Honey Sesame Chicken (Air Fryer Recipe)

Hello, dear friends and fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that has become a fast favorite in my kitchen. You know, there’s something truly magical about creating a dish that not only tastes delightful but also fills your home with an aroma that makes everyone rush to the kitchen. And guess what? This Honey Sesame Chicken made in the air fryer does just that! It’s my little secret to a quick, mouthwatering meal that looks like you’ve spent hours on it. Gratitude fills my heart as I bring this recipe to you, knowing it will create beautiful dining moments in your own homes!

Introduction

Who doesn’t love the combination of sweet and savory with a hint of crunch? That’s exactly what this Honey Sesame Chicken offers. Prepared in an air fryer, it’s not only healthier due to less oil usage but also quicker than traditional methods. The result? A crispy, golden exterior glazed with a rich, sweet sesame sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Trust me, this recipe is anything but boring!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional for a kick)
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Sliced green onions for garnish

this Recipe

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they are well-coated. This will help achieve that desirable crispy texture.
2. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, and chili paste in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine: Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce until each piece is nicely coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
5. Serve: Enjoy your honey sesame chicken hot! It’s fantastic over a bed of steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.

Helpful Tips

• Batch Cooking: If you have more chicken than can fit in a single layer in your air fryer, cook it in batches to ensure it gets crispy.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water to the sauce as it simmers.

Substitutions/Variations

• Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you’re avoiding soy.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Sweetener Variations: Maple syrup or agave can substitute honey for a different kind of sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this with chicken breast? Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as chicken breast can dry out faster than thighs.
2. Can I bake this in the oven? Yes, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, before tossing in the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep the chicken crispy!

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved this, you might also enjoy:

• Air Fryer Falafel
• Air fryer carrots

Each of these recipes continues to embrace the quick, healthy, and delicious ethos that we love about air frying!

Creating this Honey Sesame Chicken in your air fryer not only simplifies your meal preparation but also transforms your dining experience with the joy of crispy, flavorful chicken that everyone will adore. Dive in and let your taste buds rejoice over this splendid culinary creation!

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