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Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken - Your Healthy Takeout Fix

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a flavorful, low-oil alternative to takeout while satisfying your cravings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Substitute with chicken breast for leaner option.
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil Any neutral-flavored oil will do.
  • 1 tsp Salt Reduce if watching sodium intake.
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch For crispy coating.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup Can use tomato sauce for less sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry) Replace with rice vinegar for non-alcoholic version.
  • 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar Swap with apple cider vinegar if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free.
  • 3 tbsp Brown Sugar Honey or maple syrup can be an alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Water
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tbsp Peanut Oil (or Vegetable Oil) Any neutral oil works.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh is best.
  • 1 tbsp Ginger (minced) Fresh is best.
  • 1 cup White Onion Diced.
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper Diced.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, marinate the chicken thighs with vegetable oil and a pinch of salt for about 10 minutes. Then, toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 450°F (230°C). Place the marinated chicken in the basket, spray lightly with oil, and air fry for 8 minutes. Flip or shake and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until well combined.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in peanut or vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
  6. Add the crispy chicken into the skillet, mix until coated with the sauce, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow chicken to marinate to enhance flavors. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model for best results.

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