Description
How to make crispy air fryer sweet and sour chicken with juicy pineapple and bell peppers that’s ready in under 30 minutes for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken & Vegetables:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained, juice reserved
- Crispy Coating & Oil:
- ½ cup cornstarch, divided
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil)
- Sweet & Sour Sauce Base:
- ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- Aromatics, Seasoning & Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Coat Chicken: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss them with half of the cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until fully coated. This initial step is key for truly crispy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside this flavorful base for your Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken sauce.
- Air Fry Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the chicken pieces with oil, then cook in batches for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the basket for best results.
- Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in drained pineapple chunks, then pour in the prepared sweet and sour sauce and simmer until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Dish: Add the crispy air-fried chicken to the skillet with the saucy vegetables and pineapple. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is well-coated. This brings all the delicious components of your Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken together.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer your finished Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve immediately over steamed rice and enjoy this family favorite!
Notes
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches for truly crispy chicken, preventing sogginess.
Store any leftover Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can substitute breasts for juicier results; adjust air frying time as needed.
Serve this delightful dish immediately over steamed white or brown rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Prepare the sweet and sour sauce and chop vegetables up to two days ahead to streamline busy weeknight meal prep.
**Allergy Information:** Soy, Gluten, Sesame