Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook our favorite meals. These handy kitchen appliances allow us to fry, bake, grill, and roast our food using minimal oil. One dish that is loved by many is General Tso chicken, a popular Chinese dish known for its crispy exterior and flavorful sauce. If you have a bag of frozen General Tso chicken in your freezer and an air fryer on your countertop, get ready to enjoy a quick and easy meal that will satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook frozen General Tso chicken in an air fryer, step by step.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. For this recipe, you will need:
1. Frozen General Tso chicken – you can find this pre-packaged in the frozen section of your local supermarket or Asian grocery store.
2. Oil spray – using an oil spray will help achieve that crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
3. Optional sides – rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables can complement your General Tso chicken.
As for the equipment, you will need an air fryer. It’s a countertop appliance that circulates hot air around the food to cook it evenly and give it a crispy finish. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still follow this recipe using a conventional oven, but the cooking times may vary.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures that your General Tso chicken cooks evenly and reduces the overall cooking time.
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. During this time, you can take the frozen General Tso chicken out of the freezer and prepare any optional sides you wish to serve.
Cooking the Frozen General Tso Chicken
Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the frozen General Tso chicken. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken Pieces
Open the bag of frozen General Tso chicken and empty the contents into the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for the hot air to circulate. Crowding the basket may result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
Step 2: Spray Oil
Spray a light coating of oil over the frozen chicken pieces. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. The oil spray helps the breading of the chicken brown and become crunchy when it comes into contact with the hot air.
Step 3: Start the Cooking Process
Place the basket back into the air fryer and set the cooking time to 18-20 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so it’s best to keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks.
Step 4: Flip and Spray
Around the halfway mark, give the chicken pieces a gentle flip using tongs. This will ensure even cooking on both sides. Spray a light coating of oil on the flipped side to maintain the crispiness.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Once the cooking time is complete, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken pieces. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. If needed, you can cook for an additional few minutes and recheck the temperature.
Serving and Enjoying Your General Tso Chicken
After your General Tso chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! You can serve it as an appetizer, over a bed of rice, or alongside some stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Remember that the sauce included in the frozen General Tso chicken can get quite hot, so allow the dish to cool slightly before taking your first delicious bite. The air fryer ensures that the exterior of the chicken is crispy and the sauce retains all its flavors, resulting in a perfect combination of textures and tastes.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer
Once you have savored every bite of your General Tso chicken, make sure to clean your air fryer properly. Allow it to cool down completely before cleaning the basket and any other removable parts. You can wash them with warm soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher safe. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge. Regularly cleaning your air fryer ensures its longevity and guarantees that your next meal will taste just as delicious.
In conclusion, cooking frozen General Tso chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this beloved Chinese dish. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful chicken that will surely satisfy your cravings. So, get your air fryer ready, gather your ingredients, and indulge in a homemade General Tso chicken that rivals those from your favorite Chinese restaurant!