About Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a delicious and popular Chinese dish that is known for its crispy texture and flavorful taste. Traditionally, this dish is made by deep-frying the chicken pieces, which can be time-consuming and high in calories. However, with the invention of air fryers, it has become much easier and healthier to make sesame chicken at home.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer similar to deep-frying, but with significantly less oil. Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, versatility, and ability to make delicious crispy dishes with a fraction of the oil traditionally used.
Ingredients
To make sesame chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make sesame chicken in an air fryer:
- In a shallow bowl, season the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip them into the beaten eggs, and finally coat them with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sesame sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if desired) in a small saucepan. Heat the sauce over low heat until it thickens slightly.
- After 10 minutes, remove the chicken from the air fryer and brush each piece with the prepared sesame sauce.
- Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has caramelized slightly.
- Remove the sesame chicken from the air fryer and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish.
- Serve the sesame chicken hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to make sesame chicken offers several advantages:
- Healthier Option: Air frying requires much less oil than deep-frying, resulting in a lower calorie and fat content.
- Convenience: Air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient option for home cooking.
- Time-Saving: Air frying is faster than traditional deep-frying since there is no need to preheat a large amount of oil.
- Texture and Taste: Despite using less oil, air frying still yields a crispy and delicious outer layer, similar to deep-frying.
- Versatility: In addition to sesame chicken, air fryers can be used to prepare a wide range of dishes, including fries, wings, and even desserts.
Conclusion
Thanks to air fryers, making crispy and flavorful sesame chicken at home has never been easier. By following a simple recipe and using the right ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier version of this popular Chinese dish in no time. The benefits of using an air fryer, including reduced oil consumption, convenience, and versatility, make it an excellent addition to any kitchen. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your delicious homemade sesame chicken?