There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. This Spicy Honey Chicken is everything you love in a takeout dish—only better because you’re making it at home! The air fryer works its magic to create perfectly crispy chicken bites without all the excess oil from deep frying.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or when you just need a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The balance of honey’s natural sweetness with a kick of spice makes it a crowd-pleaser, and you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference. Pair it with fluffy rice, a crisp side salad, or wrap it up in a lettuce cup for a fresh twist.
Once you try this Spicy Honey Chicken, it might just become a new household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful – The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a fuss-free meal.
- Healthier Option – Less oil compared to deep-fried versions but still packed with flavor.
- Sweet & Spicy Balance – The honey caramelizes beautifully while the spice adds a bold kick.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for air fryer)
For the Spicy Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps the coating stick better. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly with the cornstarch mixture. This double-layered coating ensures an ultra-crispy texture in the air fryer.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or use a spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. If needed, cook in batches.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the sauce and stir until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the spicy honey sauce over the crispy chicken and toss until each piece is coated. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce cling, creating a beautifully glazed finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad.
Helpful Tips
- Make it Extra Crispy – For an even crunchier bite, lightly spray the chicken with oil before air frying.
- Adjust the Heat – If you love extra spice, add more sriracha or a dash of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the sriracha slightly.
- Batch Cooking – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if needed to keep the chicken crispy.
- Sauce Thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Notes
- This recipe works well with chicken breast, but thighs provide a juicier texture.
- You can store leftovers and reheat them for a quick meal the next day.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Without an Air Fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also shallow-fry in a pan with a bit of oil until golden and crispy.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
The spice level is moderate, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less sriracha. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and add a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness.
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave syrup can be substituted for honey if needed, though honey gives the best caramelization.
What Should I Serve This With?
This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a light cucumber salad to balance the heat.
Can I Store and Reheat This Dish?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
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Conclusion
This Spicy Honey Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend feast, this air fryer recipe delivers big on taste without the hassle of deep frying. With its crispy texture, sweet-and-spicy glaze, and simple ingredients, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to enjoy crispy chicken? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Spicy Honey Chicken (Air Fryer Recipe)
Description
There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. This Spicy Honey Chicken is everything you love in a takeout dish—only better because you’re making it at home! The air fryer works its magic to create perfectly crispy chicken bites without all the excess oil from deep frying.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or when you just need a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The balance of honey’s natural sweetness with a kick of spice makes it a crowd-pleaser, and you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference. Pair it with fluffy rice, a crisp side salad, or wrap it up in a lettuce cup for a fresh twist.
Once you try this Spicy Honey Chicken, it might just become a new household favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for air fryer)
For the Spicy Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps the coating stick better. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly with the cornstarch mixture. This double-layered coating ensures an ultra-crispy texture in the air fryer.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or use a spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. If needed, cook in batches.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the sauce and stir until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the spicy honey sauce over the crispy chicken and toss until each piece is coated. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce cling, creating a beautifully glazed finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- This recipe works well with chicken breast, but thighs provide a juicier texture.
- You can store leftovers and reheat them for a quick meal the next day.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to a week.