Hey y'all! Craving something that's crispy, juicy, and downright irresistible? These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are the answer to your snack or dinner dreams. Bursting with sweet, garlicky goodness and a hint of savory soy, they're quick to whip up and perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready to see how easy it is? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
- Crispy and Tender: Perfectly golden on the outside, juicy on the inside every time.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Satisfyingly Sweet and Savory: The honey garlic glaze brings amazing flavor without being overly sticky or heavy.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Both adults and kids love these bite-sized chicken pieces.
- Healthier Choice: Air frying means less oil with all the flavor and crunch (learn more about air frying benefits).
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. In a mixing bowl, toss chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss again to coat every piece. This helps create that crispy exterior.
2. Air Fry the Chicken Bites
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Toss Chicken in Sauce
Once chicken bites are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and gently toss until every piece is glossy and coated.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Notes for Making the Best Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Cut chicken pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for maximum crispiness.
- For more information on the perfect air fryer technique, check out this air fryer guide.
Variations on Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Spicy Sriracha: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- Lemon Pepper: Swap honey for agave and add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a zesty twist.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Not suitable for freezing as the coating may turn soggy upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with stir-fried veggies or a crisp green salad for a balanced plate.
- Offer as party bites with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil for an ultra-crispy finish.
- Let the sauce cool for 1-2 minutes before tossing—this helps it cling to the chicken better.
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes prior to cooking (learn more about marinating chicken).
FAQ – Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and just as delicious—just trim excess fat and follow the same instructions.
How do I make these chicken bites extra crispy?
Toss the chicken well in cornstarch and avoid overcrowding the basket so hot air can circulate evenly.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with the chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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2In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
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3Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken and toss to combine. Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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4Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
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5While the chicken cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
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6Toss the cooked chicken bites in the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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