Air Fryer General Tsos Chicken Recipe

This recipe for air-fried chicken and broccoli in a savory hoisin glaze is my go-to for a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that never disappoints. I love how the crispy chicken gets perfectly coated in the sweet and spicy sauce, creating a mouthwatering balance that’s super satisfying yet so easy to whip up!

General Tso’s Chicken from my Air Fryer is a delectable rendition of the classic takeout beloved by many. Instead of using typical chicken breast portions, I opt for tender boneless, skinless thighs.

They are seasoned to perfection—I have never tasted a more umami-laden, garlicky, gingery chicken—before being lightly dredged in cornstarch and sent into the air fryer for a quick cook at top speed (which is to say, a high temperature). While they were working, I whipped up a sweet, tangy sauce.

Hoisin sauce became my secret weapon. It has a depth of flavor that balances sugar, rice vinegar, and a nice amount of crushed red pepper to keep things lively.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs: Protein-rich and more succulent than breast meat.

Cornstarch: Forms a crunchy crust and thickens sauces.

Soy Sauce: Contributes umami and an intensely savory depth of flavor.

Vinegar made from rice yields a gentle, sour, acidic quality.

Powdered garlic: Imparts the essence of garlic into dishes.

Ginger Powder: Provides a warm, sweet-spicy scent.

Hoisin Sauce: Provides sweetness with a small amount of spice.

For sauce, cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.

Red Pepper Flakes: Infuse a peppery heat.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a wide bowl, the chicken bits are combined with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. They are mixed well and left to marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to warm it up.

3. Before heating the air fryer, coat the marinated pieces of chicken with cornstarch and ensure that each piece has been evenly covered.

4. Gently apply a layer of vegetable oil to the air fryer basket, either by using a brush or spray. Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring that it is in a single layer and not overlapping.

5. Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is cooked all the way through and crispy.

6. If you are using broccoli, put it in the air fryer during the last 5 minutes of cooking so it can roast at the same time as the chicken.

7. In a small saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, sugar, water, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium, stirring until the mixture is combined and heated through.

8. In another small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan.

9. Prepare the sauce by cooking it and stirring it unceasingly until it has thickened and turned shiny. Take it off the burner.

10. Take the chicken that has been cooked and mix it into the sauce that has been thickened until it is all combined and the chicken is well coated. Next, serve that with the broccoli and top everything with both sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Equipment Needed

1. Wide bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Air fryer
4. Brush or oil spray
5. Tongs or fork (for flipping chicken)
6. Small saucepan
7. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring sauce)
8. Small bowl (for slurry)
9. Whisk or fork (for mixing slurry)
10. Serving plate or dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
  A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but keep in mind that chicken breast may be slightly drier than thighs.
• Q: Do I have to use broccoli florets?
  A: No, broccoli is optional, but it adds a nice balance to the dish. Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables.
• Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
  A: Yes, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
  A: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Q: Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
  A: Marinating the chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spices helps enhance the flavor, but if short on time, you can skip it.
• Q: Can I cook this in a traditional oven instead?
  A: Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to make this a vegetarian dish, substitute tofu for the chicken.
Arrowroot powder can be employed instead of cornstarch.
To make it gluten-free, swap tamari for soy sauce.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
Substitute sriracha for crushed red pepper flakes if you’re looking for an alternative source of heat.

Pro Tips

1. Double Marination Time If you have the time, marinate the chicken for longer than 15 minutes, up to 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a tastier dish.

2. Cornstarch Coating Tip To achieve a super crispy texture, gently shake off any excess cornstarch from the chicken before placing it in the air fryer. This prevents clumping and ensures even crispiness.

3. Broccoli Boost For enhanced flavor, toss the broccoli florets in a little salt and a few drops of sesame oil before adding them to the air fryer. This will add an extra dimension to the roasted vegetables.

4. Sauce Consistency If you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce, adjust the cornstarch slurry accordingly. Use more water for a thinner sauce or slightly more cornstarch for a thicker glaze.

5. Garnish Enhancement Toast your sesame seeds before using them as a garnish. Toasting brings out the nutty flavor of the seeds and adds an aromatic touch to the final dish.