This Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is a healthier take on the classic Chinese takeout and it’s delicious! Succulent chicken, slathered in a tangy sauce, served with a side of fluffy rice, pure heaven on a plate!
With less saturated fat than your typical takeout, less cleanup than deep frying at home AND all the taste of the classic dish, Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is where it’s at! Perfect chicken topped with a delicious sauce that’s easy to make perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Why Air Fry Chicken?
Air Frying chicken is an healthier option for cooks who desire the delicious crunch that comes with fried foods but not the delicious calories and fat. It also tends to have a quicker cook time than many foods that are typically baked in the oven.
With help of my air fryer, I create this dish in less than 20 minutes. You can use the air fryer to prep your chicken and I create your sauce while that’s going.
Variations On General Tso’s Sauce
This sauce has a wonderfully salty and tangy mix, it’s totally addictive! If you want to vary the taste, here are some ideas.
- If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add 1 tablespoon sugar in the sauce.
- To make this hot, add 6 whole dried red chilies while stir frying the chicken.
- Add a little orange zest to brighten the dish up.
- If a sweeter sauce is a must for you, add 1 tablespoon of honey
Top Tips For Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer before using it.
- Make sure to spray with air fryer with non stick cooking spray, before using it.
- Toss the chicken in the air fryer basket, so they cook evenly.
- Serve with white or brown rice, or some steamed broccoli.
Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- Dash of black pepper
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- ½ tsp ginger paste
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
For the Chicken
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes
- In a small bowl toss the chicken with the cornstarch, salt and pepper to coat evenly
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray
- Put the chicken in the air fryer, separate the pieces so they will cook all the way around
- Air fry for 10 mins, toss the basket once at 5 minutes to flip the chicken over
For the Sauce
- Add all the sauce ingredients to a small, heavy bottomed saucepan or medium heat
- Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved
- Bring to a rapid boil
- Reduce to simmer, simmer about 5 minutes until sauce has thickened
- Pour the sauce over the air fried chicken to coat evenly
- Serve over plain white or brown rice
Madalynne says
I think it’s a little too ketchupy for my taste but it was good. But I’m not sure what you could substitute it for.
Becky Hardin says
Please modify to your liking!
Terry says
I had to comment after reading some of your reviews. I followed your recipe spot on. It was excellent! Just the right amount of heat and tanginess. Excellent. And it was so simple.
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Terry!
Mack says
The chicken came out nice and crispy and the sauce is great! Only issue i had was the cornstarch was still grainy/powdery when eating despite the sauce.. any help? Should it be a dusting or a coating?
Becky Hardin says
You’ll want to coat it evenly, but you can switch to a dusting if that’s not working.
Lori S says
This is a wonderfully tasty homemade gem of a recipe. Honestly like it more than the restaurant versions!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Lori!
Esteban Clowes says
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
Jayden McFee says
Very delicious and super easy to make! 30 mins start to finish and super tasty and satisfying.
Could be a bit crispier but I think I should just cook it a bit more
Trisha Mcmanus says
So easy and delicious! Vibrant colour too. I did with green beens ams then Asian greens. Topped with toasted slivered Almonds too
Becky Hardin says
Sounds delicious, Trisha!
Breezy Smith says
This recipe was delicious and so quick and easy!
Becky Hardin says
I’m glad it was a hit!
Morgan says
But it tasted nothing like general tsos? It’s a fine recipe and was okay but just really not what I would call general tsos. Heavy ketchup. Airfrying the chicken was a good touch though. Leaves a nice texture
Becky Hardin says
I’m sorry this recipe wasn’t quite to your tastes, Morgan!
Vicky says
So tasty and easy to make!
Becky Hardin says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Vicky!