Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work as a substitute. They are leaner but can dry out faster, so check for doneness at the 8-minute mark and pull them when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

My air fryer General Tso's chicken came out powdery. What went wrong?

Too much loose cornstarch on the pieces before air frying is almost always the cause. After coating, shake off any excess that has not fully adhered to the surface of the chicken. Only a thin, even coating should remain before the chicken goes into the basket.

Can I make the sauce less sweet or spicier?

Absolutely. For less sweetness, drop the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon. For more heat, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or gochujang. A little fresh orange zest also brightens the sauce if you want a citrusy dimension similar to orange chicken.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes. Store cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

Crispy Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken

Name: Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 dash ground black pepper; Non-stick cooking spray; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended); 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste (or equal amount fresh ginger, minced or grated); 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A healthier homemade take on the beloved Chinese takeout classic. Juicy chicken thighs coated in cornstarch, air-fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy homemade General Tso’s sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes.

Author: James Carter Jr
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 dash ground black pepper
Non-stick cooking spray
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ginger paste (or equal amount fresh ginger, minced or grated)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Shake off all excess loose cornstarch over the sink before cooking.
Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken in a single even layer with space between each piece. Do not overcrowd.
Air fry for 10 minutes total, pausing at the 5-minute mark to shake the basket so pieces flip and all sides get direct heat. Chicken is done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
While chicken cooks, add ketchup, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, ginger paste, crushed garlic, and red pepper flakes to a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the brown sugar fully dissolves.
Bring sauce to a rapid boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. Do not leave unattended once it thickens.
Transfer air-fried chicken to a large bowl. Pour warm sauce over the top and toss until every piece is fully coated. Serve immediately over rice.

Notes

Chicken thighs give a juicier result but boneless skinless breasts can be substituted. Check breasts at 8 minutes to avoid drying out.
Shake off all excess cornstarch before air frying or the coating will turn powdery and grainy in the finished dish.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to significantly reduce the sodium content per serving.
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the cornstarch-coated chicken with cooking oil spray before air frying.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space between pieces is essential for hot air circulation and crispiness.
This recipe is high in sodium at 2,074mg per serving. Using low-sodium soy sauce and reduced-sodium ketchup can help lower this.
Short on time? Substitute 1/2 cup of bottled General Tso’s sauce for the homemade version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 397 kcal
Sugar: 19 g
Sodium: 2074 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 46 g
Cholesterol: 215 mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/air-fryer-general-tsos-chicken/