Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 286 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite by using an air fryer for a crispy yet less oily finish. Bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in cornstarch and egg, air fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce made from pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Optional garnishes like red bell peppers and pineapple chunks add freshness and color to the dish, making it a quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray, for air frying

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or ground
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Optional Garnishes

  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge the seasoned chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten egg, ensuring each piece is well coated for a crispy exterior.
  4. Prepare for Air Frying: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the basket and spray the chicken pieces with a light coat of olive oil spray to promote browning.
  5. Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
  8. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, toss the pieces in the sweet and sour sauce ensuring they are evenly coated with the flavorful glaze.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Add diced red bell peppers and pineapple chunks on top if desired for an extra burst of color and flavor, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can use either chicken breast or thighs; thighs will be more tender and juicy.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
  • The sauce can be adjusted to taste by increasing or reducing the sugar or vinegar for sweetness or tanginess.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Leftover coated chicken can be air fried again briefly to re-crisp.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://dailydinnersolutions.com/air-fryer-sweet-and-sour-chicken-recipe/