If you’re craving a savory and quick homemade Chinese meal, this Air Fryer Chicken Chow Mein recipe is the perfect solution. With its delightful combination of tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and soft noodles, it’s the ideal fakeaway dish to recreate the restaurant experience from the comfort of your own kitchen. By using the air fryer, we get a healthier version of the traditional stir-fried chow mein, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Plus, this recipe takes less time to cook than a takeout order, and you’ll love how all the ingredients come together in a single air fryer basket.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a meal for yourself, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to make, especially when you take advantage of the air fryer to speed up cooking time. Here’s how you can create this restaurant-style Chinese dish with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Chow Mein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely diced
300g of fresh egg noodles
1 bag of mixed stir-fry vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas)
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of cornflour (cornstarch)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Chinese 5 spice for marinating the chicken

Preparing the Flavored Sauce

Before you begin cooking the chicken and vegetables, it’s important to prepare the flavorful sauce that will coat the entire dish. Start by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornflour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The cornflour helps thicken the sauce, while the soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces give it that authentic sweet-salty taste that we all love in Chinese dishes. Once you’ve mixed the ingredients together, set the sauce aside for later.

Step 1: Preheating Your Air Fryer

To ensure even cooking, it’s best to preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes before adding any ingredients. Preheating the air fryer helps ensure that the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and that the noodles get the right amount of heat to achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Next, we’ll season the diced chicken for maximum flavor. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Chinese 5 spice for a fragrant, savory coating. This spice mix adds a traditional Chinese flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. After seasoning, place the chicken in the preheated air fryer basket, spreading it out evenly. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s fully cooked and beautifully browned. The air fryer does an excellent job of crisping up the chicken while keeping it tender inside.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later to combine with the noodles and vegetables.

Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables

Now it’s time to cook the vegetables. Place the mixed stir-fry vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The goal is to have the vegetables tender but still slightly crisp. If you prefer softer vegetables, feel free to extend the cooking time by a minute or two. The air fryer is perfect for achieving that balance between crispy and tender, which is crucial for a satisfying chow mein.

Step 4: Garlic and Flavor Boost

Once the vegetables are nearly done, push them to one side of the air fryer basket. On the other side, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant, adding depth and richness to the dish. Be careful not to overcook it, as garlic can burn quickly.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

Now that the chicken and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken and fresh egg noodles to the air fryer basket. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Toss everything together gently to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients.

Let everything cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The noodles will soak up the sauce, and the entire dish will come together in a beautifully fragrant and savory harmony.

Step 6: Serving the Chow Mein

Once your Air Fryer Chicken Chow Mein is ready, remove the basket from the air fryer and serve the dish in bowls. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles, all coated in a delicious sauce, is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful Chinese-inspired meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Q: Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh egg noodles?
A: Yes, you can use dried noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the air fryer.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bok choy, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover chow mein can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or soy sauce.

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Chow Mein

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This Air Fryer Chicken Chow Mein recipe is the perfect quick and delicious meal, ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a takeout-style meal at home. It’s a one-basket recipe that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles, all cooked in the air fryer.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
300g fresh egg noodles
1 bag of mixed stir-fry vegetables
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 5 minutes.
Toss the diced chicken with Chinese 5 spice and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add the mixed stir-fry vegetables to the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
Push the vegetables aside, add garlic to the empty space, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken, noodles, and sauce. Toss to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 434.76
Fat: 6.38g
Saturated Fat: 1.45g
Carbs: 67.91g
Fiber: 5.67g
Net Carbs: 62.25g
Sugar: 2.76g
Protein: 26.83g
Sodium: 1227.92mg
Cholesterol: 99.28mg

Air Fryer Chicken Chow Mein Recipe