Description
This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic favorite by using an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying. Tender chicken pieces are coated and air fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a vibrant, homemade sweet and sour sauce made from pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and spices. It’s a quick and easy meal ready in 25 minutes, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for dredging)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray, for air frying
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or ground
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Optional Garnish
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Season and Coat Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten egg to create a light coating that will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, then spray the top of the chicken with a light coat of olive oil spray to help achieve a golden brown finish.
- Air Fry Chicken: Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through when done.
- Make Sweet and Sour Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture into the simmering sauce. Continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and toss with the sweet and sour sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with diced red bell peppers and pineapple chunks if desired for added color and freshness. Serve the dish immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield juicier results.
- The sauce can be adjusted to taste; add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and crispiness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
