Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken – Crispy, Tangy, and Juicy Bites of Chicken with the Perfect Sticky Homemade Sauce, Ready in Minutes
- ER Kent
- Aug 9, 2025
- 2 min read
This air fryer sweet and sour chicken is a fast, flavor-packed alternative to takeout that’s both crispy and saucy. Bite-sized pieces of chicken are air-fried until golden and then tossed in a homemade sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and vinegar. It’s quick, easy, and ridiculously tasty.
The Inspiration Behind Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a favorite in American-Chinese cuisine, loved for its bold contrast between tangy sauce and crispy fried chicken. This version reinvents the dish with the magic of the air fryer.
No deep frying needed—just golden, juicy chicken that stays tender inside with a crunchy coating. The homemade sauce gives it the perfect sweet-tart balance.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken
Crispy without deep frying: The air fryer delivers crunch without the mess.
Sweet, tangy, and sticky: The sauce clings to every bite just right.
Fast and easy: Done in under 30 minutes.
Takeout vibes at home: Skip the delivery and make it better yourself.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s great with stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Add a drizzle of sesame oil or garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a full restaurant-style plate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Fun Facts About Sweet & Sour Chicken
The origins of sweet and sour sauce date back to traditional Chinese cooking, but the Western version is sweeter and thicker.
It became popular in America in the mid-20th century with the rise of Chinese-American restaurants.
Pineapple is a common addition in the U.S., though it’s rarely used in traditional Chinese recipes.
This air fryer sweet and sour chicken delivers the perfect combo of crispy texture and tangy, sticky flavor. With a quick homemade sauce and no deep-frying, it’s a healthier and easier way to enjoy your takeout favorite right at home.
1
Tips
For extra crunch, you can double coat the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps.
2
Variations
Add diced pineapple along with the bell peppers for an extra sweet burst.
Notes
1
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready.
2
Prepare the chicken by coating each piece first in flour, then dipping into the beaten eggs, and finally coating with breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper.
3
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
4
Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the pieces are golden and crispy.
5
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
6
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
7
In a separate pan, stir fry the bell peppers and onion over medium-high heat until vibrant and tender-crisp.
8
Combine the cooked chicken, stir-fried veggies, and sweet & sour sauce in a large bowl, tossing to coat everything evenly.
9
Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds for garnish.
Instructions
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken and Coating
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Sweet & Sour Sauce
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Veggies & Garnish
Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken
Home Cook
ER Kent
Crispy breaded chicken bits paired with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, complemented with colorful veggies and topped with sesame seeds - all conveniently cooked in an air fryer.
Servings :
4
Calories:
290
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
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