I was shocked at just how easy and delicious air fryer sesame chicken is

air fryer sesame chicken
(Image credit: Future)

I've tried to make many so-called 'fakeaways' in the past; meals that promise to rival the dishes you get from a takeout. Some have failed miserably, but others – like this air fryer sesame chicken recipe – are almost identical in terms of taste and texture. 

My assumption, and the reason I hadn't attempted this recipe before is because I thought it would be difficult and time-consuming to get right. I couldn't have been more wrong. It's quick, easy and delicious.

So much so I'd happily choose to make it at home rather than ordering it in. I'd go as far as to say this recipe is one of my favorite dishes in all my time reviewing the best air fryers.

Below, I show how to replicate this sticky, sweet and spicy takeout favorite in your air fryer at home.   

Air fryer sesame chicken

The air fryer crispy sesame chicken recipe I have followed is from @boredoflunch – aka Nathan Anthony – via his TikTok channel. It's been watched by 3 million people, and counting.

@boredoflunch

♬ Good Love - 220 KID

Air fryer sesame chicken ingredients

My take on this air fryer sesame chicken varies slightly from Nathan's original recipe because I don't like sriracha; only sriracha mayonnaise because it's less spicy. 

If you don't have, or can't find, panko breadcrumbs, crushed up cornflakes are a good alternative. You can also use any form of flour but I get the best results with cornflour. 

Chicken

  • 100g panko breadcrumbs 
  • Cornflour 
  • 1 egg (beaten) 
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp sriracha or sriracha mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp honey 
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce 
  • 2 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce
  • 1Tsp sesame oil
  • 1 Tsp rice wine  

All ingredients for air fryer sesame chicken

(Image credit: Future)

To make air fryer sesame chicken you will need the following equipment:

Air fryer sesame chicken method

Step 1: Coat the chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. It helps to do each piece of chicken individually to avoid making a messy paste. 

Step 2: Spray the chicken lightly with oil and place in the air fryer for 14 minutes at 400°F / 200°C. 

Step 3: While the chicken is air frying, make the sauce by mixing all of the ingredients  together in a mixing bowl. 

Sauce for air fryer sesame chicken

(Image credit: Future)

Step 4: At the end of the 14 minutes, pour the sauce over the chicken and return to the air fryer for a further two minutes. Alternatively, you can heat the sauce in a pan and add the chicken to it. 

Cooked sesame chicken in air fryer

(Image credit: Future)

Step 5: Top the chicken with sesame seeds, spring onions and chilli (optional) and serve. 

Air fryer sesame chicken verdict

From the sticky sauce, to the succulent chicken, to even the way the sesame oil gently filled my kitchen with takeout aromas, this recipe is a standout for me. I've made it multiple times and served it with noodles, rice, and even ate a bowl of it on its own and I can't get enough. 

air fryer sesame chicken

(Image credit: Future)

If you're still sitting on the fence and wondering whether to buy an air fryer, you may want to read our article to decide whether air fryers are worth it? 

Air fryer deals

If you're yet to take the plunge and buy yourself an air fryer, or are looking to upgrade, check out our top-rated air fryers below, all available to buy now for the best prices.

Victoria Woollaston

Victoria Woollaston is a freelance science and technology journalist with more than a decade’s experience writing for Wired UK, Alphr, Expert Reviews, TechRadar, Shortlist and the Sunday Times. She has a keen interest in next-generation technology and its potential to revolutionise how we live and work.

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