Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Breast is a quick, flavorful, and healthier take on a classic dish that typically calls for deep frying. The air fryer cooks the chicken to crispy perfection with much less oil, while still delivering that rich sesame flavor that makes this dish so delicious. Tender and juicy on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior, the air fryer is the perfect tool to create a healthier version of sesame chicken that’s just as tasty.
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook quickly in the air fryer, and a simple sesame sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. The result is a sweet, savory, and nutty glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. This dish is perfect for meal prep, a quick weeknight dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce, if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken breasts:
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Air fry the chicken:
- Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil or spray them with an oil spray to ensure they become crispy.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the sesame sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sesame sauce by combining the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Whisk until the sauce is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference. You can add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for a saltier flavor.
- Coat the chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
- Drizzle the prepared sesame sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice, vegetables, or a side of your choice.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Breast:
- Chicken thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may want to butterfly them (cut them horizontally) to ensure they cook through more quickly and evenly.
- Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Crispier chicken: For extra crispiness, you can lightly bread the chicken before air frying. Dip the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs for a crispy coating, then air fry as directed. This will give you a “crispy sesame chicken” effect.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking. Add more garlic or ginger for extra flavor, or use chili flakes or sriracha for some heat.
- Meal prep: This sesame chicken is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken breasts ahead of time, slice them up, and store them in the fridge for a few days. Just add the sauce and garnishes when you’re ready to serve.
