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A close-up of a pan of homemade sesame chicken served over a bed of white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh parsley.

Crispy Air-Fried Sesame Chicken

This recipe delivers incredibly crispy, tender air-fried sesame chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory homemade sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal that tastes like takeout.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Coating
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Sesame Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp sriracha optional, for a kick
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for slurry
  • 2 tbsp water for cornstarch slurry
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with the egg, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sesame Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. In a small separate bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
Coat and Air Fry the Chicken
  1. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the 1/2 cup cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the dry coating mixture and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Working in batches, place a single layer of coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil spray (optional, but helps with crispiness).
  3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Repeat with remaining chicken batches.
Combine and Serve
  1. Once all chicken is cooked, transfer it back into the large mixing bowl (or a clean bowl). Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the crispy chicken. Toss gently with tongs until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice and a side of your favorite stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, ensure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches is key. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before tossing with chicken. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness.