes and toss with cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- Arrange chicken in the air fryer basket without crowding.
- Air fry 24 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through; spray lightly with oil after tossing.
- While chicken cooks, whisk sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in sesame seeds, remove from heat, and let the sauce rest 5 minutes to thicken further.
- Toss cooked chicken with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve over rice and garnish with green onion.
Notes
All-purpose flour can substitute for cornstarch, but use about twice as much flour. Chicken breasts or tenders work too. For a lower-carb option, use tapioca flour for the coating.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 22 g,
Protein: 20 g,
Fat: 21 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.