Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Recipe: How To Make The Perfect Dish In Just 10 Minutes!

Craving the irresistible flavors of General Tso’s chicken without the guilt? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This kitchen marvel allows you to enjoy this beloved dish with a crispy crunch and a tantalizing sauce, all while reducing the calories and fat. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of air fryer General Tso’s chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• For the sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
3. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is air frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• To make the chicken extra crispy, double the amount of cornstarch and flour in the coating.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes.
• Leftover General Tso’s chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Vegetarian General Tso’s: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Sweet and Sour General Tso’s: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks to the sauce.
• Orange General Tso’s: Substitute orange juice for half of the rice vinegar in the sauce.

The Secret to the Perfect Crisp:

The key to achieving the perfect crispiness in your air fryer General Tso’s chicken lies in the coating. Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the cornstarch and flour mixture before air frying. This will help create a barrier that prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil and keeps it crispy.

The Art of the Sauce:

The sauce is the heart and soul of General Tso‘s chicken. To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, follow these tips:

• Use a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and honey to create a sweet and savory base.
• Add sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Thicken the sauce with cornstarch to give it a glossy and flavorful coating.

Healthy Indulgence:

Air fryer General Tso’s chicken is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By using an air fryer, you can reduce the fat and calories while still enjoying the crispy texture and delectable flavors.

Culinary Symphony:

The flavors of General Tso’s chicken are a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy. The crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and aromatic green onions come together to create a culinary symphony that will tantalize your taste buds.

Top Questions Asked

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. What sides go well with General Tso‘s chicken?
Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables are all excellent accompaniments to General Tso‘s chicken.

3. How can I store leftover General Tso‘s chicken?
Store leftover General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.