Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving Chinese takeout but want a lighter, easier twist, this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken will absolutely steal your heart. Juicy, golden bites of chicken get tossed in a sweet, tangy, and utterly crave-worthy sauce—plus it’s all made fast in the air fryer, for major crispness with minimal fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every single ingredient in this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken works overtime to bring color, savory depth, and zingy brightness to your plate. Don’t worry—a short, simple list comes together for big flavor and that signature tender chicken with glossy sauce.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Their juiciness stands up perfectly to the air fryer, so every bite stays succulent (breast works too—see notes below!)
• Vegetable oil: A little goes a long way for marinating, helping the starch grab onto the chicken pieces for extra crispness.
• Salt: Just enough to season the chicken right from the start.
• Cornstarch: Helps the chicken crisp up in the air fryer and thickens your sauce to that restaurant-style sheen.
• Ketchup: The secret to a tangy, vibrant sweet and sour base—don’t skip it!
• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: This adds a subtle depth and savoriness; if you’re out, dry sherry or even a splash of white wine will do.
• Rice vinegar: Brings the signature ‘zing’—regular white vinegar can pinch-hit, but rice vinegar is best for balance.
• Light soy sauce: For that salty, umami backbone in the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Melts into the sauce for rich sweetness that perfectly offsets the tang.
• Water: Just a splash for the sauce to loosen things up and help everything meld.
• Peanut or vegetable oil: This is your sauté base; peanut oil adds a subtle nutty aroma if you have it.
• Garlic & ginger: These aromatics create the classic base for your sauce, making everything smell incredible!
• White onion & bell pepper: They add crunch and beautiful color—mix up bell pepper colors if you want an even more vibrant finish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken? It’s a total recipe chameleon! You can swap, substitute, or personalize ingredients for what you have—or for what you’re craving—without losing that comforting, tangy-sweet vibe.

• Chicken breast swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast if that’s what’s in your fridge—just reduce air fryer cooking time so it stays juicy.
• Extra-veg version: Toss in snap peas, carrots, pineapple, or broccoli to boost the veggie power and color.
• Low-sugar alternative: Swap brown sugar with honey or a favorite sugar substitute for a lighter sauce.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for gentle heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with vegetable oil and salt, giving everything a good mix so every nugget gets infused with flavor. Let this sit for about 10 minutes—the quick marinade makes a difference! When you’re ready, sprinkle on the cornstarch and mix until every piece is mostly coated, with just a whisper of dry cornstarch still visible.

Step 2: Crisp in the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken pieces in your air fryer basket or tray, making sure none are piled on top of each other. A little space helps that irresistible crisp form. Mist or spray the chicken with oil so the coating is nice and even, with no patches of dry starch. Air fry at 450°F (230°C) for 8 minutes. Flip (or give the basket a good shake), then return chicken for another 5 to 6 minutes until everything turns beautifully golden and slightly crunchy. Move the crispy chicken to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce and Sauté Aromatics

While your chicken is cooking, mix up the sauce: combine ketchup, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and that extra bit of cornstarch in a small bowl, whisking until totally smooth. When you’re ready, heat your oil in a large skillet and toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir and let them sizzle just until fragrant, which only takes a few seconds—that aroma is your secret weapon!

Step 4: Cook Veggies and Simmer the Sauce

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to your skillet with the garlic and ginger. Give it a quick stir—30 seconds or so is all you need for some vibrant color and gentle crunch. Whisk the sauce again (cornstarch tends to settle), then pour it into the pan. Stir and cook as the sauce thickens up into that iconic, glossy, sweet and sour finish.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add your air-fried chicken into the thickened sauce. Toss everything together until all the nooks and crannies are coated in that shiny, tangy glaze. Serve hot—over rice, noodles, or straight from the pan with chopsticks for the full takeout-at-home experience!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of thinly sliced chili for a restaurant-worthy flourish. A scatter of fresh cilantro also adds a fresh, herby pop that really wakes up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This vibrant chicken is a total crowd-pleaser with fluffy jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or even a quick batch of fried rice. If you want something lighter, pair it with a simple Asian slaw or some crisp lettuce wraps for a DIY takeout night at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your sweet and sour chicken in small bowls or takeout boxes with chopsticks for a playful dinner. Or, go family-style by placing it on a big platter surrounded by rainbow veggies and steamed rice—let everyone build their own perfect bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken? Lucky you! Let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you keep the sauce and chicken separate, the chicken will stay crisper when you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken pieces (once cooled) in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The sauce can also be made ahead and frozen separately; just thaw both and toss together in a hot pan for a homemade meal in minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding an extra splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, pop the chicken pieces into the air fryer for a few minutes to revive their crisp, then toss with the reheated sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that delivers comfort, color, and pure joy in every bite, Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken will not let you down. I hope you give it a whirl—whether for a weeknight pick-me-up or a fun homemade “takeout” feast. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to make everyone at your table smile!

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