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air fryer hot honey chicken

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This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. It's a lightning-fast, easy, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights, loved by both kids and adults. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior with less oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts)
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for spraying)
1/2 cup Honey
2-4 tablespoons Hot Sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Sesame Seeds (Optional)
Chopped Fresh Chives or Green Onions (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken thighs (or breasts) thoroughly dry with paper towels. Cut them into 1-inch pieces
  2. Make the Breading: In a shallow dish or a large resealable bag, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir or shake well to mix the spices evenly
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Repeat with all chicken pieces
  4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes
  5. Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with oil
  6. Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Continue to cook until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
  7. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare your irresistible hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, unsalted butter, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and gently simmering. Remove from heat
  8. Toss and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently until every piece is beautifully coated in that sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze
  9. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your air fryer hot honey chicken immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh chives or green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for maximum crispiness.

Pat chicken pieces very dry before breading to ensure the flour mixture adheres well and crisps up.

Shake off any excess flour for a thin, even coating.

Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and faster crisping.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Adjust the spice level of the hot honey sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce to suit your family's taste.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.