This Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is everything you love about classic takeout—crispy, savory nuggets of chicken tossed in a sticky, spicy, garlicky-sweet sauce—but lighter, faster, and made right at home. If you’re craving that iconic flavor with a fraction of the oil, grab your air fryer and let’s cook up a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection, No Deep Fryer: The air fryer delivers irresistibly crisp chicken bites with just a tiny fraction of oil—no greasy mess or guilt required!
- All the Flavor, Less Fuss: This sauce has that signature blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy you crave in General Tso’s chicken, but it’s ready in minutes and so easy to whip up.
- Takeout At Home—Any Night: Skip the restaurant wait and create a better-than-takeout meal in under an hour, using pantry ingredients you already have on hand.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you want extra heat, more sauce, or to keep things mild, you’re in total control with this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—each ingredient here is a flavor hero, and together they create that iconic color and taste in the Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken. Simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches bring everything together in the most delicious way.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra juicy and tender during air frying, perfect for bite-sized pieces.
- Fresh ginger & garlic: These bold aromatics infuse the marinade and sauce with signature warmth and savory depth.
- Soy sauce: Salty, umami-rich soy sauce anchors both the marinade and sauce.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens every bite and balances the sweetness in the glaze.
- Egg: Helps the cornstarch coating stick, so your chicken comes out shatteringly crisp.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to an airy, crunchy coating—no traditional batter needed!
- Chicken broth: Provides the savory base for our glossy, thickened sauce.
- Ketchup: A surprising but classic addition for color, subtle sweetness, and a hint of tang.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce, giving it that craveable sticky quality.
- Cooking oil: Just a couple of tablespoons add flavor and help the aromatics bloom in the sauce.
- Red chili flakes: Brings gentle (or bold!) heat you can easily adjust to taste.
- Sesame seeds & green onions: Essential for garnish—a final flourish of crunch and color.
Variations
The true beauty of the Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is how easy it is to tweak for your own tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your pantry. Here are some favorite ways to personalize this dish and make it perfect for you!
- Make it Gluten Free: Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch brand is gluten free.
- Up the Veggies: Toss cooked broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell pepper in with the sauce for extra color, crunch, and nutrients.
- Swap the Protein: Chicken breast, tofu cubes, or even shrimp come out fantastic with the same method and sauce!
- Turn Up (or Down) the Heat: Add or dial back the red chili flakes to match your ideal spicy level, or substitute with a drizzle of hot honey for sweet heat.
How to Make Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken thigh pieces with fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Let this flavorful combo mingle for at least 30 minutes—this quick marinade makes the chicken juicy and aromatic, and every bite is packed with flavor even before it hits the sauce.
Step 2: Prep the Coating
While the chicken marinates, beat an egg in one bowl and add cornstarch to another. When you’re ready to cook, dip each piece of chicken first into the egg, then into the cornstarch, making sure each nugget is well-coated and shaking off any excess. This step is what guarantees ultra-crisp results in the air fryer!
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Goodness
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes—it really makes a difference for getting that initial sizzle. Lightly grease the basket, then arrange the coated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed for best texture). Air fry for 12–16 minutes, shaking once, until the chicken is perfectly golden and cooked to 165°F.
Step 4: Whip Up the Sauce
As your chicken cooks, whisk chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch together for a silky base. In a skillet, heat oil, then sizzle ginger, garlic, and chili flakes just until fragrant—don’t let them scorch! Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring constantly, and let it simmer until glossy and thickened.
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Let the magic happen—toss your crispy chicken straight from the air fryer into that irresistible sauce, making sure every morsel gets completely coated. Shower with plenty of sesame seeds and green onions before serving warm. Get ready for a flavor explosion worthy of your favorite takeout menu!
Pro Tips for Making Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
- Crispy Layers, Not Lumps: Shake off extra cornstarch before air frying for the ultimate shatter-crisp coating—no floury patches!
- Work in Batches for Best Results: Crowding the air fryer basket turns crispy pieces soft, so cook in a single layer even if that means two (or three!) rounds.
- Sauce Thickness Control: If your sauce’s thickening too much while simmering, just add a splash of water or broth to reach your dream consistency.
- Warm Everything Just Before Serving: After your last chicken batch is done, return all pieces to the basket and air fry for 1 minute so the whole batch is piping hot and crisp before tossing in the sauce.
How to Serve Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a shower of thinly sliced green onions add that essential final touch—think of it as restaurant flair at home! For extra freshness, try a few cilantro leaves or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken shines over steamy white rice, but don’t hesitate to serve it with brown rice, fried rice, or even simple stir-fried noodles. Steamed broccoli or snap peas make a perfect, crunchy contrast—and let’s be honest, you’ll want something to soak up every drop of that gorgeous sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve General Tso’s chicken as fun party bites with toothpicks, wrap in lettuce leaves for an ultra-fresh twist, or load into fluffy bao buns for a fusion feast. A sprinkle of extra chili flakes or zigzag of spicy mayo will make the dish pop on any platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The chicken stays surprisingly crisp, and the flavors deepen overnight—some say it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
Freeze cooked (unsauced) chicken pieces in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for General Tso’s night, thaw overnight in the fridge, then crisp up in the air fryer. Whip up a fresh batch of sauce and toss to coat—it’s like having homemade takeout on demand!
Reheating
For super-crisp leftovers, reheat the chicken in your air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until hot and crunchy. The microwave works in a pinch but can soften the coating, so always opt for the air fryer if you can!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well and gives a lighter result. Just make sure not to overcook and check for doneness at 12 minutes, since breast can dry out faster than thighs.
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How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red chili flakes to the sauce or even toss in a bit of sriracha or chopped fresh chili. You can always adjust the heat at the end—taste and tweak to your spice-loving heart’s content!
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Can I double the sauce for extra coating?
Definitely! If you’re a sauce enthusiast or want extra for rice or veggies, just double all the sauce ingredients and simmer as usual. No other adjustments needed.
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Is Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken healthy?
Compared to traditional deep-fried versions, this air fryer recipe is lighter and uses far less oil, with all the bold flavor you crave. You’re in control of the ingredients, so it’s easy to adapt for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to satisfy your takeout cravings, this Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is pure magic—crisp, sticky, and full of bold flavor, and so much easier (and lighter!) than you ever dreamed. Gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to homemade comfort that rivals any restaurant. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this recipe as much as I have!
Print
Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a healthier version of the classic Chinese takeout dish with this Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken recipe. Crispy air-fried chicken coated in a flavorful sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
To Air Fry Chicken
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2/3 cup cornstarch
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
Garnishing
- sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes.
- Coat Chicken: Beat egg in a bowl. Coat chicken in egg, then cornstarch.
- Air Fry Chicken: Place chicken in a single layer in air fryer. Air fry at 400F for 12-16 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Whisk chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and ketchup.
- Cook Sauce: Heat oil in a skillet, sauté ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Add sauce and cook until thickened.
- Coat Chicken: Toss air-fried chicken in sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve.
Notes
- Cook in batches.
- Keep warm by air frying batches together for 1 minute.
- Add more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Double the sauce recipe for extra sauce.
- Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave.
- Freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and air fry, then toss in fresh sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
