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
Scale
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.
