Name: Air Fryer Sweet Sour: 5 Steps to Crispy Perfection
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs; 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 1 tsp Salt; 2 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 cup Ketchup; 2 tbsp Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry; 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar; 3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Water; 1 tbsp Peanut Oil; 2 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Minced Ginger; 1 small White Onion; 1 medium Bell Pepper

Air Fryer Sweet Sour is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a healthier alternative with crispy chicken and a rich sauce. This recipe transforms your average weeknight dinner into something special, all while keeping it guilt-free. The combination of tender air-fried chicken and a sweet-sour sauce makes for an irresistible meal that your family will love. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, let’s dive into how to make this amazing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Sour

This air fryer sweet and sour recipe is not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. Here are some reasons to love it:

Healthier than traditional fried options, making it a healthy air fryer sweet and sour choice.
Perfectly crispy chicken without the excess oil found in frying.
Rich flavor from a homemade sweet sour sauce for air fryer.
Great for meal prep and can be stored easily.
Versatile; you can substitute chicken with air fryer sweet sour pork or shrimp.
Quick sweet and sour air fryer meal ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Sour

Gather these items:

1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Cornstarch
1 cup Ketchup
2 tbsp Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Water
1 tbsp Peanut Oil
2 cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Minced Ginger
1 small White Onion
1 medium Bell Pepper

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Sour Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine boneless skinless chicken thighs, vegetable oil, and salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (230°C). Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 4: Lightly spray the chicken with oil and air fry for 8 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the chicken pieces using tongs and continue air frying for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Mix together ketchup, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, brown sugar, and water to create the sauce.
Step 7: In a skillet, heat peanut or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
Step 8: Add chopped white onion and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 9: Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked aromatics and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 10: Transfer the air-fried chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 11: Serve immediately, garnishing as desired.

Air Fryer Sweet Sour: 5 Steps to Crispy Perfection - Air Fryer Sweet Sour - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Sour

Keep these in mind:

Adjust salt according to dietary needs.
Substitute cornstarch with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Use rice vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.
Choose tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce.
Consider coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
For an extra crispy texture, double fry the chicken.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Sour

This dish can be served in various ways:

Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy option.
Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
Try it with air fryer sweet sour vegetables for a balanced dish.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Sweet Sour

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness. This way, you can enjoy a quick air fryer sweet and sour meal any day of the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Sweet Sour

What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Sweet Sour?

The secret is in the air fryer technique that gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. Using the right amount of cornstarch ensures that your chicken stays crispy while absorbing the sweet and sour air fryer recipe flavors perfectly.

Can I make Air Fryer Sweet Sour ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to cook. This allows for a quick weeknight meal without compromising on flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Sweet Sour?

Common mistakes include overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to cook the chicken in batches if necessary for the best results in your air fried sweet and sour chicken.

Variations of Air Fryer Sweet Sour You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Substitute chicken with shrimp for air fryer sweet and sour shrimp.
Use different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition.
Try a vegetarian version with tofu for a healthy air fryer sweet and sour option.
Make it spicier by adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

For more tips on air frying, check out this guide on air fryer techniques. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit this resource for more information. You can also learn about healthy cooking methods that complement this recipe.