Air Fryer General Tso Chicken Recipe

Learn how to make crispy Air Fryer General Tso Chicken at home! This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with tender chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

18 mins

Serve

Kcal

310

Carbs: 32g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 8g

310

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">680g boneless chicken thighs, cut into 3cm pieces</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g cornflour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Oil spray for coating</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml soy sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml rice vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml ketchup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp red chilli flakes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 spring onions, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sesame seeds</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by cutting your chicken thighs into uniform 3cm pieces - this ensures even cooking, mate. Pat them completely dry with kitchen paper because any moisture will prevent that gorgeous crispy coating we're after. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cornflour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Create your batter by whisking the egg with cold water until smooth, then gradually add this to your flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The batter should coat the back of a spoon nicely - if it's too thick, add a splash more water. Let this rest for 2-3 minutes while you prepare your air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, add your chicken pieces to the batter and toss until every piece is completely coated. Don't worry if it looks a bit messy - that's what creates those lovely crispy edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the battered chicken pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each piece. Spray generously with oil spray - this is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Cook for 8 minutes at 200°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>After 8 minutes, carefully flip each piece using tongs and spray again with oil. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 74°C. The coating should be beautifully craggy and crisp.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>While the chicken cooks, prepare your General Tso sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chilli flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Give your cornflour slurry a good stir (it separates quickly), then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully and coats the back of your spoon. It should be glossy and luxurious.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove the crispy chicken from the air fryer and immediately toss it in the warm General Tso sauce while it's still hot - this helps the sauce adhere perfectly. Garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately over steamed rice for the full experience.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fryer General Tso Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in my air fryer?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs stay more tender and juicy. If using breast, cut into smaller pieces and reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes to prevent drying out.

How do I know when my air fryer chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The coating should be golden brown and crispy, and juices should run clear when pierced.

Why isn't my air fryer chicken getting crispy enough?

Ensure chicken is completely dry before battering, don't overcrowd the basket, spray generously with oil, and preheat your air fryer. Pat excess batter off for better crisping.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time for this recipe?

Absolutely! The General Tso sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked crispy chicken pieces.

What temperature should I cook chicken in the air fryer?

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for best results. This high temperature creates the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy in just 14-16 minutes total.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.


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   "680g boneless chicken thighs, cut into 3cm pieces",
   "120g plain flour",
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   "1 large egg",
   "180ml cold water",
   "1 tsp garlic powder",
   "1 tsp salt",
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     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Miguel Rodriguez",
     "datePublished": "2024-12-25",
     "reviewBody": "This recipe is a game changer! The air fryer makes the chicken incredibly crispy without all the oil. My whole family devoured this in minutes.",
     "name": "Family Favorite",
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     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Fatima Al-Zahra",
     "datePublished": "2024-12-28",
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     "author": "James MacLeod",
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     "reviewBody": "I was skeptical about air fryer Chinese food, but this completely changed my mind. The texture is spot on - crispy outside, tender inside. Sauce is phenomenal!",
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September 2, 2025

Air Fryer General Tso Chicken Recipe

Learn how to make crispy Air Fryer General Tso Chicken at home! This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with tender chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 32g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Directions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in my air fryer?

How do I know when my air fryer chicken is fully cooked?

Why isn't my air fryer chicken getting crispy enough?

Can I make the sauce ahead of time for this recipe?

What temperature should I cook chicken in the air fryer?