Description

This air fryer honey garlic chicken is sticky, crispy at the edges, and ready in about 20 minutes. Juicy chicken pieces coated in a glossy glaze with smart swaps and foolproof tips.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (680 g)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos) (30 ml)
3 tbsp honey (63 g)
1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or canola) (15 ml)
1 ½ tbsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves) (15 g)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch (8 g), plus 2 tbsp water (30 ml) for slurry if thickening extra glaze
Optional garnish: sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, lemon wedges

Instructions

Marinate (5–15 min): In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Toss in chicken until coated.
Preheat: Heat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly oil the basket or use holed parchment.
First cook: Arrange chicken in a single layer (work in batches). Air fry 6–8 minutes.
Flip & glaze: Flip pieces. Spoon any remaining marinade over top. Air fry 4–7 minutes more until edges are caramelized and thickest piece reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest & optional extra glaze: Rest 2 minutes. For more sauce, simmer leftover marinade in a small pan 1–2 minutes; whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer to glossy, then drizzle.

Notes

Thighs are more forgiving; breasts cook faster. Prevent honey burning by not exceeding the last 2–3 minutes if sauce darkens quickly. For extra crisp edges, pat chicken dry before marinating and avoid over-crowding. Add veggies like broccoli or green beans for a full meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 310
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken, honey garlic sauce, crispy chicken, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free, one-bowl marinade