Savor the bold flavors of Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken! This quick and easy recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, perfect for a healthier takeout-inspired meal.
Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken is a delicious and healthier twist on a classic takeout favorite. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken coated in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
The air fryer ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked with a slight crisp on the outside, while the sauce clings to each piece, delivering bold flavors in every bite. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is as visually appealing as it is tasty. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER TYSON CHICKEN WINGS, AIR FRYER HONEY BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS, AIR FRYER BOURBON CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS.
What Is Mongolian Chicken
Mongolian Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. Traditionally, it features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and a rich sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce.
Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful choice for those who enjoy vibrant and well-seasoned meals. While it’s commonly associated with Chinese-American cuisine, its name pays homage to the Mongolian barbecue style of cooking, which emphasizes high-heat preparation and robust seasoning.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Option: The air fryer eliminates the need for excessive oil while still delivering crispy, flavorful chicken.
- Bold Flavors: A savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce coats the chicken, creating a dish packed with restaurant-quality flavor.
- Versatile Pairing: It pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making it a flexible main course.
- Family-Friendly: The rich, balanced flavors are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer keeps the mess to a minimum, so you spend less time cleaning up.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: Tender boneless, skinless chicken breast perfect for frying.
- Cornstarch: Coats chicken for a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Olive Oil (Chicken): Helps cook chicken evenly and adds richness.
- Sauce:
- Olive Oil (Sauce): Base for sautéing aromatics and building flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone.
- Dried Chili Peppers: Bring heat and a hint of smoky flavor.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Savory base with reduced salt content.
- Water: Helps thin the sauce for even coating.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances caramelized flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Lends a nutty, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a glossy, perfect coating.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free version using tamari sauce: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari to make this recipe entirely gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients, like cornstarch, are labeled gluten-free for a safe and delicious meal.
- Low-sugar options with alternative sweeteners: Swap dark brown sugar for a natural alternative like stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar to reduce sugar content. These substitutes maintain the dish’s sweetness while making it more diet-friendly.
- Vegetarian/vegan alternatives using tofu or seitan: Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken to create a plant-based version of this dish. Coat the tofu or seitan in cornstarch for a crispy texture, then prepare as directed with the flavorful Mongolian sauce.
How To Make Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken
Step 1: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt. Thinly slice the chicken and dredge each piece in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C), for 3-5 minutes. Place the chicken slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the dried chili peppers to the saucepan and sauté for another 2 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well-coated. Serve the chicken with rice and green beans for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken Recipe Tips
- Even Coating: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture. Shake off excess cornstarch to avoid clumping.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken slices. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Soy Sauce Substitutes: For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of dried chili peppers, or omit them entirely.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water; if it’s too thin, increase the cornstarch slightly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic, as they add a fragrant, bold taste to the sauce.
- Toss Chicken Well: Once the chicken is cooked, toss it gently in the sauce to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
- Serve with Vegetables: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans, broccoli, or a side of sautéed vegetables to balance out the flavors.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down completely before storing to maintain its texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the cooked chicken to cool and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months; just make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp it back up. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a microwave, but it won’t retain the same crispiness
What To Serve With Mongolian Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Mongolian Chicken made in the air fryer pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a balanced and flavorful meal. Serve it alongside steamed rice or fried rice to soak up the savory sauce, or opt for crispy, roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy addition. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. For a more indulgent option, pair it with egg rolls or dumplings for an extra touch of Asian-inspired flavor.
Mongolian Chicken Air Fryer Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a juicier result. Be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe spicier? Absolutely! You can increase the amount of dried chili peppers or add some chili paste to the sauce to ramp up the heat level.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, substitute tamari sauce for regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
How can I make the sauce thicker? If you’d like a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch or allow the sauce to simmer for a little longer to reduce it.
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Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken
Description
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients:
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast, about 6-8 ounces each.
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Mongolian Chicken Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, fresh ginger sliced thinly
- 5-6 dried chili peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup low sodium sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Rub your chicken breast with olive oil and then season with salt.
- Cut it thinly and dredge in the cornstarch. Shake any excess off.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. Place the chicken into the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10, flipping half way during the cooking process. Remove it when the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
- In a small saucepan add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and then add the ginger and garlic. Saute for a couple of minutes till they become fragrant. Add the peppers in and saute a couple minutes more until they are softened. Then add in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well. Continue to saute until the sauce thickens.
- Toss your chicken into your sauce.
- Serve with rice and green beans.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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Karen
I don’t think I missed this after re-reading the step-by-step description. How much rice wine vinegar and hoisin sauce are used and when do you add both in the ingredients? Love hoisin sauce and will cook any recipe that has that ingredient in it. Thank you for answering.