Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken That's Crispy and Guilt-Free

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a healthier take on a classic dish with crispy chicken and a rich sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Marination Time 10

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative.
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil Peanut oil can be used for a nuttier flavor.
1 tsp Salt Adjust according to dietary needs.
2 tbsp Cornstarch Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

For the Sauce

1 cup Ketchup Homemade sweet and sour sauce can be used.
2 tbsp Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry) Rice vinegar can be used for a non-alcoholic option.
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be a good backup.
3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
2 tbsp Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be substituted for a lower glycemic option.
1/2 cup Water No substitutions needed.

For the Aromatics

1 tbsp Peanut Oil (or Vegetable Oil)
2 cloves Garlic Garlic powder is a suitable alternative.
1 tbsp Minced Ginger Ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
1 small White Onion Shallots can be substituted.
1 medium Bell Pepper Broccoli or snap peas can be used as alternatives.

Equipment

Air fryer
skillet
Mixing bowl

Method

Cooking Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine boneless skinless chicken thighs, vegetable oil, and salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (230°C). Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Lightly spray the chicken with oil and air fry for 8 minutes.
Flip the chicken pieces using tongs and continue air frying for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Mix together ketchup, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, brown sugar, and water to create the sauce.
In a skillet, heat peanut or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
Add chopped white onion and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked aromatics and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Transfer the air-fried chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnishing as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the air fryer for best results. Let chicken sit briefly before adding the sauce for crispiness.

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