Name: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-size cubes; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon chopped garlic; 5 tablespoons honey; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavors, easy to make, and perfect for any weeknight, this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces cloaked in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce, all with a crisp finish thanks to your air fryer. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a fantastic combo of crispy texture and rich, comforting flavor that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to whip up. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to comfort meal you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw pink chicken pieces topped with a large pile of white powder, likely flour. Underneath and mixed around the flour are dark brown soy sauce and sprinkled black pepper. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, showing the mix of raw meat and dry ingredients holding the different colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may sound simple, but each one plays an essential role in bringing this dish to life—from the crunchy chicken coating to the luscious sauce. With these staples, you’ll create a perfect balance of textures and tastes that make this recipe so irresistible.

Chicken (1 pound, breast or thighs): Bite-sized pieces provide juicy, tender meat that cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): This gives the chicken a wonderfully crisp coating once air fried.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances sweetness.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the sauce.
Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon for chicken, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Infuses umami depth and saltiness that complements the honey’s sweetness.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing garlic and building the rich sauce base.
Chopped Garlic (1 tablespoon): Provides that signature warm, aromatic punch this recipe is loved for.
Honey (5 tablespoons): The star sweetener that creates a sticky, luscious glaze enveloping the chicken.
Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a mild savory backbone to the sauce.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle heat that wakes up the flavor without being too spicy.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-size cubes. This helps it cook quickly and ensures each piece gets evenly coated with the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and soy sauce mixture. Toss the chicken well so every tender morsel is covered—that crispy, flavorful crust is the foundation of this dish.

Step 2: Preheat and Oil the Air Fryer Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. Using a spray bottle filled with oil, lightly coat the basket bottom to prevent sticking and encourage crispiness on the chicken’s surface.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Arrange the chicken in a single layer inside the basket. Spray a little more oil on top to get that golden crunchy texture. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip each piece and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. You want that beautiful golden-brown exterior with juicy meat inside.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat, then add the chopped garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, and pour in the sauce mixture. Let it simmer and thicken for around 2 minutes, developing that glossy, sticky sheen that’s signature to this recipe.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with the Sauce

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, immediately add it to the pan with your honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly, allowing that sticky sauce to cling to the crispy chicken. This step is the magic moment where textures and flavors fully unite!

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

The image shows a dark pan filled with about 20 pieces of orange-glazed chicken, covered in shiny sauce with a sticky look. The chicken pieces are irregular, some small and some larger, with a glossy, thick coat that catches the light, making the texture look smooth and sticky. The background is a white marbled surface, and the pan rests on a black cooling rack. The edges of the pan are worn and darkened, adding a rustic feel to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Completing this dish with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions adds a vital pop of color and a mild sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, garlicky sauce. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can also bring a lovely visual hint of heat if you want to amp it up.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, neutral sides that soak up the decadent sauce. Fluffy steamed rice is a classic, but you can also try cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even some sautéed greens for variety. These choices balance the sweet and savory notes, making the entire meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of noodles or inside lettuce wraps for a lighter, hand-held option. You can even place it atop roasted vegetables or a vibrant salad to add layers of texture and freshness. Presentation is part of the joy of cooking—get creative to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey garlic chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken may soften slightly, but when reheated correctly, it remains delicious and tender. This makes it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When freezing, try to keep the sauce and chicken combined for best flavor retention. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy texture while reheating, warm the chicken in a 350-degree air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes or in a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much and check frequently to avoid overcooking. Microwaving works too but will yield softer results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken or fully thawed chicken for even cooking in the air fryer. Frozen chicken pieces might cook unevenly and take longer, so make sure they are thawed completely before preparing the dish.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender. Just make sure to cut them into even-sized bite pieces for uniform cooking.

Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly air-fried chicken to keep the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If rice vinegar isn’t available, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. The tanginess is essential to balance the sweetness, so it’s worth including some type of mild vinegar.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic mix. The flavors will still shine but with a welcome kick that fans of heat will love.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe and all the insider tips for the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and garlicky, it’s time to bring your air fryer to work its magic. The Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to delight — and keep you coming back for more. Go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!