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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites - Crispy, Sticky, and Fast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons, for coating
  • Salt and pepper: To season the chicken
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, for the chicken
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1–2 tablespoons, to help crisp the chicken
  • Honey: 1/3 cup
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: 3 tablespoons
  • Fresh garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, optional for heat
  • Water: 2–3 tablespoons to loosen the sauce, as needed
  • Cornstarch slurry: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water, optional for thicker sauce
  • Sesame seeds and green onions: For garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry. Add them to a bowl with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss until every piece is lightly coated. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and toss again.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps build a crisp crust fast.
  3. Air fry the chicken: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Work in batches if needed. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Make the sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small skillet over medium heat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. If you like a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer another minute. Add a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
  5. Toss to coat: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss until every piece is glossy and coated. If your skillet is small, work in two batches.
  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.