This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken delivers ultra-crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky garlic sesame glaze—no deep fryer required!
A takeout-style favorite you can make at home with bold Asian flavors and a crave-worthy texture. Perfect for weeknights or anytime you’re craving sweet-savory satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy air-fried chicken – No oil splatter, all the crunch
Sweet and sticky sauce – Loaded with garlic, honey, and soy
High-protein dinner – Chicken breast bites that satisfy
Better than takeout – Healthier and just as flavorful
Great for meal prep – Sauce and chicken can be made ahead
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breast – Lean protein, cut into bite-size chunks
Cornstarch + eggs – For that signature crispy coating
Garlic, soy sauce, honey – Base of the sweet-savory glaze
Sesame oil + sesame seeds – Adds nutty depth and crunch
Gochujang or red chili paste – Optional heat and richness
Green onions – For a fresh pop at the end
Pro Tips Before You Start
Toss chicken in cornstarch just before air frying – Keeps the coating crispy
Use cooking spray to prevent sticking in the air fryer
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even browning
Let sauce simmer and thicken before tossing with chicken
Serve over rice or noodles for a full meal
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat to 400ºF. Spray basket with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make Cornstarch Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together: ¾ cup cornstarch (remove 1½ tsp and set aside),2 tbsp garlic powder
1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
In a second bowl, beat 2 eggs. Cut 1½ lbs chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks.
Toss in eggs to coat.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Let excess egg drip off, then toss chicken pieces in cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Add chicken to air fryer basket in a single layer (a little overlap is okay).
Drizzle with 2 tsp sesame oil.
Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 6 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat 1 tsp sesame oil.
Add 7 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in: ¼ cup soy sauce, ½ cup water, ⅓ cup honey, 1 tsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp white vinegar,
1 tbsp grated white onion, 1 tbsp gochujang or red chili paste
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix reserved 1½ tsp cornstarch with ¼ cup of sauce until smooth.
Stir back into saucepan and cook until thickened.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Add cooked chicken to a large bowl. Pour sauce over and gently toss to coat.
What to Serve With It
Steamed white or jasmine rice
Stir-fried or roasted broccoli
Pickled cucumbers or kimchi
Noodles or lettuce cups
Variations / Substitutions
Use chicken thighs for juicier texture
Make it spicier with extra chili paste or sriracha
Swap honey with maple syrup or brown sugar
Add bell peppers or carrots to the mix
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge – Store coated chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat – In air fryer at 350ºF or skillet with extra sauce
Freeze – Best to freeze plain chicken and add sauce after reheating
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 425ºF for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What can I use instead of gochujang?
Red chili paste, sriracha, or a bit of chili garlic sauce work well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use Tamari instead of soy sauce and check labels on chili paste.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is crunchy, sticky, and loaded with flavor—perfect when you want a healthier take on a restaurant favorite.
It’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
