Why Make This Recipe
Making this Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Homemade General Tso’s Chicken is a great choice for a few reasons. First, it gives you the delicious flavor of takeout in the comfort of your home. Second, the air fryer makes the chicken crispy with less oil, resulting in a healthier meal. Plus, it’s fast and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave something tasty!
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound of boneless (skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, making sure they are evenly covered.
- Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Return the coated chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve your homemade General Tso’s Chicken with steamed rice and enjoy!
"This air fryer General Tso’s Chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken comes out crispy and flavorful, just like the restaurant version. It’s so easy to make, and the air fryer cooks it perfectly. I highly recommend trying this recipe!" – Sarah, Air Fryer Enthusiast
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
You can serve this delicious General Tso’s Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes like stir-fried vegetables. It pairs well with a light salad or some egg rolls for a complete meal.
How to Store Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to reheat it well before serving again.
Tips to Make Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Homemade General Tso’s Chicken
- Make sure to coat the chicken well with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference.
Variation
You can personalize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the air fryer along with the chicken. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss with cornstarch for a tasty twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Both work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway through, but it may not be as crispy.
3. Is General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
This recipe can be made spicy by adding red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, simply leave them out.

General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Return the coated chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve your homemade General Tso's Chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
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]