There’s something magical about the aroma of Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? As the sweet and savory scent fills the air, it instantly transports you to an Asian street food market, where every bite is a new adventure. Crispy Air Fryer Corn Ribs Each piece of chicken glistens with honeyed goodness and is perfectly crispy, creating a mouthwatering experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Now, let’s be honest here: who doesn’t love a one-stop meal that looks as good as it tastes? This delightful dish is not just for dinner; it’s perfect for impressing guests or making any weeknight feel special. Trust me when I say that the combination of honey, sesame, and tender chicken will leave you craving more. Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors that will have you dreaming about this dish long after your plate is empty.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken recipe combines convenience and flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The beautiful golden-brown color makes it a feast for the eyes too
- Enjoy its versatile nature; serve it over rice or alongside veggies
- Plus, cleanup is super easy with the air fryer!
I remember the first time I made this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Honey Chipotle Shrimp Tacos It turned into an instant favorite at our game night gatherings!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Honey: Opt for pure honey for a natural sweetness that binds beautifully with the chicken.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
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Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way in adding that nutty aroma we love.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; choose firm cloves for the best results.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal—don’t skip these!
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions brighten up the dish with freshness and color.
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Cornstarch: A light dusting helps achieve that coveted crispy texture when air frying.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. BBQ Pineapple Meatball Skewers.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy.
Create the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will coat your chicken beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
Toss Everything Together: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes so those flavors can mingle.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes while you wait. This ensures even cooking right from the start.
AIR FRY Time: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking halfway through.
Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked, transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flair before serving.
And voilà! You’ve just created an irresistible dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Enjoy every sticky bite of this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken!
You Must Know
- The Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is not just delicious; it’s a quick weeknight meal that can be made in under 30 minutes
- Its sweet and savory glaze will have everyone coming back for seconds, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to enhance flavor, then air fry until golden brown and crispy. This sequence ensures juicy chicken with a delightful crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup or add crushed red pepper for heat. These tweaks let you personalize the dish to your family’s taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for about five minutes to retain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always preheat your air fryer for best results, ensuring that every bite is perfectly cooked
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; this helps achieve that coveted crispiness
- Lastly, let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in moisture and flavor
Sometimes I still hear my friends raving about this dish from our last dinner party; they couldn’t believe it was made in an air fryer!
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness to the dish.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken?
For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
Serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a crispy, golden-brown coating. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Each bite of tender chicken, coated in a honey-soy glaze and topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add chicken to the marinade, toss well, and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute honey with maple syrup or add crushed red pepper for some heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about five minutes for optimal crispiness.