Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Prep: 15 minutes · Cook: 12 minutes · Total: 27 minutes · Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
• 2 sliced scallions and sesame seeds, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken dry. Toss it with the oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between pieces. Cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking after 5 minutes, until browned and every piece reaches 165°F. Cook in two batches if needed.
4. While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
5. Stir the cornstarch slurry again, add it to the sauce, and simmer for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring, until glossy and lightly thickened. Remove from the heat.
6. Toss the hot cooked chicken with just enough sauce to coat. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if using, and serve immediately.

Cook’s notes

Keep the raw chicken pieces close to the same size so they finish together. Do not add the honey sauce before air frying; its sugar can burn before the chicken cooks through.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat at 375°F in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. Freeze the cooked, unglazed chicken for up to 2 months.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Approximately 390 calories · 39 g protein · 30 g carbohydrate · 12 g fat · 1 g fiber · 760 mg sodium. Actual values vary.