Crisp, Zesty, and Totally Tucson: Your 1st Recipe of 2026 + Market Insight

by Jennifer Winchester

Happy New Year! We made it through the holidays, the leftovers are finally gone, and now it’s time for that magical window where we actually crave fresh starts… and maybe something not wrapped in pie crust.

To kick off January 2026, I’m sharing one of my favorite weeknight recipes that tastes like takeout but feels like a win:
Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken (Chinese-Style)
It’s bright, tangy, crunchy, and comes together in less time than it takes to scroll delivery apps debating your dinner.

Plate of Chinese-style lemon chicken served with white rice, vegetable dumplings, and a crispy egg roll, with glossy lemon sauce coating the chicken pieces.

Lemon Chicken (Air Fryer, Chinese-Style)

For the chicken:

1½ lbs boneless chicken breast, bite-sized
1 egg
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp white pepper
½ cup cornstarch + ¼ cup flour (or all cornstarch for extra crunch)
Spray oil

For the lemon sauce:

½ cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ cup sugar (or honey)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or alternative)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry)
Optional: pinch of turmeric

Air fryer basket filled with bite-size pieces of chicken cooking until golden and crispy, prepared for Chinese-style lemon chicken. Small saucepan of homemade lemon sauce simmering on the stovetop, showing a glossy citrus glaze with visible garlic and zest for Chinese-style lemon chicken.

How to make it:

Marinate chicken with egg, soy sauce, sesame oil & pepper for 10 min.
Dredge in cornstarch/flour mixture. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 min, flip and fry another 6-8 minutes until slightly browned.
Meanwhile, Simmer all sauce ingredients (except slurry), then add slurry to thicken.
Toss hot chicken in sauce until everything gleams. Top with scallions or sesame seeds. (only add sauce to what you will eat, if you are planning any leftovers- keep sauce separate)

Full plate of air-fried lemon chicken with steamed white rice, pan-seared dumplings, and an egg roll, arranged on a blue ceramic plate.

Serve with rice, potstickers, eggroll… and the satisfaction of not having to tip anyone this time.

January Real Estate Insight:

The market is waking up again, but it’s still calm enough for buyers to breathe. Sellers who list this early in the year are often serious—and there’s a chance to negotiate before spring competition ramps up.

Thinking of buying, selling, or investing in 2026? Now’s the time to lay the groundwork. Reply to this email and let’s map out your next move. I’ve got the experience, the resources, and the snacks.

Wishing you a bright start to your year (with extra lemon),