What To Know
- This blog post will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to make sesame chicken without frying, ensuring a healthier and equally flavorful meal.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a large bowl.
- Whether you’re looking for a healthier weeknight meal or a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for sesame chicken.
Craving the savory, crispy goodness of sesame chicken without the guilt of deep-frying? We’ve got you covered! This blog post will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to make sesame chicken without frying, ensuring a healthier and equally flavorful meal.
The Benefits of Air-Fried Sesame Chicken
Unlike traditional sesame chicken, our recipe utilizes air-frying, a healthier cooking method that eliminates the need for excessive oil. This results in:
- Reduced calorie intake: Air-frying significantly reduces the amount of calories compared to deep-frying.
- Lower fat content: Air-frying removes excess fat from the chicken, making it a leaner and healthier option.
- Preservation of nutrients: Air-frying minimizes nutrient loss, ensuring that the chicken retains its vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Marinating tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
3. Air-fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook: Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
5. Sauce preparation: While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Glaze the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds: Garnish the sesame chicken with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Sesame Chicken
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This will make the chicken easier to cut into bite-sized pieces and will also reduce the fat content.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will help to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking: This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides.
- Cook until golden brown: The chicken is cooked through when it is golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
Nutritional Information
One serving of sesame chicken without frying contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Variations on the Recipe
- Spicy sesame chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and sour sesame chicken: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to the sauce for a sweet and sour flavor.
- Gluten-free sesame chicken: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
Pairing Suggestions
Sesame chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including:
- Fried rice: A classic pairing that adds a savory and flavorful element.
- Steamed vegetables: A healthy and refreshing side dish that balances out the richness of the sesame chicken.
- Egg rolls: A crispy and crunchy appetizer or side dish that complements the sesame chicken.
A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Sesame Chicken
Our air-fried sesame chicken recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional sesame chicken without compromising on taste. It is lower in calories, fat, and sodium, and it retains more nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a healthier weeknight meal or a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for sesame chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The chicken is cooked through when it is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. You can also insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook the chicken, just reheat the sauce over medium heat.
