Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients & Substitutions

This easy air fryer recipe uses simple ingredients you might already have on hand—perfect for busy weeknights! And if you’re missing something, don’t worry—we’ve included a few easy substitutions to help you get the best results with whatever you have in your pantry. Keep reading for the full list of ingredients and simple swaps that make this family favorite even more flexible.

• honey – for that perfect sticky-sweet glaze
• minced garlic – fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch
• soy sauce – low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used for a lighter option
• sriracha – swap with buffalo sauce or leave it out for a milder version
• cornstarch – thickens the sauce to coat the chicken perfectly
• sesame seeds – for a toasty crunch and visual appeal
• green onion, sliced – fresh garnish to brighten the dish
• Just Bare Chicken Nuggets – air fried until golden and crisp (Just Bare is my favorite brand, but you can swap it out for yours)
• Yum-Yum sauce – optional but delicious 

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce | Cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, then tossed in a sticky homemade sauce. Perfect served with rice or veggies!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best for this air fryer recipe?

We used frozen Just Bare chicken nuggets for convenience, but this recipe also works great with boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken mini fillets, or even boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you’re using raw chicken, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer for best results.

Can I use this sauce on other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! This sticky honey garlic sauce pairs perfectly with chicken thighs, crispy chicken wings, or even juicy chicken pieces from a whole chicken or cooked chicken cubes. It’s a delicious dish no matter the cut of chicken.

What’s the best way to air fry the chicken for a crispy texture?

For crispy chicken thighs or nuggets, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking and the best crispy results. A small amount of oil (like olive oil spray) can help boost the crunch.

Are there any ways to customize the sauce?

Yes! You can turn up the heat with red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce, or tone it down by skipping the spice. For extra umami, try adding a splash of sesame oil or chicken broth. Want a sweet twist? A bit of sweet chilli sauce or rice vinegar brings a new dimension of flavor.

Better Than Takeout: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken | Make your favorite takeout dish right at home with this air fryer honey garlic chicken recipe! Easy, crispy, and packed with flavor.

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Easy Weeknight Honey Garlic Chicken

Yield: 5

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

This Honey Garlic Chicken is a really quick and easy weeknight meal (no breading, baking, or frying required!), and it’s a surefire crowd pleaser. 

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Ingredients

• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp sesame seed
• green onion, sliced for garnish
• 3 dozen Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, combine: honey, garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha. 
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 1/3 cup cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry into the honey mixture on the stove and mix until sauce begins to thicken.
Add the chicken nuggets and gently stir to coat (and reheat if necessary).
Serve with rice and pineapple. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 209Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 664mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 7g