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The Secret to Ultra Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken

The key to getting that signature Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken texture is all in the coating. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

1. Buttermilk for Maximum Tenderness 🥛

Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavour but also keeps the meat extra juicy. The slight acidity tenderises the chicken, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

2. A Gluten-Free, Spiced Flour Mix for Extra Crunch 🌾

Instead of traditional plain flour, I use gluten-free flour mixed with cornstarch (cornflour in Australia!) and a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The result? A light, crisp coating that puffs up beautifully in the air fryer.

3. Air Fryer Magic – Crispy Without the Grease! ✨

Deep-frying might be delicious, but it’s messy and heavy. Cooking the chicken in the air fryer gives you that golden crunch with just a light spray of oil. Healthier, easier, and just as crispy!

Now, let’s talk about that sauce – because Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken is nothing without the perfect balance of flavours!

The Key Ingredients for an Authentic Taste:

  • Pineapple Juice & Chunks 🍍 – Natural sweetness that brings out the tangy elements of the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar 🍶 – Essential for that signature sour kick.
  • Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste 🍅 – For colour and depth.
  • Brown Sugar & Honey 🍯 – Sweet, caramelised goodness to balance the vinegar.
  • Soy Sauce 🥢 – Adds a savoury umami depth.
  • Cornflour Slurry – To thicken the sauce to that glossy, sticky consistency.
Made in minutes in the Sunbeam Electric Skillet, this sauce coats every crispy bite with pure deliciousness!
  • Don’t skip the buttermilk soak – It makes the chicken ridiculously juicy.
  • Use cornstarch (cornflour) in the coating – This is the secret to extra crispiness!
  • Shake off excess flour before air frying – This prevents a floury aftertaste.
  • Preheat the air fryer – Helps the coating crisp up immediately.
  • Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving – This keeps it crunchy!
This Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken dish is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, serve it with:
  • Steamed Jasmine Rice – The perfect fluffy base to soak up that sauce.
  • Garlic Bok Choy or Stir-Fried Veggies – A fresh, crunchy contrast.
  • Fried Rice – Because why not go all out?
  • Chilli Flakes or Fresh Sliced Chilli – If you love a spicy kick!
And don’t forget the extra sweet and sour sauce on the side for dipping!
If you manage to have any Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken leftovers (unlikely, but just in case! 😉), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Fridge:

Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Freeze the cooked chicken on a baking tray before transferring to a ziplock bag. It stays fresh for up to 2 months! The sauce can be frozen in a separate container.

Reheating:

For best results, pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 180°C for 5–7 minutes to crisp it up again. Heat the sauce separately on the stovetop or microwave.

Love this Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken? You’ll also love:
That’s it – Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken done right! Who’s making this tonight? Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I’d love to see your creations! 📸✨
Happy cooking! 🍽️💕
Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Steph de Sousa

Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken

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This Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken is a total game changer. Crispy fried chicken with a Sweet & Sour sauce. Think pineapple sweetness, tangy vinegar, and rich tomato all coming together in saucy harmony. Serve it drizzled over the chicken or as a dipping sauce.
Print Recipe
prep time Prep Time 20 minutes
setting time Setting Time
 30 minutes
total time Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 983
dish icon Ingredients Equipmentcook book Methodhealt Nutritionvideo icon Video

Ingredients
 

Ingredients
  • 1.5 kg Broad Oak Farms Thigh Cutlet bone in skin off Chicken pieces
  • 400 ml Farmdale carton Buttermilk
  • 2 cups gluten free White Mill Plain Flour
  • 2 cups White Mill Home baking corn flour
  • Stone Mill Salt
  • The Olive Tree Olive Oil spray
Spice Mix
  • 2 heaped tbsp Stone Mill Smoked Paprika
  • 1 heaped tbsp Stone Mill Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Stone Mill Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Stone Mill Onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Stone Mill White Pepper
Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 1 cup Westcliff Pineapple juice
  • ¾ cup White Mill Brown Sugar
  • 3 tbsp Colway Tomato Sauce
  • 1/3 cup Pure Vita White Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Asian Specialties Soy Sauce
  • 1 ½ tbsp White Mill Cornflour
  • 2 tbsp cold Water

Equipment

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, pour the Buttermilk over the Chicken and let  soak in the fridge for a few hours.
  2. Mix the Corn Flour, add the gluten free Glour, the spice mix, add a generous amount of Salt and mix.
  3. Coat the Buttermilk Chicken pieces in theFflour mix using tongs ensuring a generous amount of Buttermilk is on the Chicken to create a moist, raggy flour coating.
  4. If you’re using the air fryer  - spray the basket, and then spray the Chicken with Olive Oil spray as well.
  5. Cook in the air fryer on 200 degrees for about 12-15 minutes each side (depending on Chicken cut and size) turning halfway through and give another Olive Oil spray.
  6. For the Sweet and Sour sauce,add the  Brown Sugar, Corn Flour and mix, add the Pineapple Juice, Vinegar, Tomato Sauce and Soy Sauce in a small saucepan or electric frypan and bring to the boil, whilst whisking.
  7. Serve on top of or next to your Fried Chicken for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 983kcalCarbohydrates: 138gProtein: 61gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 815mgPotassium: 1006mgFiber: 6gSugar: 46gVitamin A: 229IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 238mgIron: 4mg

Video

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can shallow-fry the chicken in a pan with oil, or bake it at 200°C, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Add a teaspoon of chilli flakes to the sauce, or drizzle some sriracha on top before serving!
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