Weeknight dinners shouldn’t be hard, but luckily an air fryer makes it easy! Even if an air fryer is just a mini convection oven we’re embracing them and all they do. Let’s get into it – Crispy Air-Fried Chicken with a light Honey Sesame Sauce. Brace yourself and let’s dig in!

The Magic Ingredients:

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

1. Honey:

• Tip: Use high-quality, locally sourced honey for a rich and authentic flavor. It adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements of the sauce.

2. Brown Sugar (Optional):

• Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, toss in a bit of brown sugar. It enhances the depth of sweetness without overpowering the sauce. If you don’t want to add more sugar you can totally skip this step.

3. Regular Soy Sauce:

• Tip: Use regular soy sauce for richness – do not go for the light stuff here. It’s the secret behind achieving a well-balanced flavor profile.

4. Sesame Oil and Seeds:

• Tip: Toast your sesame seeds before adding them to the sauce. This simple step enhances their nutty aroma, taking the sauce to the next level.

5. Rice Vinegar:

• Tip: Rice vinegar brings a subtle tanginess. Be mindful not to substitute it with other types of vinegar, as it may alter the intended flavor.

6. Cornstarch and Water:

• Tip: Mix cornstarch with water separately before adding to the sauce. This prevents lumps, giving you a smooth, glossy consistency.

For the Chicken Coating:

1. Cornstarch, Flour, and Bread Crumbs:

• Tip: The combination of cornstarch, flour, and bread crumbs creates an irresistibly crispy coating. Ensure an even distribution for the perfect crunch.

2. Kosher Salt, Pepper, Garlic Salt:

• Tip: Don’t underestimate the seasoning. A dash of each spice enhances the overall flavor. Adjust according to your taste preference.

3. Egg Whites:

• Tip: Whip the egg whites until frothy for better adherence of the coating. It forms a glue-like texture that makes the coating stick to the chicken.

4. Oil Spray:

• Tip: Use an oil spray with a neutral flavor to avoid altering the taste of your chicken. It also helps achieve that golden-brown perfection.

Mastering the Art of Air Frying:

Cooking times in the air fryer can vary depending on the model you own. Here’s a quick guide:

• Check Your Air Fryer’s Manual:
  • Different air fryers have different wattages and heat distributions. Always refer to your specific model’s manual for cooking guidelines.
• Monitor the Chicken:
  • Keep an eye on the chicken while air frying. Rotate or flip the pieces halfway through for an even crispiness.
• Size Matters:
  • Smaller chicken pieces may cook faster, so adjust the time accordingly. Larger pieces might need a bit more time to reach that perfect crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

Now, let’s talk about the best part – eating! Ways to serve:

1. Over Steamed Rice:
   • Create a bed of fluffy steamed rice and lay your crispy chicken on top. Drizzle that honey sesame sauce generously.
2. In a Salad:
   • Chop the air-fried sesame chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a vibrant salad. The crispy texture adds a delightful contrast.
3. As an Appetizer:
   • Skewer the chicken pieces and serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks.
4. With Noodles:
   • Pair the chicken with your favorite noodles for a hearty meal. The sauce blends seamlessly with the noodles, creating a flavor explosion.

There you have it – Sesame Chicken Bites in minutes and from the comfort of your own kitchen. Let me know how much you love it, friends!

Sesame Chicken Bites

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

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Honey Sesame Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• ½ Tablespoon brown sugar optional
• 3 Tablespoons regular soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• ¾ cups water

Chicken:

• 1 ¼ pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• Oil spray
• Egg whites

Instructions

 

Preparing the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, bread crumbs, Kosher salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
• Dip chicken pieces in egg whites and then coat them evenly with the flour mixture.
• Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate.

Air Frying:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Spray the top of the chicken pieces with oil spray.
• Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy. (Timing differs based on air fryer used)

Making the Honey Sesame Sauce:

• In a saucepan, whisk together honey, brown sugar (if using), soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

• Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl.
• Pour the honey sesame sauce over the crispy chicken and toss until the pieces are well coated.

Serving:

• Garnish with additional sesame seeds, if desired.
• Serve the crispy chicken over rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!