Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken (Crispy, Juicy & Ready in 20 Minutes!)
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those dinners that feels like you tried really hard… without actually trying that hard. It’s sweet, sticky, garlicky, and has just enough crisp to make you feel like a kitchen wizard — even if you’re cooking in leggings with your hair in a messy bun and kids asking what’s for dessert before dinner is even done.
This is the kind of recipe you make on a Tuesday when everyone is hungry, you forgot to thaw anything fancy, and the idea of washing more than one pan feels offensive. The air fryer does the heavy lifting here, and honestly? It deserves a raise.
What I love most about air fryer honey garlic chicken is how forgiving it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients. You don’t need perfect timing. And you definitely don’t need to stand over the stove questioning your life choices. Toss, air fry, glaze, done.
The honey caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, the garlic mellows into something magical, and the chicken stays juicy on the inside with that irresistible crispy edge. It’s kid-approved, partner-approved, and “I might eat this straight out of the basket” approved.
Serve it over rice, stuff it into wraps, toss it on a salad, or eat it standing at the counter while pretending you’re just “checking for doneness.” No judgment here.
It’s comfort food energy, weeknight sanity, and proof that simple meals can still feel special and deeply satisfying for everyone.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cubed)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the bowl and toss until fully coated.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 6–7 minutes, flip, then cook another 6–8 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Optional: Spoon extra sauce over chicken and air fry 1–2 more minutes for extra stickiness.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for best texture.
FAQs: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken
If you’re already thinking about tomorrow night’s dinner… same. Go peek at our other recipes.
