Crispy Chicken Craving Cracked: How to Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken for a Quick and Flavorful Meal

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of General Tso’s chicken, now made effortlessly in your air fryer. This classic Chinese-American dish combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a delectable sweet and spicy sauce. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of air fryer General Tso‘s chicken, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
• Dip the chicken pieces into the egg, then coat them evenly in the flour mixture.
• Shake off any excess flour.

2. Air Fry the Chicken:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the cooked chicken to the saucepan with the sauce.
• Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle the General Tso’s chicken with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken:

• Use fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Cut the chicken pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying to prevent sticking.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
• Serve the General Tso’s chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations:

• Spicy General Tso’s Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Honey Garlic General Tso’s Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
• Orange General Tso’s Chicken: Substitute rice vinegar with orange juice for a citrusy flavor.

The Ultimate Ending: A Satisfying Culinary Experience

Mastering the art of air fryer General Tso’s chicken will elevate your home cooking skills. With its crispy exterior, flavorful sauce, and versatility, this dish will become a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Experiment with different variations to find your perfect flavor combination. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal in the convenience of your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes to ensure it is cooked through.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before tossing it with the chicken.

Q: How do I store leftover General Tso‘s chicken?

A: Store leftover General Tso‘s chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer or oven before serving.