Air Fryer General Tso Chicken
Ready in about 29 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, savoury and slightly spicy sticky sauce, the takeaway favourite made lighter. The air fryer delivers a crunchy coating without deep frying, so you can enjoy General Tso guilt-free.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 600 g chicken thigh, cubed
- 4 tbsp cornflour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes
- Oil spray
Method
- 1Coat the chicken in egg then cornflour.
- 2Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and spray with oil.
- 3Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp.
- 4Simmer the soy, hoisin, vinegar, sugar, garlic and chilli into a glossy sauce.
- 5Check the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F), then toss in the sauce.
- 6Serve over rice with spring onions.
Tips for the best results
- Thigh meat stays juicier than breast for this dish.
- Thicken the sauce with a little cornflour slurry if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer general tso chicken steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the shake every 8 min, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer General Tso Chicken is ready at 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer general tso chicken?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 min, shake every 8 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer general tso chicken is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer General Tso Chicken should reach 74°C / 165°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer general tso chicken serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.