Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken  — Are you looking for an easy dinner recipe to make your taste buds dance? Then look no further than this delicious and nutritious air fryer honey sesame chicken dish. With its tender, flavorful chicken pieces smothered in a heavenly honey sesame sauce, this dish will surely be a family favorite! 

It is packed with flavor and incredibly simple and quick to make— perfect for those nights when you’re short on time! Plus, by using the air fryer instead of deep-frying the chicken pieces, you can still enjoy guilt-free fried food without worrying about all that extra oil. So what are you waiting for? Read on to learn how to master this restaurant-quality meal right from home!

Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken is an irresistibly delicious and popular dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the savory flavor of soy sauce, and the nuttiness of sesame seeds. Originating from the Chinese-American culinary tradition, it is a tantalizing mix of crispy, tender chicken pieces that are lightly fried and then coated in a mouthwatering sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze.

The dish is typically garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. Served over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, Honey Sesame Chicken is a well-balanced meal that’s packed with protein and bursting with flavors – a delightful option for those who appreciate the sweet and savory blend in their meals.

If you love Chinese food, this is one of the best and easy recipe for homemade air fryer honey sesame chicken recipe and makes for a great, easy weeknight meal. This recipe will make you forget about Chinese takeout from your local Chinese restaurant and fall in love with your air fryer all over again! After all, we all love an easy chicken recipe for a juicy chicken dish!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal without relying on deep-fried versions of your favorites? Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is the perfect way to get that crunchy, savory taste you love in every bite, but with a healthier alternative.

This simple recipe takes only minutes of preparation and about 20 minutes of cook time, delivering an incredible dish full of flavor that your family won’t be able to resist. Keep reading to learn what ingredients you’ll need for this amazing air fryer treat!

​Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken: Use Chicken Tenderloin, Boneless Chicken Thighs, or Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 
• Soy Sauce: Use gluten-free soy sauce, or low-sodium soy sauce, for a healthier recipe
• Honey
• Ketchup: Use homemade ketchup or store-bought ketchup
• ​Seasoning and Spices: Cornstarch, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Minced Garlic, and Sesame Oil

How To Make Honey Sesame Chicken In Air Fryer​

Are you looking for a way to make delicious, crispy chicken without all the fat from deep-frying? Look no further! With an air fryer at your side and this easy honey sesame chicken recipe, you can quickly whip up your favorite Asian flavors right in the comfort of your own home. Perfectly crunchy and juicy on the inside, this healthier alternative will blow away your taste buds with its savory combination of sweet honey and fragrant sesame. Get ready to wow everyone at dinner tonight!

Step One: Prepare The Chicken

Dry the chicken with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, giving you a crispy chicken piece. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them in corn starch (or potato starch) until they’re fully coated. Shake off any excess.

Step Two: Prepare The Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (about 190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or use the preheat function.

Step Three: Air Fry The Chicken

Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Spray a light coat of cooking spray or drizzle a bit of oil over the chicken pieces. Set the cooking time for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F by using a meat thermometer. 

Step Four: Prepare the Honey Sesame Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sticky sauce. Combine the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey and ketchup dissolve. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in the sesame oil.

Step Five: Coat The Chicken With The Sauce

Once the chicken is done, place it in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step Six: Serving

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. Serve your air fryer honey sesame chicken over a bed of rice or noodles, if desired.

Pro Tips For The Best Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe​

Here are some professional tips to get the best out of your Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken recipe:

• Chicken Preparation: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs can give you a more tender and flavorful result. Chicken breast is leaner and sometimes slightly dry, especially when fried.
• Cornstarch Coating: Be sure to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in cornstarch. This creates a light, crispy crust when fried. Also, shake off any excess cornstarch before frying to prevent clumping.
• Frying Process: If you are using an air fryer, ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the basket. Overcrowding can result in unevenly cooked chicken. Also, remember to shake the basket a few times during cooking to promote even browning.
• Sauce Thickness: You can double the sauce recipe if your chicken is really tasty. Just remember to adjust the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) accordingly to achieve the desired thickness. Add a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar if you want a sweeter sauce. 
• Adding Sauce: Toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to ensure it stays crispy. It can become soggy if you let the sauced chicken sit for a long time.
• Serving: Honey Sesame Chicken is best served immediately while hot and crisp. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and some stir-fried vegetables.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer or in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the chicken. Microwaving can make the chicken soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

​Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

 Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breast meat. Another great option is chicken tenders.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? 

You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring your cornstarch is gluten-free.

Can I use something other than ketchup in the sauce? 

Yes, if you’re not a fan of ketchup, you can substitute it with tomato paste or hoisin sauce for a different flavor.

How can I store leftovers? 

Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? 

It’s best to eat Honey Sesame Chicken fresh for the best texture. However, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, then heat it up when ready to use.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? 

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute. If using tofu, make sure to press it well to remove as much moisture as possible before coating and cooking.

Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer? 

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken pieces on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy and cooked through. You can also use a deep fryer for added flavor, but the air fryer is the best method!

What to serve with air fryer honey sesame chicken

Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Steamed Rice or Fried Rice: The sweetness of the honey and the savory flavor of the chicken pair perfectly with white rice, cauliflower rice,  brown rice, and air fryer fried rice.
• Noodles: Whether it’s plain noodles, garlic noodles, or lo mein, this could make a delicious pairing.
• Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, green beans, snap peas, or a mix of your favorite vegetables can make a nutritious and colorful side dish.
• Salad: A simple cucumber salad, Asian coleslaw, or a fresh mixed green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Dumplings or Spring Rolls: These could be served as an appetizer or side dish to your Honey Sesame Chicken for an indulgent, Asian-inspired meal.
• Soup: A light soup like miso soup or egg drop soup could make a nice starter to your meal.

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