Crispy air fryer sesame chicken bites coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, perfect with rice or vegetables for a quick and flavorful meal.

Chicken:

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1/2 cup cornstarch

Olive oil spray

Sauce:

1/4 cup alcohol-free soy sauce

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp orange juice

5 tsp hoisin sauce (or gluten-free sauce)

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tbsp cold water

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 tsp sesame seeds

Optional:

Sliced green onions

Cooked rice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

1. Cut the chicken into cubed chunks, then toss in a bowl with cornstarch or potato starch until evenly coated.

2. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Spray evenly with olive oil spray.

3. Cook at 390°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Chicken must reach 165°F internally.

4. While chicken cooks, prepare the sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

5. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic until smooth.

6. Bring to a low boil, then whisk in water and cornstarch. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

7. Stir in sesame seeds and remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken further.

8. Once chicken is done, place in a large bowl and toss with sauce until evenly coated.

9. Serve hot over rice or with vegetables. Garnish with green onions and extra sesame seeds if desired.

Always check the cooking time for chicken in your air fryer model. Chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Adding a second light coat of olive oil spray halfway through helps the chicken crisp up even more.

If using a Ninja Foodi, you can prepare the sauce directly in the pot for convenience.