Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make General Tso’s Chicken! This recipe is hands-down the best air fryer General Tso’s chicken recipe you’ll ever try. It’s so simple and oh-so-delicious! I remember the first time I made it; I was craving that crispy, saucy goodness but didn’t want to deal with all that oil from deep frying. Enter the air fryer! You get that amazing crunch without the guilt. Trust me, once you take that first bite, the sweet and spicy flavors will dance on your taste buds! Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights or when friends pop over unexpectedly. I can’t wait for you to give it a go!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for that perfect crunch.
- 1 cup cornstarch: This is what gives the chicken that delightful crispy coating.
- 2 eggs: Beaten, to help the cornstarch stick to the chicken beautifully.
- 1 cup General Tso’s sauce: The star of the show! It brings that sweet and spicy flavor we all love.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Just a hint for a fragrant finish.
- 2 green onions: Chopped, for a fresh and colorful garnish.
- Oil spray: A little spritz to ensure everything cooks up crispy.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is. First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for that perfect crispiness!
- While the air fryer is warming up, take your chicken breast pieces and coat them thoroughly in the cornstarch. Make sure each piece is nicely covered; this is key for that crunchy texture!
- Next, dip those coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs. This helps the cornstarch adhere even better. Ooh, you’ll start to see them glisten!
- Now, grab your air fryer basket and spray it lightly with oil. This will prevent sticking and promote that golden crunch we’re after.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; give them space to breathe and crisp up beautifully!
- Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
- While the chicken is cooking, mix together the General Tso’s sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. This sauce is where all the magic happens!
- Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce mixture until it’s all beautifully coated. Oh wow, it’s going to look amazing!
- Finally, garnish with those lovely chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade General Tso’s Chicken hot from the air fryer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Deliciously crispy chicken without the guilt of deep frying.
- Flavorful sweet and spicy sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Healthier cooking method thanks to the air fryer.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends.
Tips for Success
To really nail this best air fryer General Tso’s chicken recipe, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip the cornstarch coating; it’s essential for that irresistible crunch! If you want an extra layer of flavor, feel free to marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce for 30 minutes before coating it. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Also, remember that air fryers can vary a bit in cooking times, so keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks. If you find that it’s cooking too quickly, lower the temperature slightly. And when you’re shaking the basket, be gentle—this way, you won’t lose that lovely coating. Lastly, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back that crispiness. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about this best air fryer General Tso’s chicken recipe is how easy it is to mix things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the General Tso’s sauce for sweet and sour sauce for a tangy twist. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick! Want to add more veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli along with the chicken for a colorful stir-fry feel. The sky’s the limit, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of this best air fryer General Tso’s chicken recipe: you’ll get about 350 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein. It also contains roughly 40 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this guilt-free deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious General Tso’s Chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3 days—perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch! When it’s time to reheat, I recommend popping it back in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will help restore that crispy texture we all love. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but the air fryer really brings back the crunch. Enjoy every bite again!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before coating it with cornstarch and eggs. Otherwise, the coating won’t stick properly, and we can’t have that!
What if I don’t have General Tso’s sauce?
No worries! You can use any stir-fry sauce or even a homemade mix of soy sauce, honey, and a bit of chili paste for that sweet and spicy kick.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check for a nice golden brown color and a crispy texture. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Safety first!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free and double-check the ingredients in your General Tso’s sauce. There are great options available now!
What sides go well with General Tso’s Chicken?
Serve it over steamed rice or alongside some stir-fried veggies for a complete meal. Yum!
Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Recipe in 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for General Tso’s Chicken made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup General Tso’s sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Dip chicken in beaten eggs.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil.
- Place chicken in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- In a bowl, mix General Tso’s sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Toss cooked chicken with sauce mixture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time if necessary based on air fryer model.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables.
- You can add more sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: best air fryer general tsos chicken recipe
