Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is a flavorful and healthier take on the classic Chinese favorite. With crispy chicken and a tangy, vibrant sauce, this dish comes together quickly and easily in the air fryer for a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut to 1″ (2-cm) pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1/2 small white onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (a mix of colors works well)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, vegetable oil, and salt. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes. Then add cornstarch to the chicken and stir until coated unevenly, leaving some dry cornstarch clinging to the pieces.
2. Step 2: Place chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray, avoiding overlap. If necessary, cook in batches. Spray the chicken lightly with oil to remove any dry cornstarch from the surface. Air fry at 450°F (230°C) for 8 minutes until the chicken turns pale yellow. Flip or shake the basket and continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until golden. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a large plate to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
4. Step 4: Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add garlic and ginger, cooking and stirring briefly until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped bell pepper and white onion to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds.
6. Step 6: Stir the prepared sauce again, then pour it into the skillet. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. Transfer immediately to a serving plate and enjoy hot.

Tips & Variations

• Using chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and tender, but you can substitute chicken breast for a leaner option.
• Try adding pineapple chunks or sliced carrots for added sweetness and crunch.
• If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a splash of mirin works as a good substitute.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the chicken crisps evenly.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy and the sauce flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and the best texture when air frying. Frozen chicken pieces may cook unevenly and become dry.

How spicy is this sweet and sour chicken?

This recipe is mild and sweet with tangy flavors. If you prefer some heat, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic favorite, combining crispy air-fried chicken thighs with a luscious, tangy homemade sweet and sour sauce made from simple pantry staples. Ready in just 35 minutes, this flavorful dish features tender chicken coated in cornstarch for a light crispiness, tossed with colorful bell peppers and onions, making it a perfect quick dinner option for four.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade and Coating

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ (2-cm) pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cornstarch

Sweet and Sour Sauce

• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1/2 small white onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (a mix of colors recommended)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with vegetable oil and salt. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Coat the Chicken: After marinating, add cornstarch to the chicken. Stir until each piece is evenly coated, with some cornstarch remaining dry and unattached to ensure a light, crisp texture when cooked.
3. Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket without overlapping. If necessary, cook in batches. Lightly spray or brush oil on the chicken to eliminate visible dry cornstarch. Air fry at 450°F (230°C) for 8 minutes until the chicken turns pale yellow. Flip or shake the basket, then cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and transfer to a plate to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: While the chicken cooks, combine ketchup, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch completely.
5. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper and white onion to the skillet. Stir and cook for 30 seconds, allowing them to soften slightly but remain crisp.
7. Cook the Sauce: Give the sauce mixture a final stir to ensure smoothness, then pour it into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the vegetables evenly.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the air-fried chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the thickened sweet and sour sauce.
9. Serve: Immediately transfer the coated chicken and vegetables to a serving plate and serve hot as a main dish, ideally with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure even crispiness.
• Using Shaoxing wine enhances authentic flavor, but dry sherry is a good substitute.
• Adjust brown sugar for sweetness based on personal taste preferences.
• Choose a mix of bell pepper colors for a vibrant presentation and balanced flavor.
• If a crispier texture is desired, increase air frying time by 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• This recipe can be served with steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: sweet and sour chicken, air fryer recipe, easy dinner, crispy chicken, homemade sweet and sour sauce