- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cornstarch
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Fresh parsley
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels to help the coating stick properly.
Place the chicken into a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the chicken.
Mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss again until fully coated.
The cornstarch creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy faster.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
Do not overcrowd the basket because proper air circulation is important for crispiness.
Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the chicken pieces.
Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Stir continuously and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
The sauce should become glossy and rich.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken into a large bowl.
Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
The crispy chicken absorbs the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful, but chicken breasts also work well for a leaner option.
Do Not Skip the Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps create the crispy texture that makes this recipe taste like restaurant-style chicken.
Cook in Batches if Needed
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Serve Immediately
The chicken tastes best fresh while the coating is crispy and the sauce is sticky.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Orange Honey Chicken
Add fresh orange juice and orange zest to the sauce for a citrus flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Version
Skip the honey sauce and toss the chicken with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.
Low-Carb Option
Replace cornstarch with almond flour for a lower-carb alternative.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
This versatile chicken pairs perfectly with many side dishes.
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower rice
- Asian cucumber salad
- Garlic green beans
For a lighter meal, serve over lettuce wraps or salad greens.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Microwaving works but may soften the crispy coating.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 690mg
