Description
How to make crispy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken with tender chicken pieces and vibrant sauce that’s healthier and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken & Coating:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, cored and diced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Seasoning & Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: First, cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, season with salt and pepper. Toss chicken with cornstarch, then coat evenly with beaten egg. This creates a perfect crispy base for your Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken, ensuring a delightful texture.
- Whisk Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce until smooth. Stir in the drained pineapple chunks. Set aside this vibrant sweet and sour sauce; it’s the heart of this delightful Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe.
- Air Fry Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange chicken in a single layer, spritzing with oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Achieving perfect crispiness is key for this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken.
- Sauté Veggies: While chicken cooks, heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This builds the aromatic foundation for your dish.
- Combine Sauce: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry, then stir into the simmering sauce. Cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss Together: Add the crispy air-fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sweet and sour sauce and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Ensure every piece is glistening with that delicious, vibrant sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer your homemade Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice for a quick, comforting, and healthier weeknight delight that everyone will adore!
Notes
Cook chicken in batches in the air fryer to prevent steaming and ensure maximum crispiness.
Store leftover Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Serve immediately over hot jasmine rice, garnished with green onions, and consider a side of quick-pickled cucumbers.
Caramelize a spoonful of sugar in the skillet before adding liquids to the sauce for a notably richer, deeper flavor.
**Allergy Information:** Eggs, Soy, Gluten