Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

What Is An Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, providing a crispy and fried-like texture without the need for excessive oil. It uses a cooking method called "rapid air technology" to evenly distribute the heat and cook the food quickly.

The air fryer consists of a heating element and a fan that circulates the hot air inside the cooking chamber. The food is placed in a basket or tray within the appliance, allowing the hot air to surround it from all sides. As the air circulates, it cooks the food and creates a crispy outer layer similar to deep-frying, but with significantly less oil.

Air fryers are versatile appliances and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and even desserts. They are popular because they offer a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as they require little to no oil to achieve crispy results. Additionally, air fryers are generally easy to use and clean, making them convenient for everyday cooking.

It's important to note that while air fryers can produce similar results to deep-frying, the taste and texture may not be identical. Nevertheless, they provide a healthier cooking option for those who want to enjoy crispy and flavorful foods with less oil.

Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Tips

Sure! Here's a recipe for Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken:

Ingredients:

  1. 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  2. 1/2 cup cornstarch
  3. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

For garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions:

  1. In a shallow bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  3. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
  4. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the chicken pieces in the air fryer. This will help them become crispy.
  5. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water. Whisk the ingredients together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
  7. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the sauce, stirring continuously, until it thickens and becomes glossy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat.
  8. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
  9. Garnish the General Tso's chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  10. Serve the Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious homemade General Tso's Chicken made in the air fryer!

Why People Love This Recipes

There are several reasons why people love recipes made in an air fryer, such as the Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken recipe:

  • Healthier Option: One of the primary reasons people love air fryer recipes is that they offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried dishes. Air fryers require significantly less oil compared to deep frying, reducing the overall fat and calorie content of the food. This allows individuals to enjoy their favorite crispy and fried-like dishes with less guilt.
  • Crispy Texture: Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food, which results in a crispy exterior. The hot air quickly evaporates the moisture on the surface of the food, creating a satisfying crunch without excessive oil. The Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken recipe, for example, achieves a crispy coating on the chicken without the need for deep frying.
  • Convenience: Air fryers are generally easy to use and provide convenience in the kitchen. They preheat quickly, require minimal supervision during cooking, and often have preset functions for popular dishes. Air fryers also cook food faster than traditional ovens, making them a time-saving option for busy individuals.
  • Versatility: Air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook a wide range of dishes. From chicken wings and french fries to vegetables and desserts, air fryers offer the flexibility to experiment with various recipes. This versatility appeals to individuals who want to explore different flavors and cuisines using a single appliance.
  • Easy Cleanup: Cleaning up after cooking can be a hassle, but air fryers typically have non-stick cooking surfaces that are easy to clean. The removable trays or baskets can be washed in the sink or dishwasher, minimizing the time and effort required for post-cooking cleanup.

Overall, people love air fryer recipes like Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken because they provide a healthier option, offer a crispy texture, bring convenience to the cooking process, allow versatility in recipe choices, and simplify cleanup. These factors contribute to the growing popularity and enjoyment of cooking with air fryers.