Crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky sweet-savory honey garlic sauce made in the air fryer. It tastes like takeout but is quicker, lighter, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lb (700g) chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for crispiness)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
In a bowl, mix chicken with:
- Oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cornstarch (optional)
Coat evenly so the seasoning sticks well.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat air fryer to 190–200°C (375–390°F).
Place chicken in a single layer in the basket.
Cook for:
- 10–12 minutes, then shake
- Cook another 6–10 minutes until golden and fully cooked
Chicken should be crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Step 3: Make Honey Garlic Sauce
In a pan over medium heat, add:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Ketchup (optional)
- Vinegar or lemon juice
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add cooked chicken into the sauce.
Mix well until every piece is fully coated and sticky.
Optional: Put it back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Steamed rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Sesame seeds and green onions on top
Storage
- Refrigerate: up to 3–4 days
- Freeze: up to 2 months
Reheating
- Air fryer: 180°C for 3–5 minutes
- Pan: medium heat until hot
- Microwave: quick but less crispy
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Cornstarch helps create a crispier texture
- Fresh garlic gives stronger flavor
- Thighs stay juicier than breast meat
- Sauce thickens fast, so don’t overcook it
