Delicious Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe (Easy and Healthy)

Almost five years to the day have passed since I first shared this recipe for Sesame Chicken, so I figured it was about time I returned. I’ve improved upon this timeless recipe by applying the many lessons I’ve gained since 2013. I started by doubling the sauce because critics were nearly united in saying it needed more flavor. Second, I adjusted the sauce’s flavor profile. They’re the same elements, just a little more in balance.

Finally, I lowered the cornstarch content to make the sauce less thick and less likely to solidify when cooked. I’m really excited for you to try this updated version.

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What is Sesame chicken?

Tender chicken pieces are coated in egg and cornstarch before being deep-fried to a crisp and then doused in a sweet, salty, and sour sauce—a Chinese-American fast food favorite. The sesame seeds give the sauce a mild, nutty flavor. This dish can be found on the menus of nearly every Chinese or Chinese-inspired takeout joint in the United States.

You Won’t Need To Fry In Oil

This recipe was written for all of you who feel the same way about deep frying as I do. This recipe calls for only a modest amount of oil to cook the chicken. This means that the edges won’t be as crisp as they would be with a deep fry, but I think it’s worth it. There is no oil to dispose of, no lingering odor of frying, and no risk of being killed by flying fat globules. Worth giving up a little crunchiness for.

Choose Either Chicken Breasts Or Thigh Section

Since chicken thighs are both economical and tender, I used them in the recipe below. Cut up some chicken breast could work, but it won’t have the same texture as chicken thighs. Also, the breast needs to be sliced into little pieces if you want the eggwash to attach to it.

What to serve with?

Simple Sesame Chicken is delicious with jasmine rice and some steamed broccoli. It’s perfect for meal prepping because it keeps in the fridge well. Pairs well with Easy Egg Drop Soup, Sesame Cucumber Salad, Coconut Rice, and Crunchy Cabbage Salad.

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Recipe-1 (Air Fried)

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 5 min
• Serving: 8 person
• Cooking Difficulty: Easy
• Nutrition Information: 226 Cals, 32.5 Protein, Carbs 10 Fats
• Cuisine: American
• Course Type: Side Dish

Ingredients

• Chicken, 4 pounds
• 1/2 tsp. mustard
• Seasoning for two chickens’ worth
• 1/2 gram sugar 
• 1 gram fat 
• 1 gram protein 
• One teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried garlic
• A pinch of ground black pepper 
• One tablespoon of sesame seeds

Directions

1. Turn your air fryer temperature up to 375 degrees. Spread butter in the basket that can hold 2 quarts. 4 tablespoons of butter should be melted in a medium skillet over medium heat. After about 5 minutes, add the onion and garlic and simmer until soft, stirring regularly. After 1 minute, add the mustard while swirling regularly and dust with flour.
2. Slowly add the milk, followed by the broth, while whisking constantly. Once at a simmer, continue whisking for about 7 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
3. Turn the heat down to low and mix in the sour cream, cheese, and cayenne pepper. Take it off the heat. Add a lot of pepper and salt, then mix the turkey and broccoli.
4. Season the turkey mixture with salt and pepper and spread it on the prepared pan’s bottom.
5. Wrap the dish in foil and bake for 40 minutes or until the broccoli is soft.
6. Combine crackers and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
7. Get rid of the foil and sprinkle the cracker mixture on top. Allow the cheese to bake for another 25 minutes, or until it is brown and bubbling.
8. Serve with a sprinkling of chives on top.

Notes

• I use sesame chicken that has been defrosted so that the seasonings may be applied evenly. It can also be dry-brined and refrigerated for a few hours. After that, I usually throw in the herbs and dive right in.
• Using mayonnaise as a coating is my go-to for chicken divans because I love its flavor and golden hue. Alternatively, you might go with a lesser quantity of oil.
• When I buy a sesame chicken, I use it to make sandwiches and wraps to last me all week.
• It’s essential to be careful when untangling the netting from the chicken divans. This is because some meat may get stuck inside the net.

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Recipe-2

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Serving: 6 people
• Cooking Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American
• Course Type: Side Dish
• Calories: 552

Nutrition Information

• Serving: 1Serving
• Calories: 551.83kcal
• Carbohydrates: 60.38g
• Protein: 26.75g
• Fat: 23.3g
• Sodium: 1518.4mg
• Fiber: 1.5g

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs 
• 2 tbsp. cooking oil 
• 1 large egg 
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch 
• 1 pinch each salt and pepper
• A quarter cup of soy sauce, 
• Two tablespoons of water, 
• One tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, 
• Three tablespoons of brown sugar, 
• One tablespoon of rice vinegar, 
• One-tenth of a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, 
• Two cloves of minced garlic, 
• One tablespoon of sesame seeds, and 
• Half a tablespoon of cornstarch.
• For serving
• Four cups of cooked jasmine rice and two entire green onions.

Instructions

1. Make the sauce. Soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds are combined in a small bowl. (Use a cheese grater with fine holes to shred the ginger. Don’t eat yet; we’ll get to the sauce later.
2. In a large bowl, combine the egg, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and a dash of salt and pepper with a whisk. The chicken thighs should have any excess fat removed before being sliced into bite-sized pieces. Dip the chicken into the egg and flour combination.
3. Heat the oil in a big frying pan over medium heat. Hold off on adding the oil until the pan is very hot, and then give it a good stir to cover every inch of the surface. Spread the chicken in a single layer on the pan after adding the batter that has been dipped in.
4. Do not touch the chicken until the bottoms are golden brown. Once the underside of the chicken has cooked, flip it over carefully, shredding the pieces as you go. Let the chicken finish cooking on the other side until it’s golden. To keep the egg coating on the chicken’s surface, avoid stirring it too much.
5. After the chicken is done cooking and golden brown on all sides, pour the sauce over it. For even sauce coverage, toss the chicken in it. The thickening process begins when the sauce is brought to a simmer. 
6. Please turn off the heat and continue stirring the chicken in the sauce until it has thickened.
7. Cook the chicken, then place it on a bed of rice and top it with the chopped green onions.

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Why should you choose the recipe?

Sesame chicken has less fat and fewer calories than other types of meat. In addition, sesame chicken is leaner than chicken divans, which makes it easier for women to lose weight. The best part about sesame chicken is that it is usually cheaper than other meats. This means you don’t need to spend much money to eat healthy food. This is why you should choose the recipe.

What should I serve with the recipe?

Sesame chicken is delicious and served alone, but adding some vegetables such as green beans, potatoes, and carrots gives it a new flavor. If you want to add something else, try serving it with cranberry sauce or stuffing.

Why is this recipe my favorite?

Sesame chicken is one of my favorite recipes because it tastes great, and I love how tender and juicy it is. The meat is easy to prepare and cook and requires only 30 minutes. This recipe includes some ingredients that flavor it, like soy sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

How to Store the meat

To freeze cooked sesame chicken, thaw the meat overnight in the refrigerator. Then, remove the skin from the sesame chicken. Next, place the sesame chicken between two sheets of wax paper and pound it with a heavy pan to flatten it out.

Remove any excess fat and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store the frozen sesame chicken in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips

• Generally speaking, a divan weighing between 4 and 5 pounds can be cooked in an air fryer with 5 quarts, depending on the specific model. Make sure the meat doesn’t go above the rim of the hoop.
• Depending on your divan size, cooking time will vary; use an instant-read thermometer to check the interior temperature to ensure the chicken is done.
• If your divan is frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Source: skinnytaste

Statistics

In terms of size, a 3 to 5-pound sesame chicken is likely the maximum weight most air fryers can hold.

Source: tasteofhome

What Makes This Recipe So Great

Air Fried sesame chickens are great because they are tender and moist and don’t require any cooking! They’re also quick to prepare, which makes them perfect for busy families who want to eat healthier. The secret to these chicken divans is that they are cooked in hot oil until crispy, then cooled down quickly in ice water. This process keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Conclusion

Air frying allows you to make healthy meals quickly and easily. It’s quick and easy to use an air fryer at home so that you can enjoy tasty food without all the fat and calories from deep-frying. We hope you’ve enjoyed our recipe for sesame chicken. If you find it useful, then don’t waste your time. Just try this delicious and easy dish.

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Natalie P. Williams

Meet Natalie P. Williams, the editor-in-chief of fryerly.com. With a background in journalism and a passion for healthy eating, Natalie has built the blog into a trusted source for air fryer cooking tips, tricks, and recipes.