Elevate your home cooking: how to make air fryer general tso’s chicken that rivals restaurant quality

Craving the tantalizing flavors of General Tso’s chicken but want to avoid the greasy aftermath of deep-frying? Look no further than your air fryer! This revolutionary kitchen appliance offers a healthier and equally delectable way to enjoy this beloved dish. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the secrets of how to air fryer General Tso’s chicken, ensuring you master this culinary masterpiece at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

3. Shake Off Excess Marinade

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and shake off any excess marinade.

4. Place Chicken in Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.

5. Air Fry First Batch

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

6. Make the Sauce

While the chicken is air-frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

7. Toss Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and toss it in the prepared sauce.

8. Air Fry Second Batch

Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining chicken.

9. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the General Tso‘s chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect General Tso’s Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For a spicier dish, add more Sriracha to the sauce.
• If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Serve the General Tso’s chicken immediately for the best flavor.

Variations

• Spicy General Tso’s Chicken: Add an extra teaspoon of Sriracha to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic General Tso’s Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Sesame General Tso’s Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds before air-frying.

Health Benefits

Air fryer General Tso’s chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. It contains:

• Less fat: Air-frying uses little to no oil, reducing the fat content.
• Lower calories: Air-frying requires less oil, resulting in a lower-calorie dish.
• Preserves nutrients: Air-frying at a lower temperature helps retain more nutrients in the chicken.

Key Points

Mastering the art of how to air fryer General Tso‘s chicken is a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you crave a spicy kick or a sweet and tangy experience, our variations offer endless possibilities. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you will need to increase the air-frying time by 5-7 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Q: Can I cook the chicken and sauce together in the air fryer?
A: No, it’s not recommended. Cooking the chicken and sauce together can result in soggy chicken and overcooked sauce.

Q: How can I make my General Tso‘s chicken extra crispy?
A: To achieve extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture before air-frying.