Looking for a weeknight meal that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy? These Miso-Maple Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Sesame-Crusted Broccoli are here to save the day! This recipe combines the umami richness of miso, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the satisfying crunch of sesame seeds for a truly unforgettable dish. The air fryer makes cooking quick and keeps everything delightfully crispy, without the need for a lot of oil. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What You’ll Need
- 500g (1 ½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 2cm (¾-inch) bite-size pieces – approximately 2 cups. Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, making it perfect for air frying. Ensure the pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- 300g (10 oz) broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli florets are best, providing a vibrant green color and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. You can use pre-cut florets for convenience, but ensure they are all roughly the same size.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) white miso paste: White miso (shiro miso) is a fermented soybean paste that adds a savory, umami depth to the glaze. It’s milder and sweeter than red miso, making it ideal for this recipe.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) pure maple syrup: Use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and a beautiful caramelization when air fried.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) low-sodium soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce adds saltiness and umami without overpowering the other flavors. Regular soy sauce can be used, but reduce the amount slightly.
- 1 tsp (5ml) toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil delivers a nutty, aromatic flavor that complements the miso and maple beautifully. A little goes a long way!
- 1 tsp (5g) freshly grated ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy kick. Avoid using ground ginger, as it lacks the same vibrancy.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Minced garlic provides a pungent, savory aroma and flavor.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil: Used to lightly coat the broccoli florets, helping them crisp up in the air fryer. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice.
- 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken bites and thickens the glaze slightly.
- 2 tbsp (20g) toasted sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to both the glaze and the broccoli.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the glaze and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice.
- ¼ tsp (1g) salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.
- 2 tsp (10g) sliced green onions: For garnish, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Substitutions & Variations
Don’t have an ingredient on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:
- Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast. They will be more flavorful and tender, but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Broccoli: Feel free to swap broccoli for other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or green beans.
- Miso Paste: If you can’t find white miso, you can use red miso, but use a smaller amount (about 1 tbsp) as it has a stronger flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, but it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Miso-Maple Glazed Chicken & Broccoli
- Prepare the Miso-Maple Glaze: In a large bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, pure maple syrup, low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, black pepper, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is completely smooth and all ingredients are well combined. This glaze is the heart of the dish, providing a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl containing the miso-maple glaze. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the chicken. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is fully coated with the glaze and cornstarch. The cornstarch is crucial; it creates a light, crispy coating when air-fried. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for achieving crispy chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to verify.
- Prepare the Sesame-Crusted Broccoli: While the chicken is cooking, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and half of the toasted sesame seeds in a separate bowl. Ensure the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Broccoli: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and keep it warm. Add the seasoned broccoli florets to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and lightly charred.
- Assemble and Garnish: Transfer the cooked chicken and broccoli to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the bowl over the top. Sprinkle the remaining toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions evenly over the dish for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
Why This Miso-Maple Glaze Works So Well
The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of miso and maple syrup. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, provides a deep umami flavor that’s incredibly savory and complex. Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of the miso and soy sauce. This pairing isn’t accidental; the fermentation process in miso breaks down proteins into free amino acids, including glutamate – the source of umami. Maple syrup’s complex sugars also enhance the perception of umami, creating a flavor synergy that’s both satisfying and addictive. The ginger and garlic add aromatic complexity, while the sesame oil provides a nutty undertone.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken
Achieving that desirable crispy texture in the air fryer is all about a few key techniques. First, ensure the chicken is patted dry before marinating. Excess moisture hinders browning. Second, the cornstarch coating is essential. It absorbs moisture and creates a protective layer that crisps up beautifully. Don’t skip it! Finally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and results in steamed, rather than fried, chicken. Work in batches if needed.
Broccoli Perfection: Tender-Crisp and Charred
The goal with the broccoli is to achieve a tender-crisp texture with slightly charred edges. This adds a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Don’t overcook the broccoli, as it will become mushy. The 5-6 minute air frying time is usually sufficient, but adjust based on your air fryer and the size of the florets. The sesame seeds not only add flavor but also contribute to the browning process.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This Miso-Maple Glazed Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side of fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze. For a complete meal, add a side of edamame or a simple Asian-inspired salad. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of miso? Yes, you can! Red miso will have a stronger, more robust flavor, while yellow miso is milder. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Can I bake this instead of air frying? Yes, you can bake the chicken and broccoli at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the air fryer will yield a crispier result.
- How long will leftovers keep? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Miso-Maple Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Sesame-Crusted Broccoli! It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
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recipe air fryer chicken bites and broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
These Miso-Maple Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Sesame-Crusted Broccoli offer a flavorful and easy weeknight meal. The combination of miso, maple syrup, and sesame seeds creates a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 ½ lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 300g (10 oz) broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp (30ml) white miso paste
- 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp (5ml) toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp (5g) grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (20g) toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice
- ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
- ¼ tsp (1g) salt
- 2 tsp (10g) sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice, pepper, and salt.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken pieces with glaze and cornstarch; marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry Chicken: Air fry chicken for 8 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Prepare Broccoli: Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and sesame seeds.
- Air Fry Broccoli: Air fry broccoli for 5-6 minutes.
- Assemble & Garnish: Drizzle with remaining glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier results. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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