Crispy Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Recipe Made Simple

Crispy, golden chicken coated in a tangy General Tso’s sauce delivers an irresistible Asian-inspired meal that will make taste buds dance.

The air fryer creates perfectly crunchy exterior without excess oil, ensuring a healthier version of the classic takeout favorite.

Each bite bursts with bold flavors that balance sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

Home cooks love how quickly this dish comes together with minimal prep work.

The recipe requires simple ingredients most kitchens already stock, making it an accessible weeknight dinner option.

Tender chicken pieces glazed in a glossy, vibrant sauce promise a restaurant-quality experience straight from your kitchen.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a new family staple.

Ingredients for Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the star ingredient of this delicious Air Fryer General Tso's dish.

• Ginger, Garlic: Provide bold, aromatic flavors that enhance the chicken's taste profile.
• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Add depth and tanginess to the marinade, tenderizing the chicken.

• Egg: Helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken, creating a crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: Ensures a light, crunchy coating when air-fried.

• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce, Vinegar: Contribute a balanced tangy and salty flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness characteristic of General Tso's sauce.
• Ketchup: Adds a slight sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.

• Ginger, Garlic, Chili: Create a fragrant base for the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Offer a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

• Cooking Oil: Used for greasing the air fryer basket and cooking aromatics.

Steps to Make General Tso’s in Air Fryer

Step 1: Whip Up a Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab your chicken pieces and create a zesty bath of minced ginger, crushed garlic, tangy soy sauce, and bright rice vinegar.

Let the chicken soak up these incredible flavors for half an hour, allowing every bite to become a taste explosion.

• Chicken
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Soy Sauce
• Rice Vinegar

Step 2: Prepare Your Air Fryer

Crank up your air fryer to a sizzling 400°F and let it warm up for 5 minutes.

Give the basket a quick spray or brush of oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Create a Crispy Coating

Dunk each marinated chicken piece into a whisked egg, then roll generously in cornstarch.

Shake off any excess coating to ensure a perfect, light crunch.

Step 4: Crisp and Cook

Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, giving each piece some breathing room.

Cook at 400°F for 12-16 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Craft a Tantalizing Sauce

Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and ketchup in a bowl.

In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté ginger, garlic, and chili until wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in your sauce mixture and cook until it transforms into a glossy, thick sauce.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently toss the crispy chicken in the luscious sauce.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Tasty General Tso’s Chicken

• Letting chicken sit in the marinade for 30 minutes allows deeper flavor penetration and tenderizes the meat effectively.
• Shake off excess cornstarch to ensure a light, crispy exterior without clumping during air frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F for safe, juicy results every time.
• Stir sauce constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve the ideal thick, glossy texture.
• Toss chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.

Fun General Tso’s Chicken Variations

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Keto Low-Carb Version: Swap sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use almond flour instead of cornstarch for coating. Replace ketchup with sugar-free tomato paste.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Press tofu well and use same marinating and coating techniques. Adjust cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• Spicy Lovers Edition: Add extra chili flakes or sriracha to sauce. Include diced jalapeños in coating mixture. Double the chili pepper quantity for intense heat lovers.

Serving Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this zesty General Tso's chicken on a large platter with colorful garnishes to impress guests.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Arrange chicken over steamed white rice, drizzle extra sauce, and sprinkle green onions for a professional look.
• Balanced Meal Companion: Pair with quick-pickled vegetables or crisp stir-fried broccoli to add nutrition and freshness to the dish.
• Spicy Lovers' Option: Offer extra chili sauce or red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

Storage for Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

• Store leftover General Tso's chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm chicken in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to maintain its crispy texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy and tough.
• Pack chicken separately from sauce in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve quality and taste.
• Keep extra sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use as a quick dipping sauce or to refresh leftover chicken when needed.

FAQs

• Is air frying healthier than deep frying?

Air frying uses significantly less oil, reducing total fat and calories compared to traditional deep-frying methods while still achieving a crispy texture.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re often juicier and more flavorful, just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165F for food safety.

• How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil before adding chicken. This creates a non-stick surface and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

• What if I don't have cornstarch for coating?

You can substitute with potato starch or flour, though cornstarch provides the crispiest and lightest coating for air-fried chicken.

Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Flavorful Appeal

• Rapid Flavor Infusion: Quick marinating process locks in zesty ginger and garlic flavors, transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Healthier Cooking Technique: Air fryer method slashes oil usage, creating crispy chicken without excessive grease while maintaining delicious texture.
• Weeknight Dinner Champion: Simple steps and minimal ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy families craving takeout-style meals without complicated preparation.
• Customizable Spice Adventure: Easy to adjust heat levels by modifying chili amounts, allowing everyone from mild-loving to spice-seeking eaters to enjoy their perfect version.

Air Fryer General Tsos Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy General Tso’s chicken emerges from your air fryer with golden perfection, blending Chinese-American flavors in a healthier culinary adventure. Succulent chicken pieces glazed in tangy-sweet sauce offer a quick weeknight dinner that delights without excessive oil or complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken thighs, cut bite-sized

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 beaten egg
• 2/3 cup (80 grams) cornstarch

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken with aromatic ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Allow flavors to meld for half an hour in the refrigerator.
2. Activate air fryer and heat to 400°F for 5 minutes. Lightly coat basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Dredge marinated chicken pieces through whisked egg, ensuring complete coverage, then generously roll in cornstarch for a crispy exterior. Gently tap to remove excess coating.
4. Arrange chicken in a single layer within air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 14-15 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even browning and crispiness.
5. Prepare sauce by whisking chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ketchup until smooth. In a separate pan, sauté fresh ginger, crushed garlic, and chili peppers in hot oil until fragrant.
6. Pour sauce mixture into pan and simmer until thickened and glossy, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
7. Transfer crispy chicken into sauce, gently tossing to coat evenly. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for vibrant flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Let chicken soak longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste absorption.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure extra crispy exterior that locks in juicy meat.
• Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium or gluten-free alternatives for health-conscious eaters or those with specific dietary needs.
• Adjust chili levels by reducing or increasing amount to match personal heat preference without compromising overall dish complexity.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg