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
Scale
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.
