Double-fry the chicken and keep the sauce separate until the last second. A single fry stays greasy, and sauce added early on the heat turns the crust to mush; you want to toss it off-flame just long enough to coat.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook20 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineChinese
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Chicken thighs
Boneless thighs, not breast — they stay juicy through a double fry. Cut into 1-inch chunks.
Plain white sugar for the sweet-sticky glaze. Adjust to taste against the vinegar.
3 tbsp
Local / market
Garlic and ginger
Minced fine and fried briefly before the sauce goes in — the backbone of the flavor.
3 cloves + 1 tbsp
Local / market
Neutral frying oil
Peanut or canola with a high smoke point. Enough to shallow-fry in batches.
3 cups
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryer
The Method
Batter and restToss the chicken chunks in beaten egg, then coat heavily in cornstarch and let sit five minutes.
First fryFry at 340F until pale and cooked through, about four minutes, then drain.
Second fryRaise the oil to 375F and fry again for a minute or two until deep gold and crisp.
Build the sauceIn a clean wok, toast the chilies, add garlic and ginger, then the soy, vinegar, sugar and a splash of stock; thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
Toss and serveKill the heat, add the chicken, and toss just until every piece is glossed. Serve over rice at once.
Can you make General Tso's Chicken in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze General Tso's Chicken? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make General Tso's Chicken ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is General Tso's Chicken gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
Is General Tso's Chicken vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.