Indulging in a takeaway meal can be a delightful treat, but it often comes with a hefty price tag and a calorie count that might not align with health or financial goals. Fortunately, a popular food influencer has unveiled a clever solution that brings the beloved flavours of sweet and sour chicken directly to your kitchen, offering a healthier and more economical alternative.
The Viral Recipe Taking Social Media by Storm
Max McCann, widely recognised online as Meals with Max, has captivated his substantial following with a straightforward recipe for homemade sweet and sour chicken. Specialising in accessible home cooking, McCann boasts an impressive 2.4 million followers on TikTok, where he shared this particular tutorial, as reported by the Express.
In his engaging video, McCann directly addresses common cravings, stating: "If you're craving a Chinese, but you're trying to lose weight, you need to make this sweet and sour chicken." He meticulously guides viewers through each step before presenting the final dish with enthusiasm, declaring it "absolutely banging. Lovely."
Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback from Home Cooks
The recipe has garnered widespread acclaim from viewers who have tried it themselves. One enthusiastic commenter noted: "This sweet and sour chicken looks way better than takeout!" Another shared a family success story: "Just made this, it was great! My eight year old asked for more."
Practical questions also arose within the community, such as whether the recipe could be adapted for those without an air fryer. A helpful viewer responded: "Yes, obviously put on greaseproof paper and turn accordingly. I'd say check every five minutes and remember (the) fry light." Further praise included comments like "Looks nice! I'm going to try that tomorrow, hope it tastes as good as yours looks" and "Made this tonight... lush! Thank you!"
Complete Recipe: Max's Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
This recipe serves two people and can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option that rivals delivery times.
Ingredients Required
For the Chicken:
- 400g chicken breast
- 1 egg
- 4 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Spray oil
For the Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1 red pepper
- 1 green pepper
- 1 small onion
- 150g pineapple chunks
- Spring onion, sliced
- Sesame seeds
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 120ml pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp cornflour, mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 50ml water
Step-by-Step Method
- Begin by chopping the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and placing them in a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well-coated.
- Incorporate the cornflour, ensuring each piece of chicken is fully coated to achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Transfer the coated chicken to your air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 200 degrees Celsius for 12 to 15 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion and chop both the red and green peppers into chunks.
- Heat a frying pan over a medium heat, add a small amount of oil, and sauté the peppers and onion for several minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the grated garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, ketchup, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and honey. Stir well to create the base of your sweet and sour sauce.
- Pour this sauce mixture into the frying pan with the vegetables. Add the pineapple chunks and allow the sauce to simmer for three to four minutes.
- Introduce the cornflour slurry to the pan, stirring continuously. Simmer for about one minute until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy sheen.
- Once the chicken is golden and crispy from the air fryer, add it directly to the pan. Gently mix until every piece is generously coated in the sweet and sour sauce.
- Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with freshly sliced spring onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavour and presentation.
This homemade version not only provides significant savings compared to restaurant prices but also allows for complete control over ingredients, reducing unnecessary fats, sugars, and additives commonly found in takeaway alternatives. By utilising an air fryer, the chicken achieves a satisfying crunch with minimal oil, aligning perfectly with health-conscious eating without compromising on the indulgent taste of a classic takeaway favourite.
