Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is a healthier twist on a classic Chinese dish. Using an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy chicken without deep frying. This recipe is quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner.
How to Make Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
- Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer and spray the top with oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- In a pan, heat the sauce over medium heat until bubbling. Add the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
- Serve chicken over rice and garnish with green onions.
How to Serve Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
Serve Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice. You can add extra green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor. This dish also pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
How to Store Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again for a few minutes to restore some crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
- Make sure the chicken pieces are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch step; it helps achieve that crispy coating.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Feel free to toss in any veggies you like for extra color and nutrition.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. You can also replace the honey with agave or omit it for a lower-sugar option. Additionally, try adding some steamed broccoli or snap peas to the dish for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or include sliced fresh chilies in the sauce for an extra kick.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for the best results.
Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
- Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer and spray the top with oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- In a pan, heat the sauce over medium heat until bubbling. Add the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
- Serve chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]