Air Fried Crispy Chilli Chicken

(82)
"This is another air fryer version of one of my favourite takeaway dishes. It’s super easy to make, has all the flavour and is slightly healthier! What other takeaway favourites would you like me to do in the air fryer?"
-- @sam_stern

A Note from Feedfeed

This recipe for air-fried crispy chili chicken offers a blend of succulent chicken strips coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy chili sauce. Using an air fryer gives the chicken a nice crunchy texture without excessive oil, while the homemade sauce adds depth and flavor. It's a perfect dish for those craving a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time 20mins
Cook time 20mins
Serves or Makes: 4 servings

Recipe Card

For the Sauce:

ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup black Chinese vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken:

ingredients

  • 2/3 pound chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 medium egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups (200 g) cornstarch
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil spray

For the Stir-fry:

ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3/4 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 chili, finely sliced
  • 1 handfull fresh coriander, finely sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Method

  • Step 1

    In a bowl, combine dark soy sauce, black Chinese vinegar, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, and honey. Mix well and set aside.

  • Step 2

    Place the chicken strips in a bowl. Add light soy sauce, sesame oil, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined. Sprinkle with cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken strips are evenly coated and separated.

  • Step 3

    Preheat an air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer in the basket. [Note: You might need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the air fryer size.]

  • Step 4

    Spray the chicken with a little more oil and air fry for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking, until the chicken strips are crisp and golden.

  • Step 5

    In a large pan over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil.

  • Step 6

    Sauté the sliced onion and peppers for 2-3 minutes until they begin to caramelize. Reduce the heat and add grated ginger, crushed garlic, and sliced chili. Stir-fry for an additional minute.

  • Step 7

    Remove the pan from heat.

  • Step 8

    Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fried vegetables. Add the air-fried crispy chicken, sliced coriander, and toss until everything is evenly coated.

  • Step 9

    Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately.