If you’re craving that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in a healthier package, you are going to love this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe. It takes the much-loved classic and transforms it into a lighter, crispier delight without compromising on all the vibrant flavors. With the magic of the air fryer, chicken pieces come out wonderfully golden and tender, while the homemade sauce coats every bite with a mouthwatering glaze that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients that come together to create a vibrant dish. Each element plays a role in building the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color – from the juicy chicken coated in a crisp cornstarch crust to the bright pineapple notes in the sauce.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Choose your favorite cut, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crispiness on the chicken exterior.
- Egg: Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken, creating a light coating.
- Salt and pepper: Essential basics for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the chicken crispy in the air fryer without excess oil.
- Pineapple juice: Provides natural sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds the sharp acidity that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Brings depth and savory umami to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Gives body and a classic note to the sweet and sour glaze.
- Brown sugar: Balances the tang with caramel-like sweetness.
- Garlic (minced): Adds warmth and an inviting aroma.
- Ginger (fresh, grated or ground): Gives a zesty punch and freshness to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (for thickening): Creates that luscious, clingy texture perfect for coating the chicken.
- Red bell pepper (optional): For a pop of color and mild crunch.
- Pineapple chunks (optional): Garnish that enhances the tropical vibe and taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors. Then, dredge them in cornstarch carefully – this step is key to getting that irresistible crunch. Next, dip each piece into the beaten egg to make sure the coating sticks well and bakes to golden perfection in the air fryer.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). To ensure a crispy result and prevent sticking, lightly spray the basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer so each one cooks evenly. Finish by giving the chicken a gentle spray of olive oil for that perfect crispy finish.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the chicken for about 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through so every piece crisps up beautifully on all sides. When done, your chicken should be golden brown and cooked through – tender inside with a crunch on the outside.
Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the chicken cooks, get started on the luscious sweet and sour sauce. Combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, letting those bold flavors meld together and fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Keep the sauce on the heat and stir continuously until it thickens to your liking. This thickened sauce will coat the chicken beautifully, locking in flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once your chicken is air fried to perfection, transfer it to a large bowl and toss it with the sweet and sour sauce. Make sure each piece is generously coated so you get that delightful balance of savory and tangy in every mouthful.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding diced red bell pepper and pineapple chunks is a lovely way to brighten this dish with bursts of color and flavor. The crunchy peppers offer a fresh bite, while the pineapple reinforces the tropical sweetness inherent in the sauce. Fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds also work wonderfully if you want to fancy it up.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, serve alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to add both texture and nutrition to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, play with serving this dish in lettuce wraps for a fresh, hands-on approach. You can also load the chicken and sauce over fried rice or even toss it with noodles for a comforting noodle bowl. Presentation is all about making your meal inviting and vibrant, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it remains flavorful and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for best texture. Place the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If reheating the chicken alone, a quick toss back in the air fryer just for a few minutes can restore its crispiness. Then add the luscious sauce and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy during cooking, making them an excellent option for this recipe.
Do I really need to coat the chicken twice with cornstarch and egg?
Yes, this two-step coating helps create that ultra-crispy texture the air fryer can’t achieve on its own. It locks in moisture while delivering crunch.
Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it gently and toss with freshly cooked chicken to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your ketchup for any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the chicken?
While you can add quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers toward the end of cooking, it’s best to air fry them separately or serve fresh to maintain crispness and avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a delightful and healthier version of a much-loved classic with this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe. It offers all the richness, tang, and color you crave without the guilt of deep frying. I hope you feel inspired to make it your own, share it with friends, and savor every crispy, saucy bite. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite by using an air fryer instead of deep frying. Tender chicken pieces are coated, air-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. It’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that serves 4.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 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 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up while you prepare the chicken.
- Season chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten egg, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Prepare for air frying: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the basket and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry chicken: Cook the chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering sauce and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and toss with the sweet and sour sauce, ensuring every piece is coated well.
- Garnish and serve: Add diced red bell pepper and pineapple chunks if using for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- The cornstarch coating helps achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer without deep frying.
- Chicken thighs provide juicier results, while breasts are leaner—choose based on preference.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili sauce.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so adjust cornstarch quantity for preferred thickness.
