Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Everyone Will Crave
This one’s for those evenings when your cravings pull you toward takeout, but your fridge gives you the side-eye. We’ve all been there. This air fryer sesame chicken nails that crispy-sweet-salty balance without leaving you in a food coma—or your wallet a little lighter. It’s quick, it’s got that satisfying crunch, and the sticky sesame glaze clings in all the right ways.
You don’t need a culinary degree or three hours of free time. I made this with one hand stirring and the other texting my sister. The air fryer pulls its weight like a champ, giving that golden crispiness we want, minus the oil fog. You’ll use simple ingredients: a few pantry staples, chicken thighs (trust me on this one), and some sesame seeds to make things feel a bit fancy without getting out the good dishes.
Whether you’re trying to impress someone (yourself counts) or just want dinner that won’t argue with your schedule, this chicken delivers. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to—because it just works.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Place the chopped chicken thighs in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tbsp cornflour. Toss until coated.
- Add the oil and toss again to coat. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Add chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, and water in a pan. Heat over medium.
- Once simmering, add the cornflour slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions before serving.