Name: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489628H52M52S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; ½ cup cornstarch; Olive oil spray; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp orange juice; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup water + 2 tsp cornstarch (slurry); 1 tbsp sesame seeds; Optional: green onions, cooked rice, vegetables for serving

There’s just something about crispy, sticky Air Fryer Sesame Chicken that hits all the right notes. It’s sweet, savory, a little tangy, and loaded with flavor—basically everything you love about your favorite takeout meal, but made fresher, healthier, and right at home. And when you toss that golden, tender chicken in the air fryer? Game over.

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe has become a total weeknight hero in our house. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and feels like such a win when you serve it with fluffy rice or tender-crisp broccoli. I first started testing this recipe when I was trying to recreate a restaurant-style sesame chicken dish without the heavy oil and deep-frying. After a few rounds (and some very delicious failures), this version came to life—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and totally coated in the most irresistible sticky-sweet sesame glaze.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make this work. If you’ve got an air fryer and 35 minutes, you’re already halfway there. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, looking to level up your meal prep game, or just craving a healthier spin on comfort food, this sesame chicken is going to become a staple in your kitchen too.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is so loved—and how you can nail it every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken isn’t just tasty—it’s also practical, versatile, and family-approved. Here’s why it’ll quickly climb the ranks of your go-to dinner ideas:

It’s healthier than takeout: We skip the deep fryer and use an air fryer instead, which cuts down significantly on oil without sacrificing that crave-worthy crisp texture.
Quick and easy: The whole dish comes together in about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
That sauce!: The sesame sauce is a sweet-and-savory dream with just the right amount of tang from orange juice and complexity from hoisin sauce. It clings to the chicken in the best way.
Kid- and crowd-friendly: Kids love the sticky-sweet glaze, and adults appreciate how balanced and flavorful the dish is.
Adaptable: Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness or swap in chicken breast for a leaner version. You can also tweak the sauce to your liking—less sugar, more citrus, or a bit of spice if that’s your thing.
Minimal cleanup: With the air fryer doing most of the work and just one saucepan for the glaze, dishes stay manageable.

Each bite is a mix of tender chicken, crispy coating, and glossy sauce that makes this dish feel indulgent, even though it’s a lightened-up version. It’s comfort food made better.

Health Benefits

This sesame chicken might taste like indulgence, but it packs some surprisingly good-for-you perks too:

Lower in fat: Air frying uses a fraction of the oil compared to deep-frying, which reduces the overall fat content without sacrificing that golden crunch.
High in protein: With around 30 grams of protein per serving, this dish keeps you full and supports muscle health.
Better control of sodium and sugar: Making the sauce from scratch means you can dial back the soy sauce or sugar as needed. Choose a reduced-sodium soy sauce and adjust the sweetener for a more balanced dish.
Contains fresh aromatics: Ginger and garlic are anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting—plus, they add amazing depth of flavor.
Customizable to your needs: Make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin. You can also use natural sweeteners if you’re watching refined sugars.

So yes, you’re getting all the taste of your favorite takeout dish, with way less guilt.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: Serves 4
Calories per Serving: 335
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Sodium: 1100mg

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
Olive oil spray (for air frying)

For the Sauce:

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or finely minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
⅓ cup water
2 teaspoons cornstarch (to thicken)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (lightly toasted if desired)

Optional Garnishes and Sides:

Sliced green onions
Steamed white or brown rice
Roasted green beans or broccoli

These simple ingredients come together in the most magical way, especially when you balance that sticky sauce with crispy chicken and fresh toppings.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This step helps the cornstarch adhere better and ensures crispiness.
Toss the chicken chunks in a bowl with the cornstarch until they’re fully coated. Shake off any excess.
Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure the pieces don’t touch. This helps them get crispy all around.
Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray. Don’t skip this—it activates the cornstarch and helps create that golden crust.

2. Air Fry the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (about 200°C).
Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, then open the basket and flip or shake the pieces.
Spray the flipped side with more oil and continue air frying for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is lightly golden and crispy.

3. Make the Sauce:

While the chicken cooks, add soy sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic to a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch to make a slurry.
Once the sauce starts to bubble, slowly whisk in the slurry and keep stirring until it thickens—about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add sesame seeds and remove from heat. Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.

4. Toss and Serve:

When the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl.
Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and toss to coat every piece evenly.
Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice or vegetables.

How to Serve

There are so many fun and delicious ways to serve this sesame chicken. Here are a few of our favorites:

Over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
With roasted or stir-fried green beans, broccoli, or bok choy.
On a platter with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer.
Wrapped in lettuce cups with shredded carrots for a light, crunchy twist.
As part of a DIY takeout night with egg rolls, fried rice, or dumplings.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, here are some side dishes and drinks that complement this dish beautifully:

Side Dishes:
- Garlic sesame noodles
- Cucumber salad with rice vinegar
- Pan-fried dumplings or spring rolls
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Beverages:
- Sparkling water with lemon or lime
- Jasmine or green tea
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (to echo the citrus in the sauce)
- Coconut water for a refreshing contrast

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For best texture, keep the sauce and chicken separate if you plan to reheat later.

Freezing:

Let the cooked chicken cool completely.
Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze sauce separately in a sealed jar or zip-top bag. Both components can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy.
Warm the sauce on the stove or in the microwave, then toss the chicken in sauce just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the basket: This prevents proper airflow and results in soggy chicken. Work in batches if needed.
Skipping the oil spray: The cornstarch won’t crisp without it.
Overcooking: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but keep an eye on smaller pieces to avoid drying them out.
Using watery sauce: If your sauce doesn’t thicken, you may need to simmer it longer or add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Saucing too early: Wait until the chicken is done to coat it in sauce—this keeps the texture crispy.

Pro Tips

Cut chicken evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and better presentation.
Toast sesame seeds: Lightly toast them in a dry pan for extra flavor before adding to the sauce.
Use a thermometer: It’s the easiest way to confirm doneness without cutting into the chicken.
Preheat the air fryer: This helps the chicken start crisping immediately.
Customize the sauce: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Just be careful not to overcook it, as chicken breast dries out faster than thighs.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—just use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and a certified gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?
You can, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy. Bake at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What if I don’t have orange juice?
You can use pineapple juice or a splash of lemon juice as a substitute. It adds that crucial tangy balance.

Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely. Many people love having extra sauce to drizzle over rice or vegetables.

What air fryer model works best for this?
Any standard air fryer works well. If you’re using a Ninja Foodi, use the air crisp function for best results.

Why did my chicken turn out soggy?
This usually happens if the basket was too crowded or if not enough oil was sprayed on the coating.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook and store the chicken and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. But you can add red pepper flakes or a bit of chili paste if you want some heat.

Can I make this without hoisin sauce?
You can substitute it with a mix of extra soy sauce and a little honey, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you’ve been searching for a way to satisfy your sesame chicken cravings without relying on takeout or deep frying, this air fryer version is your answer. It’s fast, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks.

Give it a try this week and see just how easy it is to make restaurant-style Air Fryer Sesame Chicken at home—crispy, saucy, and absolutely delicious. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to leave a comment or tag your photos online. Seeing your creations always makes my day!

Happy cooking!