Name: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1-1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 5 tbsp honey; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp chili flakes; 1/2 tsp pepper; 3 tbsp sesame seeds for topping (optional); 2 tbsp green onions, diced (optional)

If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s both impossibly easy and endlessly crave-worthy, this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy chicken gets a crispy golden exterior in the air fryer, then is tossed in a sweet, tangy sauce loaded with real garlic, sesame, honey, and just enough heat. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy every irresistible bite. Family friendly, but still impressive enough for company, you’ll want this sensational Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe on repeat in your kitchen.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish feels gourmet but keeps the shopping list refreshingly short. Each ingredient pulls its weight by bringing out the classic flavor, beautiful glaze, or irresistible crunch that makes this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe special.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender chunks give you juicy, flavorful bites—use whichever cut you love best!
Cornstarch: This works magic, creating a crisp, golden coating in the air fryer without deep frying.
Salt: Enhances every savory bite and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Pepper: Adds a gentle depth and just a hint of heat.
Soy Sauce: Pops up twice (marinade and sauce) for a punch of umami and gorgeous color.
Butter: A little melted butter in the sauce adds a rich, silky finish.
Minced Garlic: Fragrant garlic is the key to savory depth in the homemade sesame sauce.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely lacquer to the chicken.
Chicken Broth: Infuses extra savory flavor and helps the sauce cling to every bite.
Rice Vinegar: A splash makes the sauce tangy and bright.
Chili Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a touch of gentle heat.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for delicious flavor and a gorgeous crunch.
Green Onions: These are your go-to for a fresh, colorful, restaurant-style finish (and a pop of flavor!)

How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by adding your bite-sized pieces of chicken into a large bowl. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce. Give it all a good stir so every piece is evenly coated. This quick and simple prep gives your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe its irresistible crispy crust—no messy batter or deep-frying needed.

Step 2: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

Get your air fryer ready by preheating it to 380 degrees for 5 minutes. This quick preheat is key for that immediate sizzle and to guarantee golden, evenly cooked chicken. Spray the basket with a bit of non-stick spray so nothing sticks. Pour in the coated chicken in an even layer, making sure there’s a little breathing room between pieces for the best crisp.

Step 3: Cook and Flip

Set the timer for 8 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through (after about 4 minutes). Keeping an eye on things ensures every morsel gets gorgeously crisp and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the largest piece is no longer pink inside—quick, easy, and no splattering oil to clean up!

Step 4: Make the Sesame Sauce

While your chicken is crisping, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili flakes, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Whisk it all together, then heat over medium until bubbling and fragrant. This homemade sauce is what makes the Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe truly shine—it’s sticky, beautifully complex, and so simple to pull together.

Step 5: Toss and Glaze

Add your freshly-cooked air fried chicken right into the bubbling saucepan. Stir to coat, letting the chicken bathe in that sticky, shimmering sauce for a couple of minutes so it thickens and clings to every piece. If you’re in a hurry, you can also toss the chicken and sauce together and microwave until hot, but stovetop will give your sauce that extra luscious finish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe over hot steamed rice (or your favorite grain), and don’t forget a generous scattering of sesame seeds and green onions. These little touches bring the whole dish together—color, crunch, and incredible flavor in every forkful!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

This dish just begs for a final flourish, and garnishes make all the difference. I always sprinkle plenty of toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nutty bite and that instantly recognizable look. A handful of sliced green onions adds color and a mild oniony kick. If you like a bit more heat, a pinch of extra chili flakes isn’t just pretty—it gives every bite a gentle spark.

Side Dishes

The Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe is a superstar with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every drop of the sauce. For a lighter twist, try it over cauliflower rice or with a side of crisp stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. You can also keep things ultra fast with a bagged Asian-style salad or some simple steamed dumplings.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve the sesame chicken in lettuce cups with pickled vegetables for a hand-held party dish. Skewer the crispy chicken pieces and drizzle the sauce over the top for a fun appetizer. Or make an on-the-go lunch by tucking leftovers into a wrap with cucumber and shredded carrots—this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers will keep beautifully sealed tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the chicken and sauce together to keep the flavor locked in and the pieces juicy. It’s perfect for meal prep when you want something that tastes just as good tomorrow.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe, let the chicken and sauce cool completely. Portion into airtight freezer containers or bags and freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. This helps loosen the sauce and keeps everything tender. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between, to avoid overcooking. If the sauce thickens, just thin it with a touch more broth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for the Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe, bringing even more flavor and staying extremely juicy during air frying.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If you’re out of rice vinegar, substitute with apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar. Both will provide the tangy balance and still help the sauce sing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check your other ingredients. The base recipe naturally uses cornstarch, which is gluten-free.

How spicy is the sauce?

The chili flakes in the Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe offer a mild warmth, but you can adjust to taste. Like it spicier? Add more chili or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer mild? Just leave them out.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No long marinating is needed here! The quick toss with cornstarch and seasonings before air frying is plenty to infuse flavor and get that crispy finish. Dinner, simplified!

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe is the kind of meal that turns any night into something special without much fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it—there’s nothing quite like that sticky, sweet-and-savory crunch! Gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and make a dinner everyone will be begging for again and again.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe