Air Fryer General Tso's Chicken

5 from 6 votes

This Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken is a healthier version of the classic Chinese takeout dish! Tender and crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy, tangy, and delicious sticky sauce. Ready to serve in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: air fryer general tso chicken, general tso sauce recipe

Servings: servings

Ingredients

1/3 cup arrowroot starch
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tsp sesame oil
3 garlic cloves minced
1 inch fresh ginger grated
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

General Tso's Sauce

1/2 cup coconut aminos
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp coconut sugar or 1 Medjool date, for Whole30
2 tsp arrowroot starch

Instructions

Combine all ingredients for the General Tso's sauce in a bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside. (For the Whole30 version, blend the sauce in a blender to break up the Medjool date.)
1/2 cup coconut aminos, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp coconut sugar, 2 tsp arrowroot starch, 3 tbsp rice vinegar
In a large bowl, stir together arrowroot starch, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss together until the chicken is coated evenly.
1/3 cup arrowroot starch, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, and generously spray the tray or basket with cooking oil. Add the chicken in a single layer without touching each other and air fry for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. You may need to do this in two batches.
Heat a large saucepan over medium high heat and add sesame oil. Once hot, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
2 tsp sesame oil, 3 garlic cloves, 1 inch fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Pour in the prepared sauce and let it come to a boil while whisking. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
Turn off heat, and add the chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat in sauce.
Serve with rice or cauliflower rice (for Whole30) sprinkled with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

This recipe easily be made Whole30 by replacing coconut sugar with a Medjool date and serving over cauliflower rice.
Cooking with an air fryer reduces the cooking time, makes “fried” chicken so much healthier, and offers much easier cleanup.
For best results, make sure to spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray and preheat before adding the chicken!
Also, be sure to flip halfway through to get your chicken crispy.

Serving Tips

Serve with fresh white rice or cauliflower rice, and garnish the chicken with green onions and sesame seeds. You can also serve it with freshly steamed broccoli. Eat with chopsticks for a real takeout feel!

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition