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Time: 10 minutes
- Cut the chicken:
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Try to make the pieces uniform in size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. - Prepare the dry ingredients:
In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the coating for your chicken, giving it a nice crispy exterior. - Prepare the wet ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth. This will help the dry coating stick to the chicken. - Coat the chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, roll the chicken in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat for all the chicken pieces, making sure each one is well-coated in the mixture.
Step 2: Preheat and Air Fry the Chicken
Time: 15-20 minutes
- Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it that crispy texture we all love. - Spray the chicken:
Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with vegetable oil or use cooking spray to help achieve the golden, crispy exterior. You can also drizzle a little oil over the chicken if you prefer. - Air fry the chicken:
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket so that the air can circulate freely and crisp up the chicken. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are evenly crisped. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Check for doneness:
After 12 minutes, check a piece of chicken for doneness by cutting it open. The chicken should be crispy on the outside, and the inside should be cooked through. If needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. - Rest the chicken:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. This helps maintain the crispiness and allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Sauce
Time: 5 minutes
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- Combine the sauce ingredients:
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir to combine and place the saucepan over medium heat. - Bring to a simmer:
Stir the ingredients and allow the sauce to come to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. - Thicken the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce to a syrupy consistency. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens. - Taste and adjust:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a little extra honey if you want it sweeter, or more soy sauce for a saltier flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce
Time: 2-3 minutes
- Toss the chicken in the sauce:
Once the chicken has rested and the sauce is ready, transfer the crispy chicken pieces into a large bowl. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Be sure that each piece is coated well without breaking the crispy crust. - Garnish:
Sprinkle the coated chicken with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. - Serve:
Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or even noodles.
Notes:
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