Air-Fried Honey Chicken: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make crispy, juicy chicken without the mess and calories of deep-frying. This article will show you how to make delicious honey chicken in your air fryer in under 30 minutes. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savoury with a sticky honey glaze or sauce. So, get your ingredients ready and let's cook!

Choosing the right air fryer

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right air fryer for you. Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Types of Air Fryers

There are two primary types of air fryers on the market: those with a basket or drawer, and those with a mesh tray or rack. Toaster ovens with built-in air-frying modes are also an option. Basket air fryers are the most common and typically have a tub that slides out, making them more basic and affordable. They usually have analog dials or digital controls and can range in capacity from 2 to over 5 quarts. Mesh tray air fryers cook food on a flat or shallow receptacle and often have clear glass doors. Some models have multiple racks, allowing you to cook a full meal at once. Toaster ovens with air-fryer modes are larger and may be more suitable for those who need the extra oven space, but they may not achieve the same level of crispiness as true air fryers.

Price

Air fryers range in price from $30 to $260, with most models hovering around $100. You don't need to spend a lot to get a high-performing air fryer, but keep in mind that more expensive models may offer advanced features, larger capacities, or longer warranties.

Capacity

Air fryers come in various sizes, from small 2-quart models suitable for one or two people to larger options that can accommodate substantial batches of food or a whole chicken. Consider how much food you typically cook at once and choose a size that will meet your needs without being too bulky for your countertop.

Advanced Features

Some air fryers offer additional presets, indicators, and modes such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking. Consider whether you will utilise these features and choose a model with the functions that align with your cooking needs and preferences.

Brand

When it comes to brands, there are several reputable options to choose from, including Philips, Instant Pot, Ninja, Cosori, Cuisinart, and more. Research and compare the features, prices, and reviews of different brands to find the one that best suits your requirements.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you'll want to decide on the cut of chicken you're using. Most recipes suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they're juicier and more flavourful due to their higher fat content. However, you can also use chicken breast cutlets, boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken tenders, or chicken breast cubes. If you're using chicken breasts, you may need to pound or butterfly the meat to ensure even cooking.

Next, you'll want to season the chicken. In a large bowl, combine your chicken with seasonings like salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. You can also add garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame seeds for extra flavour. Give it a good mix to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

Now it's time to coat the chicken. In a separate bowl, prepare a mixture of cornstarch or potato starch with spices. You can also use breadcrumbs or panko bread crumbs for this step. Cut the chicken into cubes or thin cutlets, then dip or toss them in the coating mixture. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated.

Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the chicken pieces inside in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect cooking. You may need to cook the chicken in batches. Spray a little more oil on top of the chicken, then cook for 5 minutes. Use a spatula or tongs to flip the pieces over, then cook for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

And that's it! Your chicken is now ready to be glazed, sauced, or served as-is.

Making the sauce

To make the sauce, you will need a saucepan, which you will heat on medium heat. Add some olive oil or sesame oil to the pan and heat the minced garlic in it. Cook the garlic for a few minutes until it is softened but not browned.

Next, add the honey, soy sauce, and black pepper to the pan. You can also add other ingredients like rice vinegar, chicken broth, fish sauce, grated onion, or red pepper flakes to taste. Stir everything together and simmer the sauce until it thickens. Keep an eye on it as it can quickly foam and bubble over the saucepan.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Your sauce is now ready to be poured over the cooked chicken.

Cooking the chicken

The first step in making honey chicken in an air fryer is to prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes or chunks. You can use either chicken breasts or chicken thighs, but it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken for the best results.

Next, you will need to coat the chicken pieces with a dry mixture. This mixture typically includes cornstarch or potato starch, and various spices such as salt, black pepper, ground ginger, nutmeg, thyme, sage, and paprika. You can also add soy sauce to the mixture for extra flavour. Toss the chicken pieces in the bowl until they are evenly coated.

Now, you are ready to cook the chicken in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F (depending on the model and manufacturer's instructions). Spray the air fryer basket with some oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with oil and cook for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, use a spatula to flip the chicken pieces over. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and set it aside while you make the honey sauce.

Serving suggestions

Rice

Rice is a great side dish to serve with honey chicken. The sticky sauce blends into the rice, making it taste amazing. You can cook the rice while the chicken is cooking in the air fryer.

Vegetables

Add a simple vegetable side dish, such as roasted carrots, broccolini, asparagus, green beans, or baby carrots. These will provide a nice contrast to the sweet and sticky honey chicken.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another good option to serve with honey chicken, as they help to soak up the sauce.

Salad

A fresh salad with greens and vegetables will balance out the richness of the dish.

Fruit

For a lighter option, serve the honey chicken with fruit such as blueberries or cantaloupe.

Green Beans and Rice

Pair the honey chicken with green beans and rice, as suggested by Kristy Still from Mommy Hates Cooking.

Fried Rice

You can also serve the honey chicken with fried rice. Simply substitute this chicken for the recipe you usually use.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, serve the honey chicken with homemade PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps as an appetizer or main course.

Chicken Fried Rice

Takeout-style chicken fried rice is another great option to serve with honey chicken.

Brown Rice

Making Instant Pot Brown Rice is easy and versatile, and it pairs well with many Asian-inspired dishes.

White Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is another great option, and you can make it in your own kitchen with simple step-by-step instructions.

Garnishes

Garnish your honey chicken with sliced green onions, red pepper flakes, or sesame seeds to add a pop of color and freshness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover honey garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for about 2 months. However, when reheating, avoid using the air fryer as the chicken will lose its crispness. Instead, reheat in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions