Lighter Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken
Crispy panko-coated chicken bites tossed in a sticky homemade honey garlic sauce. Lighter than the deep-fried version, ready in under 25 minutes.
Method
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Cube the chicken. In one bowl, whisk the egg with the salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Place the seasoned panko in a second bowl.
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Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mix, then coat in panko.
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Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray generously with olive oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
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While the chicken cooks, make the sauce: combine the sesame oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
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Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce and serve immediately, topped with sesame seeds and spring onions.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | 377kcal |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Protein | 42g |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative. They may have a slightly different cooking time and higher fat content, but air frying at 400°F for about 15 minutes should still work well.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs for coating?
You can substitute panko with crushed cornflakes, regular breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers for a similar crispy texture.
How do I prevent the garlic in the sauce from burning during cooking?
Crush the garlic cloves just before adding them to the sauce and keep the heat at medium-high but avoid prolonged cooking once the sauce begins to simmer.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and heated gently before tossing with the cooked chicken, but fresh tossed chicken will have the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since panko breadcrumbs typically contain gluten and soy sauce often contains wheat. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari to make it gluten-free.
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