Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy, tender chicken chunks paired with vibrant bell peppers and pineapple. Coated in a flavorful sweet and sour sauce made from ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and pineapple juice, this dish is a quick and healthier twist on a classic takeout favorite, perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts or Chicken Thighs (cut into 1 1/2 to 2-inch chunks)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Corn-starch (or potato starch)
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Vegetables and Fruits:

  • 1 can Pineapple Chunks (canned)
  • 1 cup White Onion (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper (seeds removed, large chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper (seeds removed, large chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions for garnish (about 2 green onions, chopped)

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Rice vinegar or White wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tablespoon Water
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Pineapple Juice (canned)

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Prepare the bell peppers by slicing them into large chunks and removing the seeds. If using fresh pineapple instead of canned, cut it into 1/2 inch chunks. Cut the chicken breasts into 1.5 to 2 inch chunks. Chop the green onions for garnish and set all ingredients aside.
  2. Coat the chicken: In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch with salt and pepper. Roll the chicken chunks in this mixture until evenly coated to ensure a crispy texture after air frying.
  3. Prepare air fryer basket: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the basket and lightly spray the chicken with nonstick cooking spray for extra crispiness.
  4. Air fry chicken: Cook the chicken at 380°F (193°C) for 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
  5. Add vegetables and pineapple: Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the air fryer basket. Add the chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and pineapple chunks to the open side of the basket.
  6. Continue air frying: Air fry everything together for another 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through again to cook the vegetables evenly without burning.
  7. Prepare the sweet and sour sauce: While the chicken and vegetables cook, combine ketchup, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, pineapple juice, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, then remove from heat and allow it to cool and thicken slightly.
  8. Combine and coat: Remove the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  9. Serve and garnish: Plate the sweet and sour chicken and garnish generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
  • If you prefer fresher flavor, swap canned pineapple chunks for fresh pineapple.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for the best crispiness—cook in batches if needed.
  • Adjust sweetness or sourness by modifying sugar and vinegar amounts to your taste preference.
  • Use potato starch as a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch if desired.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/air-fryer-sweet-and-sour-chicken-recipe/