This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is a weekly rotation in my family, because we just can’t get enough of it (and my eldest kid can’t stop asking for it every other day 😆). There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy chicken bites, succulent pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and the sweet tanginess of a homemade sweet and sour sauce. And this recipe is the quickest and most failproof way to cook Sweet and Sour Chicken without the hassle of deep frying!
Sweet and sour dishes have a long history, with roots that trace back to various Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Thai. These dishes traditionally feature a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, achieved through the use of ingredients like sugar, vinegar, and fruits. While the exact origin of sweet and sour chicken is debated, it is safe to say that it has become a beloved international dish, with variations found in many countries around the world.
Here are the key ingredients:
- Crispy Chicken Bites: The star of the show, crispy chicken bites, are the heart and soul of this dish. I use frozen ones to save on time, but whether you use frozen or homemade, they add a satisfying crunch and a savory base for the sweet and sour sauce.
- Pineapple: Pineapple not only contributes its natural sweetness but also provides a tropical twist to the dish. Its juicy, vibrant flavor is a perfect complement to the other ingredients.
- Capsicum / Bell Peppers: The combination of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds a burst of color and a crisp texture. They also bring a mild, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Onions: Both red and yellow onions are used to provide depth of flavor and a hint of sharpness. When sautéed, they become tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing the overall taste.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sweet and sour sauce is the soul of the dish. It’s made from a blend of ketchup, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, and a touch of salt. This sauce undergoes a transformation as it thickens, becoming glossy and intensely flavorful.
One of the secrets to a great sweet and sour chicken dish is achieving the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a dance between sweetness and tanginess, with each ingredient playing a crucial role. The ketchup provides a rich tomatoey sweetness, while the vinegar adds the tang that gives this dish its signature zing. Sugar rounds out the sweetness, cornstarch thickens the sauce to the desired consistency, while a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, creating a harmonious blend.
Pro Tip: To achieve that glossy, restaurant-quality look for your sweet and sour sauce, cook it over some oil. This gives the sauce a beautiful shine that’s not only visually appealing but also adds a luxurious touch to the dish.
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. The crispy chicken, juicy pineapple, colorful capsicum, and the irresistible sweet and sour sauce come together to leave everyone craving for more (hence the weekly rotation for us). So let’s get to it!
Watch How To Make It
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 600 g frozen crispy chicken bites
- 100 g pineapple
- 1/4 capsicum
- 1/4 red onion
- 1/4 yellow onion
Sauce
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Cut capsicum, pineapple, yellow onion and red onion to bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the sweet and sour sauce. Whisk together the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, salt and water.
- Place the frozen crispy chicken bites in an air-fryer. Air fry for approximately 10 minutes until brown, then set it aside.
- Stir-fry the capsicum, pineapple, yellow onion and red onion for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened, then set them aside.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over medium heat until it thickens.Pro Tip: Cook the sweet sauce over some oil so that the sauce looks shiny
- Add the crispy chicken bites and vegetables into the sauce. Stir to coat them evenly and serve!