This Air Fryer General Tso Chicken is a lighter version of the classic sweet and spicy favorite, made with crisp chicken bites and a glossy homemade sauce. It's easy enough for a weeknight but still has that familiar takeout style comfort.
I've always enjoyed meals that bring bold flavor without much fuss, and this one fits that profile well! If you enjoy recipes like my Cashew Shrimp Stir Fry, you'll find this dish brings the same quick, flavorful energy to the table.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Balanced flavor: sweet heat with a tangy finish that works well for weeknight dinners.
Lighter method: air frying keeps the chicken crisp without deep frying.
Quick prep: comes together fast with easy pantry ingredients.
Key Ingredients for General Tso Chicken Air Fryer
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Chicken breast or thighs: cut into small chunks so they cook quickly and stay tender inside while crisping on the outside.
- Cornstarch: helps form a light coating that browns well in the air fryer and gives the sauce something to cling to.
- Soy sauce: adds salty depth and gives both the chicken and sauce a rich base flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: brings sweetness and body to the sauce, helping create that classic sticky finish.
- Rice vinegar: offers brightness that balances the sweet and savory ingredients.
- Garlic and ginger: fresh aromatics that give the sauce warmth and flavor.
- Chili flakes: provide adjustable heat that complements the sweetness without overpowering it.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use shrimp or pork in place of chicken.
- Apple cider vinegar can replace rice vinegar.
- Use oyster sauce mixed with a little sugar in place of hoisin sauce.
Variations on Air Fryer General Tso Chicken
- Orange version: add a little orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sauce.
- Honey garlic: add a tablespoon of honey and tone down the chili flakes.
- Extra spicy: increase chili flakes or stir in a small amount of chili paste.
Tips for the best General Tso Chicken Air Fryer Method
- Shake the basket or tray halfway so the chicken crisps evenly on all sides.
- Double coat the chicken in cornstarch for a firmer crust.
- Taste as you go when adjusting the sauce so the sweet, tangy, and spicy notes stay balanced.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 -7 minutes. Freezing is not recommended.
Serve With...
This Air Fryer General Tso Chicken pairs well with simple sides like crab rangoon, cauliflower fried rice, shrimp fried rice, or air fryer egg rolls.
More Easy Chicken Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this easy recipe, try my BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza, Shoyu Chicken, Sauteed Chicken Tenders, and Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer General Tso Chicken
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized chunks
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil (for coating)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water slurry
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 -2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss chicken with soy sauce. Coat evenly in cornstarch. Lightly drizzle or spray with oil to help crisping.
- Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place chicken in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Make the Sauce
- While chicken cooks, heat a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 1 minute.
- Stir in broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, hoisin, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thick and glossy.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
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