Air Fryer Sesame Chicken delivers everything you love about the classic takeout dish—crispy chicken, a sweet-savory sesame glaze, and bold flavor—without deep frying or excessive oil. Using the air fryer keeps the chicken juicy on the inside while creating a golden, crunchy coating on the outside.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving comfort food that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner—choose what you prefer.
Coating
Cornstarch helps create that light, crispy texture once air fried. A small amount of oil helps the coating brown evenly.
Sesame Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the dish. It balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors using soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Sesame Seeds & Garnish
Toasted sesame seeds add nutty crunch, while green onions bring freshness and color.
Air Fryer Tips for Best Results
- Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Shake halfway through for even crisping
- Sauce after cooking to keep chicken crispy
Cooking Temperature and Time
Air fry the chicken at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
What to Serve With Sesame Chicken
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
Sesame Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated. - Air fry the chicken
Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or drizzle with oil.
Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through. - Make the sesame sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. - Combine
Toss the crispy chicken with the warm sesame sauce until evenly coated. - Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Sugar: 10 g
Easy Variations
- Spicy sesame chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos
- Low sugar: Swap honey for monk fruit sweetener
- Extra crispy: Double-air-fry for 2 extra minutes before saucing
