Air Fryer General Tso Chicken: 5 Steps to Guilt-Free Bliss

Name: Air Fryer General Tso Chicken: 5 Steps to Guilt-Free Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 green onions, chopped

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 26, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving something delicious yet healthy, let me introduce you to my air fryer General Tso chicken! This dish is a game changer for weeknight dinners, combining crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken with that classic tangy and slightly spicy sauce we all love. What I adore about making this in the air fryer is how quickly it comes together—dinner is ready in under 45 minutes! Plus, it’s a much lighter version than the traditional deep-fried fare, so I can enjoy it guilt-free. I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was experimenting with my new air fryer, and to my surprise, it turned out perfectly! Trust me, once you try this air fryer General Tso chicken, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

Ingredients List

To whip up my air fryer General Tso chicken, you’ll need the following fresh and simple ingredients:

1 pound chicken fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 green onions, chopped

These ingredients come together to create a delightful, crispy dish bursting with flavor. Make sure to gather everything before you start so the cooking process flows smoothly!

How to Prepare Air Fryer General Tso Chicken

Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of making my air fryer General Tso chicken! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a crispy, flavorful dish ready in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, you’ll want to get your air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken starts cooking right away and gets that lovely crispy exterior. While that’s heating up, let’s prepare our marinade!

In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. This mixture is where all the magic happens. The combination of these ingredients will give your chicken that iconic General Tso flavor. Once everything is well combined, add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure they’re all coated well! Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with flavor, so don’t skimp on the time!

After marinating, it’s time to coat the chicken in cornstarch. This is what makes the chicken crispy when it cooks! Take each piece and toss it in the cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. Lay the chicken pieces out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd them – you want them to cook evenly and get that gorgeous crunch.

Now, pop the basket into your preheated air fryer and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Here’s a little pro tip: halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake. This helps the chicken pieces turn over and ensures they cook evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them – the aroma will drive you wild!

Once the timer goes off, check for doneness. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can give it an extra minute or two for an even crispier finish. Once they’re done, take the basket out and garnish your chicken with those lovely chopped green onions. They add a fresh pop of color and flavor!

And voila! You’ve just made your very own air fryer General Tso chicken. Serve it with steamed rice or your favorite veggies, and get ready for some serious compliments. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

While I love sharing my air fryer General Tso chicken recipe with you, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following estimates are based on typical nutritional values for one serving of this dish:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g

These values are just a rough guide, so if you’re tracking your nutrition closely, I recommend adjusting based on the exact ingredients you choose. Happy cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

My air fryer General Tso chicken is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of marinating and only 12 minutes of cooking, dinner is on the table in no time!
Easy Cooking: The air fryer allows you to achieve that crispy, golden texture without the fuss of traditional frying.
Flavorful Taste: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
Health-Conscious: This version is lighter than takeout, so you can enjoy all the flavor without the guilt, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.

Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a go-to in your kitchen!

Tips for Success

To make your air fryer General Tso chicken truly shine, here are some pro tips I’ve learned along the way:

Marinate Wisely: Don’t rush the marinating process! Letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (or even up to an hour if you have time) allows those amazing flavors to really soak in.
Shake It Up: Halfway through cooking, give the air fryer basket a good shake. This helps the chicken pieces get that even crispy texture and prevents them from sticking together.
Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more red pepper flakes to the marinade before cooking. On the flip side, if you’re serving kids or those who prefer milder flavors, you can skip or reduce the spice.
Check for Crispiness: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your chicken towards the end. If you want it extra crispy, add a minute or two to the cook time.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delicious dish!

Variations of Air Fryer General Tso Chicken

The beauty of my air fryer General Tso chicken is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For starters, try using different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a delicious twist. Both options absorb the marinade beautifully and are just as satisfying!

If you want to add some veggies, consider tossing in bell peppers or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll soak up that tasty sauce while adding a pop of color and nutrition to your dish.

Feeling adventurous? You can adjust the spice levels by adding fresh sliced chili or even a dash of sriracha to the marinade for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless! No matter how you tweak it, this recipe will always be a hit!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my air fryer General Tso chicken, the options are endless, but there are a few classic pairings that truly elevate the meal. I love to serve it over a fluffy bed of steamed rice—white or brown, whichever you prefer! The rice soaks up that delicious sauce, making every bite a flavor explosion.

If you want to add a pop of color and nutrition, some sautéed or steamed vegetables are a must. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers work beautifully alongside the chicken, creating a well-rounded plate. For a refreshing touch, a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar can balance the dish’s richness.

Don’t forget to sprinkle a few extra chopped green onions on top for that final burst of freshness! Trust me, these sides will make your air fryer General Tso chicken a memorable meal that everyone will love!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers of my air fryer General Tso chicken (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them properly will keep them tasting great. First, let your chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps that crispy texture intact. You can store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating in the air fryer is the way to go. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method brings back that delightful crunch! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also use the oven at the same temperature for a similar result. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!