Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
If you’ve been craving all the flavors of your favorite takeout but want to keep things both lighter and incredibly easy, this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is a must-try. Each bite gives you juicy, crispy chicken pieces tossed with just-tender bell peppers and sweet pineapple, all brought together with a glossy, tangy homemade sauce. Made in under 30 minutes, it’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights or whenever that sweet and sour craving hits!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is refreshingly simple, letting each component shine. Fresh, colorful veggies and a quick homemade sauce really elevate the flavor, while a few pantry staples help the chicken get perfectly crisp and golden in the air fryer.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they’re easy to cube and cook up juicy every time.
- Cornstarch: This creates that crisp, golden coating on the chicken once air fried—don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken so the flavors really pop.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory base note that complements the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Olive oil: A light spray helps the chicken crisp without any heaviness.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to every bite.
- Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and a hint of bitterness, perfectly balancing the dish.
- Pineapple chunks: Canned or fresh, they’re what makes sweet and sour chicken simply irresistible.
- Green onions (optional): For a fresh, zesty garnish at the end.
- Ketchup: The base for your sauce—it brings sweetness and that classic color.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce its pleasant tang.
- Light brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and adds depth.
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami, rounding out the flavors.
- Cornstarch slurry: A mix of cornstarch and water, thickening the sauce into that perfect, sticky glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces—aim for about one-inch cubes for even cooking. Toss them in a bowl with the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until each piece is well-coated. This quick coating ensures the chicken crisps up beautifully while staying juicy inside.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, set the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (don’t pile them up!), and give everything a light spray of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure every bit gets golden brown and crispy. Those crunchy edges are everything!
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the chicken cooks, grab a small saucepan and combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce over medium heat. Whisk together until it begins to simmer, then stir in your cornstarch slurry. Simmer for another one to two minutes; as soon as it thickens and turns glossy, you’ll know it’s ready to coat all that crispy chicken.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Pineapple
With just two minutes left on the air fryer timer, toss the chopped red and green bell peppers plus those juicy pineapple chunks on top of the chicken. This quick burst warms the veggies and fruit through without sacrificing their crunch and freshness.
Step 5: Toss Everything in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and the veggies are lightly blistered, transfer them all to a large bowl. Pour that irresistible sweet and sour sauce right over the top and toss to coat thoroughly. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color and zing.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
Garnishes
A handful of sliced green onions adds freshness, but you can also try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, or a dash of extra black pepper for subtle heat. Even a few cilantro leaves look gorgeous and smell amazing!
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is stellar over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or nutty brown rice, which soaks up every drop of that shiny sauce. For a lighter twist, opt for cauliflower rice or serve with a crisp Asian slaw on the side. Even steamed broccoli makes a colorful, nutritious pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Pile your saucy chicken and veggies into lettuce wraps for a fun handheld dinner, or serve skewered on short sticks for party appetizers. For meal prep lunches, pack with rice and extra veggies—this dish heats up beautifully, making weekday lunches downright exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld and deepen, making next-day lunches even tastier!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish—just let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge for easy future dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the chicken and veggies back in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive that crispy coating, or warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens up too much, add a splash of water to loosen things up while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and add rich flavor. Just keep the pieces uniform in size for even air frying.
Is this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken gluten-free?
It’s easy to make gluten-free—simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Always check your other ingredients, too.
Could I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sweet and sour sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, and gently reheat before tossing with your chicken and veggies.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just cook the chicken in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded—that’s key for the best texture.
What can I substitute for pineapple?
If pineapple isn’t your thing, try mango chunks or even mandarin orange slices. Both bring their own unique sweetness and juiciness to the Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken—once you see how quickly it comes together and just how bright and delicious it tastes, you’ll want to put it on regular weeknight rotation. Grab your air fryer and treat yourself to all the bold flavors you love, minus the fuss!
Print
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a healthier version of the classic takeout favorite with this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe. Crispy chicken coated in a tangy sauce, served with bell peppers, pineapple, and rice – a delicious Asian-inspired meal made easy in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Coat Chicken: Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) and lightly oil the basket.
- Air Fry Chicken: Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Make Sauce: Simmer ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry.
- Add Veggies: In the last 2 minutes, add bell peppers and pineapple to the air fryer.
- Combine: Toss chicken, veggies, and sauce together. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer for crispier results.
- Customize with additional veggies like onions or snap peas.
- Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
