Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Chicken
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
