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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Combine chicken with aromatic ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Allow flavors to meld for half an hour in the refrigerator.
- Activate air fryer and heat to 400°F for 5 minutes. Lightly coat basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour sauce mixture into pan and simmer until thickened and glossy, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- 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