Crispy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Quick Weeknight Favorite

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect crispiness.
• Cornstarch: Key for achieving that coveted crispy coating on the chicken. It creates a light, crunchy exterior in the air fryer.
• Large egg: Acts as a crucial binder, helping the cornstarch adhere perfectly to the chicken pieces. Ensures even coating for maximum crispness.
• Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color, a touch of sweetness, and essential crunch to the dish. A classic sweet and sour vegetable.
• Green bell pepper: Provides a slightly bitter counterpoint and bright color. It’s a staple for balancing the sweet and sour flavors.
• Canned pineapple chunks: Delivers the signature sweet and tangy burst, vital for authentic sweet and sour flavor. Drain well before adding.
• Ketchup: Forms the rich, sweet base of our homemade sweet and sour sauce. Essential for that familiar, comforting flavor profile.
• Unseasoned rice vinegar: Provides the necessary tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. Use unseasoned rice vinegar for best flavor control.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds essential umami depth and savory notes to the sauce without making it overly salty. A foundation flavor.
• Packed brown sugar: Contributes to the sauce’s sweetness and helps create a beautiful, glossy glaze. Packed brown sugar is best.
• Fresh garlic, minced: An aromatic powerhouse that builds a robust flavor foundation for the entire sweet and sour sauce.
• Salt: An essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in both the chicken and the sauce. Season to taste.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice, complementing the other bold flavors. Freshly ground is preferred.
• Sesame oil: A finishing touch, providing a wonderfully nutty aroma and deep flavor to the sweet and sour chicken. Use sparingly.
• Sliced green onions: Offers a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of vibrant green as a beautiful garnish.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and a visually appealing finish. Sprinkle generously over the Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Prep Chicken:

Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. In one bowl, whisk the large egg. In another, place the cornstarch. This readies your chicken for a perfectly crispy coating, essential for delicious Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Make Sauce:

Whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This tangy sauce is the heart of your Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken, balancing sweet and sour notes perfectly for an authentic taste.

Coat Chicken:

Dip each chicken piece into the whisked egg, then thoroughly coat it in cornstarch, ensuring an even layer. This crucial step guarantees that ultimate crispy texture when air frying. Don’t overcrowd the pieces in the basket!

Air Fry:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange coated chicken in a single layer, air frying for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden brown and crispy, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Sauté Veggies:

In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers and drained pineapple chunks, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp. This adds fresh texture and vibrant color to your dish.

Combine Dish:

Add the air-fried chicken and the prepared sweet and sour sauce to the skillet with the veggies. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This brings your Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken together beautifully.

Serve Warm:

Garnish the finished Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal. Enjoy your homemade crispy takeout!

How to Store Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

To store leftover Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the chicken can become dry, and the sauce may lose its vibrant flavor. I’ve made the mistake of leaving it too long, and trust me, it’s not pleasant. Look for any off smells or sliminess as signs of spoilage.

The sweet and sour sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For optimal crispness, air fry the chicken and combine with veggies and sauce just before serving. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

To serve your Crispy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken, simply spoon it over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or lo mein noodles. For a beautiful presentation, garnish generously with fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is perfect served warm, and you can pair it with a light cucumber salad or crispy spring rolls for a complete meal. Enjoy!

My personal favorite way to enjoy this meal is over warm jasmine rice, letting the delicious sauce soak in. I often pair it with a side of simple steamed broccoli; it’s a comforting combination that balances the rich flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent soggy chicken when making Crispy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook the chicken in batches for truly crispy results. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated in cornstarch before frying, a mistake I often made. This guarantees that ultimate crunch.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Yes, you absolutely can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs! They often turn out even juicier and more flavorful. Just ensure you cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces and adjust air frying time if needed, checking for 165°F.

→ Can I prep or freeze Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken for later meals?

You can make the sauce up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge. For crispness, air fry the chicken and combine with veggies and sauce just before serving. Freezing the finished dish isn’t ideal; the texture changes.

→ How do I make this Crispy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of gluten-free cornstarch or potato starch. Ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free (tamari works great). All other ingredients are typically naturally GF.

→ What if I don’t have an air fryer for making this sweet and sour chicken?

You can bake the chicken! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. It won’t be quite as crunchy as air-fried, but still delicious.