Golden, crispy chicken coated in sticky sesame glaze that clings to every bite. Air Fryer Sesame Chicken delivers that perfect crunch without deep fryingand it’s ready faster than takeout.
I started photographing this dish back in 2019 when a chef friend showed me how the circulating heat creates those caramelized edges you can’t get in a skillet. The way those sesame seeds toast right on the chicken while it cooks? That’s the magic moment that makes this worth shooting again and again.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe Easy Delicious
Enjoy a quick and tasty dinner with this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken recipe. Crispy chicken pieces are air fried to perfection and coated in a luscious, sticky soy and sesame sauce that brings authentic Asian flavors right to your table in under 30 minutes.
6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets (this is about 750g/1.65lbs untrimmed or 600g/1.3lbs once trimmed)
3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
3 tbsp oil
1.5 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic powder (or use 2 minced cloves garlic)
1.5 tbsp Chinese rice vinegar
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
4 tbsp tomato ketchup
3 tbsp light brown sugar
3 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
sesame seeds
chopped spring onions (scallions)
boiled or egg fried rice
Method
Trim excess fat from the chicken thigh fillets and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Combine the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the cornflour mixture.
Pour the oil over the coated chicken and stir well to make sure all pieces are sticky and well covered.
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and cook at 190C/375F for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket at least 3 times during cooking to prevent sticking. Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
While the chicken cooks, combine all the sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and stir together. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.
Transfer the cooked chicken from the air fryer to a bowl or pan and toss with the warm sauce to coat thoroughly.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions over the chicken and serve immediately with boiled or egg fried rice.
Notes
If you prefer, warm the sauce ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it bubbles and thickens, about 3-4 minutes. You can also prepare the sauce in advance by mixing all ingredients, covering, and refrigerating for up to one day before reheating. For added nutrition and texture, add chopped vegetables like peppers, mange tout, babycorn, or mushrooms to the air fryer during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, making sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The sauce quantity is generous for extra coating and drizzling; reduce by one-third if you prefer just enough for coating.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Crispy edges without standing over a deep fryer? That’s the beauty of using your air fryer. The circulating heat gives you restaurant-style texture in about half the time, and cleanup is a breeze compared to traditional methods.
Quick weeknight win: From raw chicken to dinner on the table in 30 minutes flat
That sticky-sweet glaze: The sesame sauce is balancedsoy, honey, and sesame oil create layers of flavor that coat every bite
Healthier comfort food: All the crunch with a fraction of the oil you’d use for deep frying
Family-approved: Even picky eaters reach for seconds when there’s crispy chicken and sesame seeds involved
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this recipe work. Everything on this list is available at your regular grocery store, and the pantry staples like soy sauce and cornflour go a long way.
Ingredient
What It Does
Simple Swap
Chicken thigh fillets
Stay juicy and tender in the air fryer
Chicken breast (watch cook time)
Cornflour
Creates that crispy coating
Potato starch works too
Sesame oil
Adds nutty, toasted flavor to the sauce
Use less if you prefer mild
Light & dark soy sauce
Balances salty depth and color
All light soy works in a pinch
Honey
Sweetness that balances the soy
Maple syrup or agave
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the dark soy sauce if you can help itit adds that rich caramel color and deeper flavor you see in takeout.
How to Make It
The process is simple: coat the chicken, air fry until golden, toss in sauce. While the chicken cooks, you’ll have time to whip up the glaze and even start your rice.
Cut your chicken thigh fillets into bite-sized chunks, then toss them in the cornflour mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle with oil and mix until every piece looks sticky and well-coated. Spread them in your air fryer basket at 190C/375F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket at least three times so nothing sticks together.
While the chicken crisps up, combine all your sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring between each, until it’s hot and slightly thickenedabout three minutes total. Once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, toss it in the warm sesame sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions, and serve over rice.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Don’t overcrowd the basket: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, work in two batches so the chicken gets crispy on all sides
Shake it up: Give the basket a good shake at least three times during cookingit keeps the pieces from sticking and ensures even browning
Check for doneness: The internal temp should hit 79C/175F, and the chicken should be piping hot with no pink in the middle
Make the sauce ahead: Mix everything together and refrigerate, then just heat when you’re ready to toss
Note: After years of testing air fryer recipes, I’ve found that drizzling the oil over the coated chicken instead of tossing raw chicken in oil first gives you that extra-crispy texture without any sogginess.
Serving and Storage
Method
Details
Serve With
Boiled rice, egg fried rice, or noodles. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side.
Add Vegetables
Toss chopped peppers, mange tout, baby corn, or sliced mushrooms into the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180C for 3-4 minutes to revive the crisp.
Extra Sauce?
This recipe makes enough to coat the chicken plus drizzle over your rice. If you prefer less, reduce sauce ingredients by one-third.
The sesame seeds and spring onions aren’t just for looksthey add a little crunch and freshness that balances the sticky sweetness of the glaze. Sprinkle them on right before serving so they stay bright and toasted.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Sesame Chicken )
What temperature should I cook this recipe at?
Cook at 400°F for the best results. This temperature gives you crispy chicken pieces without overcooking. Most air fryers heat evenly at this setting, making it perfect for achieving that golden exterior while keeping the meat tender inside.
How long does it take to cook in the air fryer?
Total cooking time is about 12-15 minutes. Cook for 8 minutes, flip the pieces, then cook for another 4-7 minutes until golden brown. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of chicken pieces.
Can I use frozen chicken for this dish?
It’s best to thaw chicken completely before cooking. Frozen chicken won’t coat properly and may cook unevenly. If you must use frozen chicken, thaw it thoroughly and pat dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheat for 3-5 minutes at 400°F before adding the chicken. Preheating ensures even cooking from the start and helps create that crispy texture. Most modern air fryers have a preheat setting that makes this step quick and easy.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry before breading and let it rest for 5 minutes after coating. Use light oil spray on the coated pieces before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket and don’t shake too vigorously when flipping – use tongs instead.
You’ll love how this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken turns outgolden and crispy in under 20 minutes, with that glossy glaze clinging to every piece. The sesame seeds toast right on the chicken as it cooks, filling your kitchen with that nutty, caramelized aroma that makes everyone wander in asking what’s for dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but comes together so easily, you’ll want to make it every week.
If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauceit balances the honey beautifully. Leftover chicken reheats perfectly in the air fryer at 180C for just three minutes, so the coating stays crispy instead of soggy. I’ve learned from years behind the camera that the best recipes are the ones you actually make twice, and this one always gets an encore. Try tossing in snap peas or broccoli during the last few minutes for a complete one-basket meal.
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me with your photos or tell me what you served it with. Did you grow up ordering sesame chicken from your favorite takeout spot, or is this a new flavor for your family? Either way, save this recipe and share it with someone who needs a quick, delicious dinner win. Here’s to crispy chicken and easy weeknights.
