Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken: The Secrets To Restaurant-quality Taste At Home

Craving the tantalizing flavors of General Tso’s chicken without the guilt of deep-frying? Look no further! This blog post will guide you through the art of making air fryer General Tso‘s chicken, a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the traditional version. Get ready to indulge in crispy, succulent chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2. All-purpose flour
3. Cornstarch
4. Salt
5. Pepper
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Egg
9. Water
10. Vegetable oil
11. General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
12. Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Dip the Chicken:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it again in the flour mixture.

3. Air Fry the Chicken:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

• While the chicken is cooking, heat a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the General Tso’s sauce and bring it to a simmer.
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a large bowl.
• Pour the hot General Tso’s sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Serve the air fryer General Tso’s chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions.
• Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or crispy noodles.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken:

• To ensure crispy chicken, make sure the chicken pieces are coated evenly in the flour mixture before air frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s cooking to prevent burning.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
• For a homemade General Tso’s sauce, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes.

Healthier Alternatives:

• Use whole-wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier coating.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and brown sugar to reduce the sodium and sugar content.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water in the egg mixture for added flavor.
• Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.

Storing and Reheating:

• Store leftover air fryer General Tso’s chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through.

“The Takeaway:”

Air fryer General Tso’s chicken is a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. With its crispy coating, succulent chicken, and tangy sauce, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your perfect air fryer General Tso‘s chicken.

What You Need to Learn

Q1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before coating and cooking.

Q2. What sides can I serve with air fryer General Tso‘s chicken?

• Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, crispy noodles, or a simple salad are all great options.

Q3. Can I make my own General Tso‘s sauce?

• Yes, you can find many recipes online for homemade General Tso’s sauce. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.