This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken recipe gives you crispy chicken with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, all made without deep frying. It’s an easy and healthier alternative to takeout, offering the delicious texture of fried chicken with the convenience and health benefits of air frying.\

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the chicken:

3/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1.5 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, separated
1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
2 large eggs

For the sauce:

1 tablespoon sesame oil, separated
7 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup water
⅓ cup honey
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon grated white onion
1 tablespoon Gochujang (or red chili paste)
2 green onions, minced

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch with garlic powder, salt, ginger, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces, then dip each piece into the egg mixture and coat it with the cornstarch mixture.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the chicken in a single layer, drizzle with 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 6 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a saucepan, heat the remaining sesame oil and sauté the garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add soy sauce, water, honey, fish sauce, white vinegar, grated onion, and Gochujang. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove ¼ cup of sauce and mix with 1.5 teaspoons of cornstarch to thicken. Add the slurry back into the sauce and whisk until thickened.
Once the chicken is crispy and golden, toss it in the prepared sauce until fully coated.
Serve with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy over rice.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 524 kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 104mg
Sodium: 1585mg
Potassium: 981mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 26g
Vitamin A: 470 IU
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 80mg
Iron: 3mg

Why Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is a Healthier Choice

Air frying has become a popular cooking method in recent years due to its ability to create crispy, fried-like textures without the need for excessive amounts of oil. Traditional deep frying requires submerging food in hot oil, which results in high calorie and fat content. However, using an air fryer only requires a small amount of oil or none at all, making it a much healthier option.

In the case of this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken, the use of cornstarch to coat the chicken provides that signature crispy exterior, while the air fryer circulates hot air to cook the chicken evenly without adding unhealthy fats. This cooking method helps retain the natural juiciness of the chicken breast while delivering a satisfying crunch, all with far less oil than deep-frying. As a result, the dish is significantly lower in calories and fat, yet still provides that crispy, crunchy texture that is a hallmark of fried chicken.

The Crispy Chicken: Key to the Dish

The chicken in this recipe is coated in a mixture of cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, ginger, and sesame seeds. The cornstarch is key to achieving the crispy exterior, as it creates a light coating that turns golden and crunchy when exposed to the heat of the air fryer. The garlic powder and ginger add savory depth to the chicken, while the sesame seeds bring a nutty, toasty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey sauce.

Chicken breasts are an excellent choice for this recipe due to their leanness and ability to absorb the coating and sauce. When cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a protein-packed meal that is both satisfying and healthy. The air fryer’s hot circulating air ensures that each piece of chicken becomes crisp, while maintaining the tenderness of the meat inside. This makes it a perfect base for the honey sesame sauce, which will cling to each piece, delivering flavor in every bite.

Homemade Honey Sesame Sauce: Sweet and Savory Perfection

What sets this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken apart from typical takeout is the homemade honey sesame sauce. Made with a combination of soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, white vinegar, and gochujang (or red chili paste), the sauce offers the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. The soy sauce and fish sauce provide the rich umami, while the honey brings the sweetness, which is essential for honey sesame chicken. The gochujang adds a mild heat, giving the dish a bit of a kick, while the vinegar and grated onion bring a touch of acidity and freshness.

One of the best parts of this recipe is that the sauce is made from scratch, which means you can control the flavor and consistency. After simmering the sauce, a cornstarch slurry is added to thicken it, creating a glossy, coat-worthy consistency that perfectly adheres to the crispy chicken. The homemade sauce not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also gives it that signature sticky, slightly sweet coating that makes honey sesame chicken so delicious.

The Role of Sesame Oil and Seeds

Sesame oil and sesame seeds are integral to the flavor profile of this dish. Sesame oil is often used in Asian cuisine for its nutty, aromatic flavor, which adds depth to the honey sesame sauce. It also imparts a rich, warm undertone that complements the other ingredients. The sesame oil is used both in the sauce and for drizzling over the chicken before air frying, helping the chicken to crisp up nicely and giving it an added layer of flavor.

The sesame seeds, on the other hand, add a satisfying crunch and visual appeal. Sprinkling the chicken with sesame seeds after it’s coated in sauce not only enhances the texture but also adds a slight nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey and the spiciness of the gochujang. Together, sesame oil and seeds help elevate the dish, making it a well-rounded, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and interesting to eat.

Customization and Variations

One of the benefits of this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the seasoning and sauce ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of gochujang or add some chili flakes to the sauce. On the other hand, if you want a milder dish, you can reduce the spice or omit the gochujang altogether for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.

For a more balanced dish, consider adding extra vegetables to the meal. You can roast some bell peppers, onions, or snap peas in the air fryer alongside the chicken, or serve the chicken over a bed of steamed broccoli or rice. This will not only add more nutrients to the dish but also enhance the texture and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions: A Complete Meal

While this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is flavorful enough on its own, it can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Serving the chicken with steamed rice or quinoa provides a hearty carbohydrate base that complements the flavors of the chicken and sauce. For a lighter meal, you could serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad to add more freshness and texture.

Additionally, toppings like freshly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds can be added just before serving for extra flavor and a pop of color. A drizzle of extra honey or a squeeze of lime can further elevate the dish, adding a burst of brightness and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.

Why This Recipe is a Healthier Alternative to Takeout

This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken offers a healthier alternative to traditional takeout, which often uses excessive amounts of oil and high-calorie sauces. The air frying method significantly reduces the fat content of the chicken, while still delivering the crispy texture that you crave. The homemade honey sesame sauce is made with natural ingredients and offers a more controlled sweetness, compared to the overly sugary versions often found in restaurant takeout.

The dish also uses lean chicken breast, which is lower in fat and calories than other cuts of chicken. When combined with the addition of sesame oil and seeds, the meal provides healthy fats that are essential for maintaining a balanced diet. By making this dish at home, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of honey sesame chicken without the guilt or excessive calories that come with deep-frying.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthier Option for Takeout Cravings

In conclusion, Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is a fantastic option for anyone craving the delicious flavors of takeout without the added fat and calories. The combination of crispy chicken, sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, and the richness of sesame oil and seeds creates a mouthwatering dish that is both satisfying and healthier than traditional fried alternatives. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that perfect crispy texture while reducing the amount of oil used, making this recipe a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthier version of takeout, or a meal prep option, this dish delivers all the flavor you love with a fraction of the effort and calories. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method, Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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