Air Fryer Chinese Fakeaway!
A quick, easy, and low-calorie recipe for crispy chicken bites coated in a light sweet and sour-style glaze, made conveniently in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 large egg white
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp sriracha optional
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch for sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tbsp green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch and egg white. Toss until chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket or spray with cooking oil.
- Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using).
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp water to create a slurry.
- Heat the glaze mixture over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the thickened glaze over the crispy chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving immediately.
Notes
Serve these crispy chicken bites immediately with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice, and a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cubed, then proceed with the same coating and air frying steps. Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the glaze to your preferred sweetness. Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).