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Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 40 reviews

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy, air-fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce made with garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onion. It’s a healthier take on a classic Chinese dish, prepared quickly and easily in the air fryer and a skillet for the sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

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

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 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 (mix of colors preferred)

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. After marinating, add the cornstarch and stir to coat the chicken evenly, forming an uneven coating with some dry cornstarch remaining.
  2. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, avoiding overlap. Spray oil over the chicken pieces until no dry cornstarch powder remains. Air fry at 450°F (230°C) for 8 minutes until the chicken turns pale yellow. Then, flip or shake the basket and air fry for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large plate to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the ketchup, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch to combine.
  4. Cook Aromatics: Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper and white onion to the skillet. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to slightly soften and combine flavors.
  6. Thicken the Sauce and Combine: Stir the prepared sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir constantly and cook until the sauce thickens. Add the air-fried chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the thickened sweet and sour sauce.
  7. Serve: Immediately transfer the coated chicken and vegetables to a serving plate. Serve hot as a main dish.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs stay juicier.
  • Adjust the brown sugar to your desired sweetness level.
  • Using peanut oil adds a nice flavor, but vegetable oil works just as well.
  • Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keywords: sweet and sour chicken, air fryer chicken, easy Chinese recipe, healthy fried chicken, homemade sweet and sour sauce

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