1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
2. Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Prepare the Sweet & Sour Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the bell peppers and onion, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Add the pineapple chunks (if using) and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve
- Add the air-fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Perfect Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Crispy Chicken: Double dredging the chicken ensures a crispy coating that holds up well to the sauce.
- Even Cooking: Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Thick Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water before adding to the sauce to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, thick sauce.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Sweet & Sour Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
Sweet and sour chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy chicken and tangy sauce, it’s sure to be a favorite at your table.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect sweet and sour chicken lies in the crispy coating on the chicken and the balance of flavors in the sauce. By following this guide, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality dish every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your sweet and sour chicken!