Introduction to Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a favorite dish, renowned for its wonderful combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Traditionally, the chicken pieces in this recipe are deep-fried until they are crispy, then coated in a sticky, delicious sauce. This can substantially increase the calorie content of the dish.
Entering the air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air around it, which mimics the effects of deep frying. The result is a crispy texture without the need for large amounts of oil.
Why I Love Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
Air fried sweet and sour chicken is a great blend of flavors that everyone loves. Here’s why this dish stands out:
- Delicious Taste: The combination of crispy chicken with sweet and tangy sauce is simply irresistible. Made from simple ingredients like sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce, the sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Healthy cooking: Using an healthy air fryer recipes to make sweet and sour chicken requires much less oil than traditional frying methods. This results in fewer calories and less fat, making it a healthy option for people who love fried foods but want to maintain a balanced diet.
- Faster preparation: Air fryers cook food much more quickly than traditional ovens or deep fryers. This means you can enjoy your meal sooner, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
- Simplified cleanup: With less oil and mess, cleanup after cooking is much easier. Plus, many parts of the air fryer are dishwasher safe, saving you even more time and effort.
- Versatile: Air fryer sweet and sour chicken recipe can be served with rice, noodles, or even alone as a delicious appetizer. It is a versatile dish that is suitable for any meal.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
Chicken:
2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Vegetables and Fruits:
1 red capsicum, cut into small pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into small pieces
1 cup pineapple pieces (drain water if using canned)
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar (or white sugar)
1 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. water
Additional Ingredients:
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
How to make air fryer sweet and sour chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken: First, cut the boneless and skinless chicken into small pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
Season the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to make sure each piece is well coated with the seasonings.
Coat with cornstarch: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the seasoned chicken. Toss the chicken in the bowl until each piece is lightly coated. This step helps the chicken get crispy when air fried.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important because it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a crispy texture.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket; if your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to cook it evenly.
Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps on all sides.
Check for doneness: The chicken is ready when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside. To make sure it is cooked thoroughly, cut it into a piece and check that there is no pink/red colour left inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to allow the sugar to dissolve completely.
After the seasonings are combined, add the cornstarch and water mixture. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes, or until the seasoning is to your liking.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Toss the chicken with the sauce: After you’ve cooked the chicken and prepared the sauce, place the crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken.
Toss to coat: Gently toss the chicken in the bowl, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the sweet and sour sauce.
Step 5: Serve
For the best taste, serve the sweet and sour chicken hot. Garnish with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds to enhance the taste and texture. This dish tastes great when served with steamed rice or noodles.
Utensils you will need
Air fryer: This is a must for cooking chicken. It uses hot air to crisp up the chicken with minimal oil.
Mixing bowls: You will need several mixing bowls to prepare your ingredients. Use one for the chicken, another for the coating, and a third for the sweet and sour sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for measuring ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups for liquids and teaspoons for smaller quantities like spices.
Tongs: These help you safely flip and remove chicken pieces from the air fryer, keeping your hands away from the hot food.
Small saucepan: This is used to prepare the sweet and sour sauce. Mix and heat the ingredients until the sauce is ready.
Health Benefits of Air Frying
Lean protein from chicken:- Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle. This protein also helps you feel full and satisfied, helping to control appetite and maintain a healthy weight.
Vitamins and minerals from vegetables:- Sweet and sour chicken often includes nutritious vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. These veggies provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
Bell peppers: Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids in iron absorption.
Onions: Rich in antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Pineapple: Rich in vitamin C and manganese, supports immune function and bone health.
- Using an air fryer to cook your food has many health benefits. It reduces your intake of unhealthy fats by using less oil, which is good for your heart. Including lean proteins like chicken and lots of vegetables in your diet also supports heart health.
- Air-fried foods are generally lower in calories because they require less oil. Eating meals with lean proteins and vegetables helps you feel full and satisfied, making it easier to control your weight.
- Plus, air frying cooks food faster at a lower temperature than traditional frying methods. This helps retain more nutrients in your food, giving you more vitamins and minerals in each bite.
Serving Suggestions for sweet and sour chicken in air fryer
Rice: Rice is a classic side dish that goes great with sweet and sour chicken. Here are some options:
White rice: Cook according to package directions and fluff with a fork before serving.
Brown rice: A healthier option with more fiber and nutrients. Cook it like white rice.
Jasmine rice: Adds a subtle fragrance to your meal. Cook it like white rice.
Fresh salads add crunch and freshness to your meal. Here are some easy salad ideas:
Simple green salad: Mix lettuce, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper.
Asian salad: Mix shredded cabbage, carrots and green onions. Dress with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar and a little sugar.
Fruit salad: Mix fresh pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges and leafy greens. The sweetness pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Portion control: Serve sweet and sour chicken in appropriate portions to avoid overeating.
Presentation: Arrange the chicken and side dishes nicely on the plate to make it look more appetizing.
Extra sauce: For those who like their chicken more spicy, serve extra sweet and sour sauce on the side.
How to store
- Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature after cooking. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy during storage.
- Next, place the cold chicken in an airtight container so it stays fresh and doesn’t absorb other flavors in the fridge. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the chicken can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to store the chicken longer, consider freezing it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, remove as much air as possible, and then freeze. The chicken can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating sweet and sour chicken in air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat the chicken for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. The chicken should be hot and slightly crispy.
Tips for Best Result
- Don’t overcrowd: When reheating, don’t overcrowd the chicken pieces. This ensures that they heat evenly and stay crispy.
- Check the temperature: Chicken should be heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Add sauce: If you stored the sweet and sour sauce separately, reheat it and pour it over the chicken just before serving to keep it crispy.
