Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites (Easy Recipe)

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner to serve with white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice or green beans. Made with a homemade sesame sauce and raw chicken, this easy recipe tastes like something you’d get from chinese restaurants.

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. One dish that truly shines in an air fryer is sesame chicken. 

Imagine tender chunks of chicken coated in a crispy, golden brown crust and tossed in a sweet and savory homemade sesame chicken sauce.

If you like crispy chicken, chicken tenders, or any kind of easy chicken recipe, I can guarantee you will love this one. Paired with the thick sauce, it really is a match made in heaven.

If you like his easy sesame chicken recipe you may also like to try my Air Fryer Orange Chicken or my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers.

WHY USE THE AIR FRYER FOR THIS RECIPE?

Using an air fryer for cooking sesame chicken offers several health benefits compared to traditional deep frying methods. 

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no oil, which reduces fat and calorie content. Traditional deep frying, on the other hand, submerges the food in oil, leading to a significantly higher fat content. 

By using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior without excessive oil absorption, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish.

Air frying also preserves the nutritional value of the ingredients, including the chicken. The hot air circulation cooks the food quickly and evenly, helping to retain vitamins, minerals, and proteins that may be lost in excessive oil during deep frying. 

This means you can enjoy the benefits of lean protein and essential nutrients without sacrificing taste or texture.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this delicious dinner (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces. Could also use boneless chicken thighs if desired.
• All-purpose flour – can also use gluten free 1:1 flour blend
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Large eggs
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Garlic cloves
• Grated fresh ginger
• Corn starch
• Water
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Green onions
• Optional – red pepper flakes, red chili pepper flakes, brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, lime juice etc.

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a shallow small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Air Frying the Chicken

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Or you can use parchment paper.
3. Working in batches, place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have some space between them.
4. Air fry chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Cook time may vary depending on your air fryer.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces until all are cooked.

Preparing the Sesame Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
3. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
4. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.

Coating the Chicken in the Sesame Sauce

1. In a large bowl, combine the air-fried chicken pieces with the sesame sauce, tossing gently until each piece is coated.
2. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the coated chicken and toss lightly.
3. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving the Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

1. Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish or individual plates.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
3. Serve the air fryer sesame chicken alongside steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!

HOW TO STORE THE COOKED CHICKEN

1. Cool the Chicken: For best results, allow the air-fried sesame chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy chicken.
2. Separate into Portions: If you anticipate consuming the sesame chicken in multiple servings, divide it into individual portions. This makes it easier to reheat only the amount you need, preventing unnecessary reheating of the entire batch.
3. Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled sesame chicken to an airtight container. Make sure the container is appropriate in size to prevent excess air space, as it can accelerate food spoilage. Alternatively, you can use zip-top freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
4. Refrigerate or Freeze: If you plan to consume the sesame chicken within the next few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will generally stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, store it in the freezer. Frozen sesame chicken can last for 2-3 months without significant quality loss.
   
5. Label and Date: To keep track of storage time, label the container or bag with the date you prepared the sesame chicken. This ensures you know when it was made and helps you prioritize consuming it within a reasonable timeframe.

Other Delicious Savoury Meals You May Want To Try!

• Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast
• Taco Bell Crunch Wrap Supreme
• Viral TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl With Seaweed
• 30 Low Carb Air Fryer Recipes
• Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Easy BBQ Chicken In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
• How To Cook Stuffed Peppers In The Air Fryer

IF YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails