How To Make Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken: A Step-by-step Guide

Craving the tantalizing flavors of General Tso chicken without the guilt? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This innovative cooking appliance allows you to enjoy your favorite dish with a fraction of the oil and calories. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey, exploring the secrets of air fryer General Tso chicken.

Ingredients: The Essence of Flavor

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
3. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the air fryer General Tso chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Dish

• Use fresh chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh chicken breasts.
• Cut the chicken evenly: Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking: This helps to ensure even browning.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, adjust the honey and red pepper flakes accordingly.

Variations: A Culinary Adventure

• Spicy General Tso Chicken: Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Honey Garlic General Tso Chicken: Drizzle a mixture of honey and minced garlic over the chicken before air frying for a sweet and savory twist.
• Orange General Tso Chicken: Add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy burst of flavor.

Benefits of Air Fryer General Tso Chicken

• Reduced oil and calories: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option.
• Crispy exterior, tender interior: The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside.
• Convenience: Air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions: A Culinary Canvas

• Over rice: Serve the air fryer General Tso chicken over steamed rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
• With noodles: Pair the chicken with your favorite noodles, such as ramen, soba, or udon, for a flavorful and filling dish.
• As an appetizer: Serve the chicken as an appetizer with dipping sauce for a party-pleasing treat.

Recommendations: A Culinary Symphony

Air fryer General Tso chicken is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and tangy sauce, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to create a dish that is uniquely yours.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What type of air fryer is best for General Tso chicken?
A: Any air fryer that has a large enough basket to fit the chicken pieces comfortably will work.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Q: What side dishes go well with General Tso chicken?
A: Steamed rice, noodles, and stir-fried vegetables are all great side dishes for General Tso chicken.