Easy & Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken: Better Than Takeout (Gluten-Free Option!)
Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken! This incredible recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken coated in a luscious, sticky-sweet sesame sauce, all prepared with the convenience and health benefits of your air fryer. Forget greasy deep-fried versions – this homemade dish offers all the flavor you crave, without the fuss. Plus, with simple adjustments, it’s effortlessly made gluten-free, making it a versatile option for any dinner table.
For years, Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken has held a special place as one of my go-to air fryer chicken recipes. However, this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken stands shoulder-to-shoulder with it, offering a unique and equally satisfying flavor profile. This particular sesame chicken recipe was one of the pioneering air fryer versions, originally shared back in 2018. It has since been meticulously refreshed and updated, ensuring the same delicious taste you’ve come to love, but with enhanced instructions to make preparation quicker and more foolproof than ever. Prepare to whip up this irresistible dish in a matter of minutes, transforming your mealtime routine!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons why this homemade Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. From its unbeatable texture to its family-friendly appeal and incredible value, it truly ticks all the boxes for a perfect meal.
- Crispy Chicken Without Deep Frying – Achieve that coveted golden, crispy crust without the mess, excess oil, and guilt associated with traditional deep-frying. The air fryer circulates hot air, effectively “frying” the chicken to a delightful crispness, while keeping the inside wonderfully juicy. This method locks in flavor and significantly reduces the fat content, offering a healthier alternative for your favorite takeout classic. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of sesame chicken knowing it’s prepared with a lighter touch.
- Irresistible Sticky Sesame Sauce – This rich, glossy sauce is the heart of the dish, boasting a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. It’s so good, you’ll swear it came straight from your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant, but with the added satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. Crafted from pantry staples, it’s easy to whisk together and thickens beautifully to cling to every piece of chicken. For those with dietary restrictions, simply swap in gluten-free soy sauce and prepare a homemade hoisin sauce to ensure a completely gluten-free meal without sacrificing any flavor.
- Effortlessly Kid-Friendly – Finding a meal that everyone at the dinner table enjoys can be a challenge, but this sesame chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its familiar sweet and savory flavors, combined with the appealing crispy texture, make it a hit even with the pickiest eaters. The vibrant color and satisfying crunch will have your little ones asking for seconds. Say goodbye to mealtime battles and hello to happy faces!
- Budget-Friendly & Smarter Than Takeout – Enjoy restaurant-quality sesame chicken at a fraction of the cost. Using common pantry ingredients and affordable chicken, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying alternative to expensive takeout. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have greater control over the freshness and quality of your ingredients, making it a healthier choice for your family. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your taste buds!
The inspiration for this air fryer marvel comes from adapting a beloved Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken recipe. By harnessing the flavorful sauce from that dish and perfecting the chicken cooking method in the air fryer, we’ve created a quick and convenient version that doesn’t compromise on taste. It truly brings the best of both worlds to your table.
Crafting Delicious Gluten-Free Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, enjoying Asian-inspired dishes can sometimes be a challenge due to hidden gluten in sauces. However, making this incredible Air Fryer Sesame Chicken gluten-free is incredibly simple and requires just a couple of key ingredient swaps. The primary ingredients to consider are soy sauce and hoisin sauce, which often contain wheat.
For soy sauce, opt for a certified **gluten-free tamari soy sauce** or a delicious alternative like **Coconut Aminos**. Both options are widely available at most major grocery stores, including popular retailers like Walmart, and specialty health food stores. These substitutes deliver a similar savory depth without any gluten, ensuring your sauce remains rich and flavorful.
When it comes to **Hoisin Sauce**, many commercial brands contain gluten. The easiest and most reliable way to ensure your dish is gluten-free is to use Homemade Hoisin Sauce. Crafting it yourself gives you full control over the ingredients, guaranteeing it meets your dietary needs without compromising taste or texture. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but as with any allergy or intolerance, it’s always prudent to **double-check all labels** on every ingredient you use to avoid any potential cross-contamination. With these simple mindful choices, you can confidently enjoy a fantastic gluten-free sesame chicken that tastes just as amazing as the original!
Unpacking Hoisin Sauce: The Secret to Its Unique Flavor
Hoisin sauce is a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine, known for its distinct and complex flavor profile that adds immense depth to countless dishes. Often referred to as “Chinese barbecue sauce,” its texture is thick and viscous, much like molasses or a rich fruit paste, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel. The taste is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, with subtle hints of spice, tang, and sometimes a whisper of five-spice powder. Key ingredients typically include fermented soybean paste, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, chili peppers, and various sweeteners. This multifaceted flavor makes hoisin incredibly versatile; it’s perfect not only for our sticky sesame sauce but also as a glaze for grilled meats like ribs, a flavorful dipping sauce for spring rolls, or a rich addition to stir-fries. Understanding hoisin sauce is key to appreciating the profound depth and authentic “takeout” flavor it brings to our homemade Air Fryer Sesame Chicken, making it truly irresistible.
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is the first and easiest step to creating this delectable dish. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any well-stocked grocery store. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to make this easy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken, along with notes on why each ingredient is important:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: We highly recommend using chicken thighs over breasts for their superior juiciness and rich flavor. Their slightly higher fat content keeps them moist and tender during air frying, preventing them from drying out, which can sometimes happen with leaner chicken breasts.
- Cornstarch (or Potato Starch): This is your secret weapon for achieving that incredibly crispy exterior on the chicken. It forms a light, delicate coating that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer, creating a satisfying texture contrast with the juicy interior and sticky sauce.
- Soy Sauce or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce / Coconut Aminos: The umami-rich foundation of our savory sauce. Choose your preferred option based on your dietary needs; tamari offers a similar flavor profile for gluten-free versions.
- Brown Sugar: Provides the essential sticky sweetness that balances the savory notes and gives the sauce its signature glossy, caramelized glaze. It contributes to the authentic takeout flavor.
- Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice adds a subtle citrusy brightness and a hint of tang, which cuts through the richness of the sauce and elevates the overall flavor, making it more complex and appealing.
- Hoisin Sauce (or Gluten-Free Homemade Hoisin Sauce): As discussed, this ingredient is crucial for adding depth, richness, and that distinct “Chinese takeout” savory-sweet profile.
- Ground Ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy aromatic note that perfectly complements the other sauce ingredients, adding a layer of subtle exotic flavor.
- Garlic (freshly minced) or Garlic Powder: Essential for its pungent, savory kick, which is crucial for a well-rounded Asian-inspired sauce. Fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor, but powder is a convenient substitute.
- Sesame Seeds: Used both directly in the sauce to enhance its nutty flavor and as an appealing garnish, they add texture and an authentic finish to the dish.
- Green Onions: A fresh, vibrant garnish that provides a mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color, making the dish visually appealing and adding a fresh counterpoint.
This savory and sweet Air Fryer Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Asian-inspired sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Our go-to combination is fluffy Jasmine Rice and crisp Steamed Green Beans. The aromatic rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully, while the green beans add a fresh, vibrant crunch and healthy fiber. For those following a low-carb diet, **cauliflower rice** is an excellent and equally delicious alternative that keeps the meal light without sacrificing flavor. You could also serve it with stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or a simple side salad.
If you’re still on the hunt for the ideal air fryer to suit your culinary adventures and ensure perfect results like this recipe, don’t miss my comprehensive guide on how to choose the right air fryer. It offers valuable insights to help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your kitchen appliance.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Creating this delicious Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve perfect crispy chicken and a wonderfully sticky sauce every time. You’ll also find a convenient printable recipe card with all the precise measurements and details below!
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized cubed chunks, approximately 1-inch in size. Consistency in size ensures even cooking. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and generously toss it with cornstarch or potato starch. Ensure each piece is evenly coated, as this crucial step is what creates that desirable crispy crust in the air fryer.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer according to your specific model’s instructions for cooking chicken; typically, this is around 390°F (199°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Overlapping pieces will steam, not crisp. If necessary, cook in two or more batches for optimal crispiness. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil cooking spray. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time and adding another light spray of oil. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Begin the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking in the air fryer, start preparing your sticky sesame sauce on the stovetop. Grab a small saucepan and place it over medium-high heat.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative), brown sugar, orange juice, hoisin sauce (or homemade gluten-free version), ground ginger, and minced garlic (or garlic powder) to the saucepan. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the brown sugar begins to dissolve into the liquid.
- Dissolve and Thicken: Continue to whisk the sauce mixture on medium-high heat. Wait until the brown sugar has fully dissolved and the sauce reaches a gentle simmer or low boil. At this point, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. This will swiftly thicken the sauce to a beautiful, glossy consistency.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the sesame seeds. Continue to cook for another minute or so, allowing the flavors to meld. The entire sauce-making process on the stovetop should take about 5 minutes or less, with an additional 5 minutes set aside for it to thicken further off the heat.
- Thicken Off Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside. Allow the sauce to rest for about 5 minutes. During this time, it will continue to thicken to a perfect sticky consistency, ideal for coating the crispy chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the air-fried chicken is golden, crispy, and cooked through, carefully remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a large clean bowl. Pour the thickened, warm sesame sauce over the hot chicken pieces and toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is beautifully coated and glistening with the delicious glaze.
- Serve & Enjoy: Your homemade Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is now ready! Serve it immediately over a bed of warm rice (such as Jasmine or Basmati) and alongside your preferred vegetable, such as steamed green beans or cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and aesthetic appeal.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken: A Perfect Ninja Foodi Recipe?
Absolutely! This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe is remarkably versatile and works perfectly as a Ninja Foodi Recipe. If you own a Ninja Foodi multi-cooker, you can easily utilize its air crisp function to prepare the chicken. Simply follow the air frying instructions as written above, ensuring your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
One of the fantastic advantages of using a Ninja Foodi is its ability to streamline the cooking process even further, making it a true one-pot wonder. You can conveniently cook the sesame sauce directly in the Foodi’s main pot using the sauté function. After your chicken has finished air frying and has been removed from the pot, you can then proceed to make the sauce by adding all the sauce ingredients and following steps 3-7. Once the sauce is ready and thickened, simply return the crispy chicken to the pot, toss it to coat, and you’ve got a delicious one-pot meal! This minimizes cleanup, saves time, and makes the entire experience even more efficient than using a separate air fryer and saucepan, truly highlighting the multi-cooker’s convenience and versatility.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
To ensure your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful every single time, keep these essential tips in mind. The process involves coating bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch and air frying them until golden, then tossing them in a homemade sticky sauce prepared on the stovetop (or in your Ninja Foodi). This recipe truly shines in both an air fryer and a Ninja Foodi!
As mentioned, we highly recommend using **boneless, skinless chicken thighs** over chicken breasts. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content, which keeps them incredibly juicy and prevents them from drying out during the air frying process, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish that’s less prone to becoming tough.
- Cook in Batches for Optimal Crispiness – Overcrowding the air fryer basket is a common mistake that leads to steamed, rather than crispy, chicken. For the best results, ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate freely around each piece of chicken. This allows the hot air to properly crisp all surfaces. If necessary, cook the chicken in two or more batches. This ensures every piece gets beautifully golden, develops a truly crispy crust, and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Mind Your Air Fryer’s Specifics – Air fryers can vary significantly in their heating capabilities, wattage, and efficiency. Always consult your air fryer’s manual for recommended cooking times and temperatures for chicken. Use this as your starting point and monitor the chicken throughout the cooking process. While a general guideline is 10-20 minutes total, your specific model might cook faster or slower. Regular checking and shaking the basket will prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Always Use a Meat Thermometer for Food Safety – This tip is non-negotiable for both food safety and achieving perfectly cooked chicken. An instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend in the kitchen. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest chicken piece, ensuring it reads at least 165°F (74°C) to confirm it’s thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. Don’t rely solely on visual cues.
- Customize the Spice Level – If you enjoy a bit of heat with your sweet and savory, it’s easy to add a spicy kick to your sesame chicken. Incorporate a pinch or more of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture as it simmers, or drizzle in some Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to taste during the final tossing step. Adjust the amount to suit your personal preference for heat.
- Seamless Gluten-Free Options – As highlighted previously, making this recipe gluten-free is simple and delicious. Ensure you use certified gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and either a commercially available gluten-free hoisin sauce or our recommended homemade gluten-free hoisin. Remember that cornstarch, used for the chicken’s coating and sauce thickening, is naturally gluten-free, unlike some all-purpose flours, making it a safe choice.
- Don’t Skip the Oil Spray – A light, even coating of olive oil cooking spray or grapeseed oil cooking spray before and halfway through air frying is crucial. This not only aids in achieving that desired crispy texture and beautiful golden-brown color but also helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket and promotes even browning across all pieces.
- Single Layer for Even Cooking – Whenever possible, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This maximizes air circulation, allowing the hot air to surround and cook each piece uniformly, developing a consistent crispiness and golden-brown finish on all sides.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Sesame Chicken
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s hard with this delicious dish!), proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining its fantastic taste and texture. Store any remaining Air Fryer Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures its freshness and prevents spoilage, allowing you to enjoy a quick and easy meal later in the week.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best method for reheating is, without a doubt, the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer and lightly mist it with some additional olive oil spray to help retain its crispiness. Reheat for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. The air fryer excels at bringing back that desirable texture, preventing the chicken from becoming soggy, making it a far superior choice over the microwave, which can often leave chicken rubbery and lacking in texture.
Unlock Perfect Cooking Times with an Air Fryer Cheat Sheet!
Tired of guessing cooking times or constantly checking your appliance manual? Say goodbye to frustrating overcooked chicken and disappointing underdone veggies! My comprehensive Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet is designed to take the stress out of meal prep and empower you to cook with confidence, achieving perfect results every single time.
This invaluable printable guide includes:
- ✔️ A wide range of recommended cook times and temperatures for popular foods, taking the guesswork out of air frying.
- ✔️ Quick reference guides for various categories including meats, vegetables, frozen snacks, and much more, organized for easy navigation.
- ✔️ An easy-to-read, visually appealing format, thoughtfully designed for convenient placement and quick access, perfect for hanging on your fridge or inside a cabinet door.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting your air frying journey or a seasoned pro looking to optimize your cooking, this cheat sheet is the indispensable kitchen helper you didn’t know you needed. It streamlines your cooking process, saves precious time, and ensures consistent deliciousness in all your air-fried creations.
Ready to revolutionize your air frying experience and cook like a pro? Click here to purchase one now and elevate your kitchen game!
This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken truly encapsulates everything you adore about classic takeout, but reimagined as a homemade masterpiece that tastes even better. You get perfectly crispy chicken, lovingly coated in a rich, sticky sesame sauce, all prepared in significantly less time than it would take for delivery to arrive at your door. It’s a healthy, convenient, and incredibly flavorful meal that your entire family will ask for again and again, proving that homemade can truly surpass takeout.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
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Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 Cup Cornstarch (or Potato Starch)
- Olive Oil Spray (or Grapeseed Oil Spray)
Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce (or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce / Coconut Aminos)
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Orange Juice
- 5 Tsp Hoisin Sauce (or Homemade Gluten-Free Hoisin Sauce)
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 Garlic Clove Crushed (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 Tbsp Cold Water
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 Tsp Sesame Seeds (plus more for garnish)
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Green Onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Cooked Rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- Steamed Green Beans (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
Instructions
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Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubed chunks, then toss thoroughly in a bowl with Cornstarch or Potato Starch until each piece is evenly coated.
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Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray. Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and applying another light spray of oil. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 165°F (74°C) to be considered well done. (Refer to your air fryer manual for specific cook times as they can vary).
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While the chicken is cooking, in a small saucepan, begin to prepare the sauce.
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Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, and crushed garlic (or garlic powder) to the saucepan. Place on medium-high heat and whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar dissolves.
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Once the sugar has fully dissolved and a low boil is reached, whisk in the cold water and cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
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Mix in the sesame seeds. The sauce should only take about 5 minutes or less to cook on the stove, followed by an additional 5 minutes to thicken properly off the heat.
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Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes to allow it to reach its desired thick, sticky consistency.
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Once the chicken is fully cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the thickened sesame sauce over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
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Serve immediately topped over warm rice and your chosen side (like green beans). Garnish with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds, if desired.
Video
Notes
If you are using a Ninja Foodi, you can make the sauce directly in the pot using the sauté function after the chicken is cooked and removed. This makes cleanup even easier and converts it into a convenient one-pot meal!
Nutrition
