Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken

Do you love a Chinese takeaway but want a healthier option? My Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is quick, easy, and just as tasty as your favourite takeaway!

I love a good Chinese takeaway, in fact, I think it’s my favourite, but let’s be honest—they’re not always the best option when you're trying to eat healthily or save money. 

That’s why I’m all about fakeaways—easy, homemade versions of your favourite takeaway meals that taste just as good (if not better) and are often healthier too.

I’ve got loads of fakeaway recipes on my site, from Nando’s butterfly chicken , Chinese shredded chicken with chilli to a Five Guys Burger. So, if you love recreating your favourite takeaways at home, you’re in the right place! 

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken is one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, tasty, and something the whole family will eat. The air fryer gives the chicken that crispy coating without deep frying, and I’ve perfected the sauce to have the right balance of sweet, tangy, and sticky goodness!

You will need a hob or stovetop to cook the sauce, but the chicken is cooked in the air fryer to give it that crispy coating. You can also cook the veg in the air fryer if you like, but I prefer to cook it with the sauce in the pan for ease.

I think you’re going to love it too!

🥘 Ingredients Notes

Here is a brief overview of the main ingredients needed to make Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken. For the full list, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

To find out how to make it allergy-friendly, simply keep scrolling to the section below this one.

✋ Double check all packaging for allergens ✋

• Chicken Thighs – I’ve used chicken thighs instead of breasts because they’re juicier, harder to overcook and less likely to dry out. But if you prefer, you can use chicken breast cut into chunks—just be careful not to overcook them.
• Cornflour – This gives a crispy, batter-like coating to the chicken. It is also gluten-free!
• Vegetables– I’ve used both green and red pepper, plus white onion. Feel free to use yellow pepper too.
• Tinned Pineapple – We use both the pineapple chunks and the juice in the dish. The pineapple juice helps to create that classic sweet and sour taste.
• Sweet & Sour Sauce – A mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, (can be substituted for white wine vinegar or rice vinegar), soy sauce, light brown sugar, and pineapple juice.
  

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

✏️ How to Make Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken

⬇️ Here you will find an overview of how to make the recipe. For full information on ingredients and quantities please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page ⬇️

Step 1: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and toss with cornflour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Put the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.  If the chicken gets stuck, turn the chunks over with tongs.

Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, chop the peppers & onions into small squares. 

Step 4: Heat a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high heat with one tablespoon of oil. Add the peppers and onions, cooking for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: In the same pan, add the pineapple juice, light brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornflour with 3 teaspoons of water to make a slurry.

Stir this into the sauce and continue to cook until it thickens.

Step 6: Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the pan along with the peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. Stir everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Serve immediately with rice or noodles & garnish with sesame seeds.

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