If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of tangy sweetness and crispy chicken, then you’re going to love this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe. It’s a healthier twist on a classic favorite, where juicy chicken pieces get coated in a light, crispy crust and drenched in a vibrant, homemade sweet and sour sauce. Using the air fryer means less oil, less mess, and all the incredible flavors you want without any guilt. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe. Every component plays an essential role in giving the dish its iconic flavor, delightful texture, and gorgeous color.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Choose your favorite cut, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect, crispy bites.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating without heaviness.
- Egg: Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken for that crunch.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Olive oil spray: A light mist for crisping in the air fryer without adding excess fat.
- Pineapple juice: The sweet, fruity base for the signature sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds the essential tangy kick that balances sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Provides a savory depth and umami flavor.
- Ketchup: Brings natural sweetness and a hint of tomato richness.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes in the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Offers a pungent, aromatic burst to the sauce.
- Ginger (fresh or ground): Adds warmth and a subtle spice.
- Cornstarch for thickening: Mixed with water to give the sauce a silky, clingy finish.
- Red bell pepper (optional): Adds crunch and a pop of color.
- Pineapple chunks (optional): Garnish that brings fresh juiciness and visual appeal.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, giving them a simple foundation of flavor. Then, coat each piece with cornstarch, ensuring every surface is dusted lightly for that perfect crispiness after air frying. Next, dip the cornstarch-coated pieces into beaten egg to create a sticky layer that locks in the crunch as they cook.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with olive oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the chicken in a single layer. Spritz the chicken lightly with olive oil spray to encourage even browning. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure every piece cooks evenly and develops a golden, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the chicken crisp up, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and fresh or ground ginger in a saucepan. Bring this vibrant mixture to a simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors beautifully. To thicken, gradually stir in a cornstarch slurry, mixing cornstarch with a splash of water, and cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon just right.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce
When your chicken is perfectly cooked and golden, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the luscious sweet and sour sauce over top. Toss gently to coat each piece in that irresistible glaze. For a burst of freshness and extra crunch, fold in diced red bell peppers or top with pineapple chunks if you love a little extra flair.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an added layer of flavor and texture. A few pineapple chunks on the side brighten the plate and bring those tropical hints right to your fork.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Alternatively, a fresh cucumber salad or sautéed greens complement the dish perfectly with contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the sweet and sour chicken over crispy lettuce cups and garnish with shredded carrots for a hand-held treat. Or try serving it on skewers as an appetizer at your next gathering—everyone will love dipping and devouring!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Properly refrigerated, your leftovers will stay fresh for around 3 to 4 days, ready for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe even longer, freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken’s crispy texture intact—but if you’re in a rush, a quick zap on low power works too.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe?
Fresh chicken is best for even cooking and texture, but if you must use frozen, make sure to fully thaw it and pat dry before seasoning and air frying for the best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your ketchup and cornstarch labels. It’s a flexible dish that adapts well to special diets.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sweet and sour sauce can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just warm it gently before tossing with the freshly air-fried chicken.
What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy without deep-frying?
The air fryer is your best friend here. Lightly coating with cornstarch and spraying with oil ensures the chicken crisps up beautifully in the hot air without the need for deep frying.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Diced red bell peppers are great tossed in at the end, but you could also air fry bite-sized broccoli or snap peas separately for a delightful vegetable side to pair with the sweet and sour chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something fast, flavorful, and a bit lighter than the traditional takeout. You get incredible flavor with an easy process that fits perfectly into busy weeknights. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a new favorite in your household too!
Print
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite. Featuring tender chicken pieces coated and air fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy and flavorful homemade sweet and sour sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch, for dredging
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray, for air frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or ground
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned.
- Prepare the chicken coating: Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten egg to coat thoroughly. This double coating helps create a crispy exterior when air fried.
- Arrange in air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Spray the chicken lightly with olive oil to promote browning.
- Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the sweet and sour sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to the saucepan or a large bowl and toss well with the sweet and sour sauce so each piece is fully coated.
- Garnish and serve: Add diced red bell pepper and pineapple chunks if desired for extra color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used for juicier meat, while chicken breast offers a leaner option.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to balance sweetness according to your taste.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and crisping.
- For added heat, a pinch of chili flakes can be added to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
