Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent pieces of chicken, each morsel bursting with a delightful combination of savory and tangy flavors. This sweet and sour chicken recipe transforms a familiar favorite into a lighter, yet equally satisfying dish, all achieved with the magic of air frying. Tender chicken pieces, steeped in a simple marinade of sea salt and soy sauce, are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer.

This cooking method ensures a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside incredibly juicy. Vibrant bell peppers, in a medley of colors, and sweet onions are lightly air-fried to retain their pleasing crunch, adding a textural contrast to the tender chicken. Chunks of pineapple contribute a burst of tropical sweetness, complementing the savory notes of the dish.

All these elements come together in a luscious sweet and sour sauce, crafted from a base of rich ketchup, aromatic garlic, the subtle warmth of ginger, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that essential tang. The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. For those who prefer a thicker sauce, a touch of arrowroot starch can be added to achieve the desired consistency.

The omission of the pineapple creates a dish with a slightly deeper, more intense sweet and sour flavor profile. Serve this air-fried sweet and sour chicken with cauliflower rice to complete the meal. This ensures a guilt-free yet flavorful experience, allowing you to enjoy all the familiar tastes without the heaviness.

The result is a dish that is both light and flavorful, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The simplicity of the preparation combined with the incredible flavor makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.