Crispy, tender and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is a game changer for your weeknight dinners!

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish and is a very popular take out choice. This recipe uses tender chicken breast which is marinated and then fried until crispy.

The sauce typically is made up soy sauce, honey, sugar, vinegar, and garlic. You can cook the whole recipe, including the sauce, in your air fryer by following this recipe. This will become a household favourite and it is super easy to make.

Air fryer sesame chicken served up to eat — This super easy air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe will become a weeknight favourite!

About this recipe…

I developed this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken by following this one pan Sesame Chicken recipe. Now even easier to prepare in your air fryer!

What can I serve with this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken?

This recipe is best served over white rice. You can even prepare the rice in your air fryer by following this Air Fryer Rice recipe. Alternatively, you can stick to the hob and cook this Perfect White Rice.

Sesame pairs wonderfully with a variety of other sides and accompaniments. Here are some popular options:

Sticky Rice: If you like the sticky and chewy texture of sticky rice then you will love it paired with this recipe. Creating a a satisfying mouthfeel that is loved by many.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls: Impress your family and friends by turning this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken into an air fryer fakeaway feast. Try these crispy spring rolls.

How long will my Air Fryer Sesame Chicken keep in the fridge?

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store the chicken in airtight containers to prevent it from drying out. Also, if possible, store the sauce separately from the chicken. This helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness and prevents it from becoming soggy.

What do you use as a pan for air frying a curry?

All you need is a metal cake tin or another metal pan that fits into the cooking basket of your air fryer.

Small cake tins are already popular accessories for air frying casseroles and stews. I use this one <– Affiliate link, which comes in several sizes. For my air fryer I use a 7 inch diameter pan but you will want to measure your basket before placing an order.

If you have another suitably sized metal pan, that will work too.

Although silicone pans have their air fryer uses, I don’t recommend them for this recipe as they do not get hot enough.

Pro Tips

Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer helps ensure even cooking. Preheat it for about 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the pieces from getting crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cornstarch and Rice Flour Coating: In the recipe below, you only use cornflour for coating the chicken. This works really well. If you can get it, you might like to try a 50/50 mixture of cornflour and rice flour. Rice flour isn’t as easy to come by but it does give the chicken an even crispier exterior.
Seasoning the sauce: Please use this recipe as a guide. Be sure to taste the sauce before adding the chicken. You can easily adjust it to taste.

Step by step photographs...

Ingredients for air fryer sesame chicken. — Prepare your ingredients before you begin. This will save you time.

marinating chicken — Whisk the marinade ingredients in a bowl until thick and smooth and then add the chicken pieces. Mix well to combine and allow to marinate for 30 minutes to 24 hours. The longer the better.

coating the chicken in cornflour — Mix the dry ingredients together on a large plate. Now dredge the chicken pieces in the prepared cornflour (corn starch) mixture and shake any excess off.

Air fryer sesame chicken cooking — Brush or spray each piece with a little oil to ensure extra crispiness. Cooking in batches, air fry the chicken until for 10 minutes. Turn them over and cook for a further 5 minutes or until crispy. Do not over crowd the air fryer basket.

Crispy chicken for air fryer sesame chicken — Transfer to bowl or plate. Set aside.

frying the vegetables — Now place a cake tin or other suitable metal pan inside your air fryer basket and add 2 tbsp of oil. Air fry for 2-3 minutes to cook out the rawness. Check after 1-2 minutes to make sure it isn’t burning.

sauce ingredients for air fryer sesame chicken — Whisk the sauce ingredients in a bowl then add to the garlic and ginger along with the spring onion (scallions). Air fry for a further 5 minutes. Stir in the sesame oil.

sesame chicken ready in a bowl — Add the fried chicken pieces to coat with the sauce. Heat through for 3 minutes.

Air fryer sesame chicken served with rice. — Garnish with spring onions (scallions) and toasted sesame seeds. Serve over white rice.

If you like this air fryer recipe, you might like to try some of these air fryer recipes too.

Have you tried this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe?

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