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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
