Air Fryer Asian Chicken Takeout Recipes For Healthier Fried Food
If you’re craving the delicious flavors of Asian takeout but want a healthier option, air fryer recipes are your best bet. The air fryer allows you to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken without the excess oil and calories of traditional frying methods. In this article, we’ll explore several mouthwatering air fryer Asian chicken recipes that will satisfy your cravings while keeping things lighter. From sweet and sticky to savory and spicy, these dishes will bring the taste of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
This section provides a quick glance at the essential details of each recipe, helping you decide what to make tonight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the chicken before placing it in the air fryer basket. This will help achieve a crispy texture.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Additional Air Fryer Asian Chicken Recipes
1. Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
This popular dish is known for its sweet and spicy sauce, which pairs perfectly with crispy chicken. Using the air fryer, you can replicate the texture without the deep frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic to create the sauce.
- Toss the cubed chicken in cornstarch until well coated and then place in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Once cooked, toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
2. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This dish is a classic that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The air fryer makes the chicken juicy while keeping it healthier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce and sesame oil together. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in cornstarch.
- Place chicken in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If using pineapple, add it for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
3. Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
This dish brings a delightful balance of flavors to your table. The air fryer keeps the chicken crispy while the sweet and sour sauce adds an irresistible tang.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes in cornstarch until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and drizzle with olive oil. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Add the bell peppers and pineapple to the air fryer for the last 5 minutes.
- Once cooked, toss the chicken and vegetables in sweet and sour sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in any of these recipes. They may cook a bit faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. How do I make sure the chicken is crispy?
Ensure that the chicken is coated in cornstarch and that you preheat your air fryer. Cooking in a single layer also helps achieve a crispy texture.
3. Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
4. What dipping sauces pair well with these dishes?
Sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy chili sauce make great dipping options for these air fryer Asian chicken recipes.
With these air fryer Asian chicken takeout recipes, you can enjoy your favorite flavors without the guilt of traditional fried food. Each recipe is designed to be simple, quick, and delicious, ensuring a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to indulge in some healthier fried food!
