Frozen General Tso’s Chicken in the Air Fryer

Skip the takeout and make this delicious frozen General Tso’s chicken right at home in your air fryer! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in that signature sweet and spicy sauce, this dish is so easy and fast to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve in less than 10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love Frozen General Tso’s Chicken in the Air Fryer

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 10 minutes from freezer to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, delicious meal.
• Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer ensures the chicken comes out crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside, just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
• No Defrosting Required: No need to thaw the chicken beforehand! You can cook it straight from frozen, saving you time and hassle.
• Takeout Taste at Home: With the sweet and spicy General Tso’s sauce, this dish brings all the flavors of your favorite takeout, without leaving the house or waiting for delivery.
• Affordable: Making this frozen meal at home is much cheaper than ordering takeout, and it’s just as satisfying!

Ingredients For Frozen General Tso’s Chicken in the Air Fryer

• Frozen General Tso’s Chicken – You can use any brand you prefer. The sauce comes in the package, so it’s super convenient.
• Hot water – Used to defrost the sauce packet while the chicken cooks.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Frozen General Tso’s Chicken in the Air Fryer

• Air Fryer – For perfectly crispy chicken, cooked quickly and evenly.
• Tongs – To toss the chicken in the sauce and remove it from the air fryer.
• Bowl – To defrost the sauce packet in hot water.
• Measuring Cup – This is used to fill the bowl with hot water.

How To Make Frozen General Tso’s Chicken in the Air Fryer

• Open the package and take out the sauce packet.
• Place the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9 minutes.
• While the chicken cooks, fill a bowl with hot water and place the sauce packet in to defrost.
• After the air fryer finishes, check the chicken for crispiness and ensure it’s hot in the center. If needed, cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and toss it in the defrosted sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with boiled vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to balance the flavors.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top for an extra kick.
• Serve with egg rolls or spring rolls for an authentic takeout experience at home.

Tips For Success

• Use the Right Air Fryer Temperature: Cooking the frozen General Tso’s chicken at 400°F ensures a crispy texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy. If your air fryer runs hotter or cooler than normal, adjust the temperature slightly to avoid burning or undercooking the chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Place the frozen chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven results, with some pieces staying soggy while others crisp up too much.
• Check for Doneness: Since air fryer models can vary, be sure to check a piece of chicken after the initial cooking time. The chicken should be crispy on the outside and hot throughout. If it feels cold or not crispy enough, simply put it back in the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes.
• Defrost the Sauce Properly: Placing the sauce packet in a bowl of hot water while the chicken cooks ensures it defrosts evenly. Make sure it’s fully liquid before tossing it with the chicken for the best coating.
• Serve Immediately: For the crispiest and best texture, serve the chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce. The longer it sits, the more the crispy coating may soften.

Variations And Substitutions

• Spicy Lovers: If you like more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce before tossing the chicken. This will elevate the spiciness and create a bolder flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Try using a vegetarian version of General Tso’s chicken, made from plant-based ingredients like soy or pea protein. Many brands offer this option in the frozen section, and the cooking instructions remain the same.
• Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free meal, make sure to buy a gluten-free version of General Tso’s chicken. Many frozen brands offer this option. Additionally, check that the sauce packet included is gluten-free, or use your own gluten-free General Tso’s sauce.
• Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, you can cook the chicken in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook it, or the chicken may become dry.
• Homemade Sauce: If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own General Tso’s sauce using ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simply toss the air-fried chicken in your homemade sauce for a fresh twist.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken separate if possible to maintain the crispy texture.
• Reheating: To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes until it’s heated through and crispy again. If you stored the sauce separately, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, then toss it with the reheated chicken.
• Freezing Leftovers: If you’d like to freeze the cooked chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container without the sauce and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat directly in the air fryer and toss with freshly warmed sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook General Tso’s chicken from frozen in the air fryer without defrosting it first?

Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to cook the chicken directly from frozen. There’s no need to defrost it before air frying. The air fryer will make it perfectly crispy while cooking it through.

How do I make sure the chicken is cooked properly?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, make sure it reaches a crispy texture on the outside and is hot throughout. You can test by cutting into a piece after the initial cooking time. If it’s not hot enough in the center, simply cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Can I use this method with other frozen chicken products?

Yes! You can use this same air fryer method with other types of frozen chicken, like orange chicken, sweet and sour chicken, or even chicken nuggets. Just follow the same cooking instructions and adjust the sauce or toppings as needed.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

The key to keeping the chicken crispy is to toss it in the sauce right before serving. If you leave it sitting in the sauce too long, the crispy coating will absorb the moisture and become soggy. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can cause uneven cooking and sogginess.

Can I make my own General Tso’s sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade sauce, you can easily make one with ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Toss the crispy air-fried chicken in your homemade sauce for a personal touch and added flavor.

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