Air Fryer PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken Copycat Recipe

Make your favorite PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken at home with this easy air fryer copycat recipe! Crispy, tender chicken tossed in a bold, spicy sauce – perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s better than takeout!

This is a great chicken dish, and cooks amazingly well in the air fryer. I love making homemade restaurant meals at home, saving you time and money.

PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken is one of my favorite things to get there, and now you and I get to enjoy it at home!

Serve over Ninja Foodi Brown Rice, Air Fryer Stick Of Butter Rice, or a bowl of Perfect Ninja Foodi Basmati Rice.

This PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken Copycat Recipe is amazing, try it today.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: This air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality spicy chicken in just minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Bold, Authentic Flavor: The homemade spicy sauce closely mimics PF Chang’s, bringing the same depth of flavor to your kitchen.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less chili paste or flakes.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a crispy coating on the chicken that’s delightfully crunchy without excess oil.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is easy to make ahead and reheat, so you can enjoy spicy chicken all week.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy results.
• Cornstarch: Coats the chicken, creating a light, crispy texture when air-fried.
• Salt and Pepper: To enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps the chicken crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice in the sauce.
• Water: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• White Vinegar: Provides a tangy note that complements the sweetness and spice.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
• Chili Sauce: Brings heat to the dish; adjust to your spice preference.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory layer to the sauce.
• Ginger: Provides a fresh, slightly spicy note that enhances the overall flavor.

How To Make Air Fryer PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken Copycat Recipe

Step One: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken in the beaten egg, then coat with cornstarch.

Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees FF (193°C), for 3-5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil. Place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step Three: Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step Four: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, vinegar, soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Step Five: Toss the air-fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve the Chang’s Spicy Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Air Fryer PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken Copycat Recipe Tips

• Cut Evenly Sized Pieces: Ensure the chicken is cut into similar-sized pieces to cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fry in batches if needed to allow each piece to crisp up perfectly.
• Use Cooking Spray for Extra Crispiness: A light spray of oil helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of chili sauce to suit your preference.
• Simmer Sauce Until Thickened: Let the sauce thicken over medium heat to achieve the perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
• Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best when served hot, right after coating with the sauce.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top with green onions and sesame seeds to add color, flavor, and a hint of crunch.

Air Fryer PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken Copycat Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and often add extra juiciness and flavor.

How do I make the sauce spicier? To increase the heat, add extra chili sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance? Yes, you can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge; just reheat it before tossing with the chicken.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Can I substitute the cornstarch with flour? While cornstarch gives the best crispy coating, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute if needed.

What side dishes go well with this recipe? This spicy chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple green salad.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD
• AIR FRYER BREADED EGGPLANT
• Easy AIR FRYER IRISH SODA BREAD
• AIR FRYER PIZZA HUT BREADSTICKS

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