Name: Crispy Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets (about 750g/1.65lbs untrimmed or 600g/1.3lbs trimmed); 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 3 tbsp oil; 1.5 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves); 1.5 tbsp Chinese rice vinegar; 3 tbsp honey; 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 4 tbsp tomato ketchup; 3 tbsp light brown sugar; 3 tbsp light soy sauce; 3 tbsp dark soy sauce; sesame seeds; chopped spring onions (scallions); boiled or egg fried rice

You know those days when you’re absolutely starving but still want something that won’t weigh you down? That’s exactly how this Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken was born. Picture this: I’d just come back from an epic hike in Vermont’s Green Mountains, ravenous but craving something light yet packed with flavor. My stomach was growling for those bold Asian tastes I love—ginger, garlic, that nutty sesame punch—but I didn’t want to stand over a stove forever. Enter my trusty air fryer and this magical 30-minute recipe that’s become my go-to “I need dinner NOW” solution.

What I love most is how the air fryer gives you that perfect crispy texture without drowning the chicken in oil. The first time I made this, the smell of toasting sesame seeds and sweet chili sauce took me right back to my favorite little Asian takeout spot from college days—except this version leaves me feeling energized, not sluggish. It’s become my secret weapon for busy weeknights when takeout tempts me, proving you can have bold flavors and healthy eating in one irresistible package.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken

Oh my goodness, this recipe is about to become your new best friend! Here’s why it’s absolutely magical:

Weeknight superhero: Ready in under 30 minutes flat – faster than takeout and way healthier. Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments.
Guilt-free crispy goodness: All that crunch comes from the air fryer, not a vat of oil. High protein, low fat, but you’d never guess it from the flavor.
Flavor explosion: That sweet-savory sesame sauce? It’s like your favorite Asian restaurant came to your kitchen. The blend of garlic, honey, and toasted sesame will make your taste buds dance.
Cleanup? What cleanup? One air fryer basket, one mixing bowl – done. No greasy pans to scrub while you’re trying to relax after dinner.
Kid-approved magic: Even picky eaters go crazy for this one. I’ve seen it turn “I don’t like chicken” kids into clean-plate club members!

And if you love easy air fryer meals, you’ve got to try our frozen salmon in air fryer next – another 30-minute wonder!

Ingredients for Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing too crazy here! Everything is easy to find, and I’ll share my little swaps if you’re in a pinch. The magic happens when these simple things come together.

For the chicken:

6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets (about 1.3lbs trimmed) – trust me, thighs stay juicier than breasts!
3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in the US) – this is our crispy secret weapon
1/4 tsp each salt & black pepper – basic but essential
1/2 tsp garlic powder – the quick flavor boost
1/2 tsp paprika – for that subtle warmth
3 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) – just enough to help crisp things up

For that addictive sesame sauce:

1.5 tbsp sesame oil – don’t skip this! It’s the soul of the dish
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh minced cloves if you’re feeling fancy)
1.5 tbsp Chinese rice vinegar – regular white vinegar works in a pinch
3 tbsp each honey and sweet chili sauce – the perfect sweet balance
4 tbsp tomato ketchup – yes, really! It adds depth
3 tbsp light brown sugar – for that caramel note
3 tbsp each light and dark soy sauce – the dark gives color, light gives saltiness

For serving:

Sesame seeds – toasted if you’re extra like me
Chopped spring onions (scallions) – the fresh crunch we need
Rice of choice – I’m partial to egg fried rice, but plain works too

See? Nothing too wild – just pantry staples that transform into something magical. The only non-negotiable is that sesame oil – it makes the whole dish sing!

How to Make Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken

Alright, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll barely believe it. Here’s my foolproof method for perfect sesame chicken every single time:

Prep the chicken: Trim any excess fat from your thighs (I leave a little for flavor!) and cut into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels – this helps the coating stick better. In a bowl, mix together the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken in this mixture until evenly coated, then drizzle with oil and mix again. Your hands work best here – get in there!
Air fry magic: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed – overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness!). Cook at 190°C/375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pieces are golden brown with crispy edges and the internal temp hits 75°C/165°F.
Sauce time: While the chicken cooks, whisk all sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every minute until thickened (it should coat the back of a spoon). No microwave? Simmer in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes instead.
The grand finale: Toss the crispy chicken in that glorious sauce while still hot – this helps it cling better. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and spring onions. Serve immediately over rice (try our chicken lo mein for a full Asian feast!).

Close-up of a bowl of fluffy white rice topped with crispy Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Pro Tip for Crispy Chicken

That cornflour coating isn’t just for show – it creates a delicate crust that gets extra crispy in the air fryer. The oil drizzle helps it brown evenly. And remember: patting the chicken dry first is crucial! Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so take those extra few seconds for perfect results.

Serving Suggestions for Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken

Now for the fun part – plating up this beauty! My absolute favorite way to serve this is over a big bowl of steaming jasmine rice – the sauce soaks in perfectly. But honestly, it’s so versatile! Try it with:

Egg fried rice – the ultimate comfort food pairing
Simple steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a lighter meal
Glass noodles for something different (our glass noodle shrimp makes a great side!)

Close-up of Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken served over white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Don’t forget the finishing touches! A heavy sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and those vibrant green spring onions make it look as good as it tastes. Sometimes I’ll add extra chili flakes for heat lovers. This dish is basically a blank canvas for your favorite Asian flavors!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Okay, let’s talk leftovers – because let’s be real, you might not have any with how delicious this is! If you do manage to save some, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Here’s my golden rule for reheating: always use the air fryer again at 180°C/350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. The microwave? Big no-no – it turns that beautiful crispy coating into sad mush. And while I’m all for meal prep, freezing isn’t ideal here since the sauce texture changes. Trust me, it’s so quick to make fresh anyway!

Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this recipe:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just cut them into smaller pieces (they dry out faster) and reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes. But honestly? Thighs win for juiciness every time.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

No sweat! Mix 2 tbsp ketchup with 1 tbsp honey and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It won’t be identical, but still delicious in a pinch.

Can I bake this instead of air frying?

You can – bake at 200°C/400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. But fair warning: it won’t get quite as crispy as the air fryer magic!

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornflour is pure (no wheat additives). The rest is naturally GF.

How spicy is this?

Mild-medium as written. For more heat, add chili flakes to the sauce or serve with sriracha on the side. Kids usually love it as-is!

Close-up of Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken served over fluffy white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting with this delicious dish! Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients and brands. Per serving (and trust me, you’ll want a full serving!), you’re looking at about 420 calories packed with 28g of protein to keep you full. The 38g carbs come mostly from that irresistible sauce and whatever rice you pair it with, while the 18g fat is mostly the good kind from sesame oil and chicken. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right?

A close-up of Asian Sesame Air Fryer Chicken served over fluffy white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

Once you’ve fallen in love with your air fryer (like I have!), you’ll want to try these other quick and delicious recipes. Our crack chicken tenders are so addictive, you’ll make them weekly. For seafood lovers, the frozen salmon recipe comes out perfectly flaky every time. And don’t miss the crispy honey garlic chicken wings – game day perfection in 20 minutes flat!