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Sticky, slightly sweet, tangy, and a simple Sesame Chicken is just what your healthy weeknight menu needs! Save that takeout container for a more desperate time, this delicious dinner has all the allure of your favorite Asian restaurant meal, but with healthy and natural ingredients. Make this amazingly simple and delicious meal in the Air-Fryer or on the Stovetop in less than 20 minutes!
I’ve been hearing from many of you lately during this busy month of September. You all want quick and easy dinners, you want fewer ingredients. And many of you are experimenting with healthy Air Fryer recipes! I can’t blame you.
This week, I’ve pulled out my Air-Fryer oh so many times. Hard Boiled eggs? Yes, hands off and I didn’t even need to clean the Air Fryer afterwards. Easy sweet potato fries that I bought in the frozen section? Threw them in my Air Fryer, and they were done in 10 minutes. Extra ground turkey laying around my fridge? I whipped up a quick batch of my homemade Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Patties. I also used it this morning to throw in some potato pancakes for a quick breakfast for my kids. And in case you were wondering, those were also bought in the frozen section of my grocery store and done in less than 10 minutes.
If you’re looking for another quick, flavorful air fryer meal, my Crispy Healthy Salmon Bite Bowls, are one of my go-to recipes (ready in just 20 minutes) which I love for a fast, nourishing dinner the whole family enjoys.
As a nutritionist, I am all about the shortcuts when it comes to healthy recipes. And this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken is exactly what you want that doesn’t sacrifice taste or our time.
Let’s get to it.
My beloved Air-Fryer I love you so!!
Vortex Instant Plus 6 QT Air Fryer
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable cooking programs for easy chicken wings, roasted veggies, cinnamon buns and more.
How to make Sesame Chicken
So let’s discuss just how quickly you can make this chicken. I basically whipped up a quick blend of arrowroot starch, garlic powder, and salt. I coated some cut up chicken breast, and sprayed the pieces with some avocado oil (you can also use cooking spray here). This step helps to give the chicken a “crispy” fried like texture that works perfectly with a sticky Asian sauce. If not using an Air-Fryer, you can toss in a hot skillet with some oil.
While cooking, you’ll whisk together an easy sauce of coconut aminos (or GF Tamari Sauce), rice vinegar, juice of a fresh orange, orange zest, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
When cooking is complete, toss the sauce with the chicken.
How can I make this on the Stovetop?
Although the air fryer method is more hands off and will give you a crispier texture, you can also make this on the stovetop!
Follow the same prep instructions above. Toss the chicken pieces in arrowroot and prepare the sauce. Heat a large skillet to medium high heat and add cooking oil (I prefer avocado oil). Saute on all sides until lightly golden (10-12 minute).
Serving and Storing:
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice and top with sesame seeds, green onion, and crushed red pepper (optional)
- Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This makes for a great meal prep option. Toss in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to re-heat, or you can also use a microwave.
Other healthy “takeout” recipes you will love!
Ginger Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken
Thai Beef Drunken Noodles
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3.5 tbsp arrowroot starch*, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- avocado oil or olive oil spray** , (if using stovetop you'll need 3 tbsp oil)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bit sized pieces
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos***
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp juice from an orange
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp chopped fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp diced green onion
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp arrowroot starch and garlic powder. Place inside an air tight container or ziploc bag. Place the starch in the container with the chicken, and shake until each piece is coated. Place the chicken inside the air fryer basket, and spray with oil on both sides of the chicken.
- Set the air fryer timer to 12 minutes and 370 degrees (please note that different air fryers cook differently and it may need to cook longer or shorter). Check at the halfway mark and toss so it cooks evenly on both sides.
- While chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a small sauce pan, whisk together coconut aminos, vinegar, orange juice, zest, ginger and garlic. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 tbsp of arrowroot, and cook over medium heat until thick (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- If using the stovetop, heat a large skillet to medium/medium high heat. Once hot, toss in 3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil. Add chicken and cook on both sides consistently flipping so the starch doesn't stick to the pan. Cook until golden brown and chicken is completely cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
- Once chicken is cooked, toss in a large bowl with sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion to serve.
I just spent 2-1/2 hours making this for 9 servings. The amount of starch that you put in the sauce is wrong on the recipe for 9 servings. By the time you figure the sauce out the sauce is over cooked. Then when you put the starch in, it congeals into a very unappetizing texture and look. It’s gross to look at. So now I have wasted $50 in groceries, 2-1/2 hours and I have nothing to eat this week. I am so upset.
My family loves this recipe! The sauce doubles perfectly and the flavors are so vibrant! Thanks for a great recipe!
Made this in a pan instead of air fryer this time and it didn’t get the crispiness but we all love it- and it’s so easy!
This recipe was delicious! I don’t have the capability to zest an orange so I skipped that step. I could eat this every week!
this was AWESOME! I have so missed the gooey sticky asian food sauces I grew up with – I actually made this 2 nights in a row!! thank you.