There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Air Fryer Hot Honey BBQ Chicken wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the dinner table. Picture this: juicy chicken pieces glazed in a luscious honey sesame sauce that dances on your taste buds with every bite, leaving you craving more. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with sweet and savory goodness that makes even the pickiest eaters smile.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion when you want something delicious without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. With its crispy exterior and tender inside, Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken transforms any ordinary evening into a delightful feast. Air Fryer Corn Ribs Honey Chipotle Shrimp Tacos Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be planning your next dinner party just to share this gem.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The delightful flavor profile features sweet honey balanced with savory sesame notes
- Its vibrant glaze makes for a visually appealing dish that impresses guests at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or on its own as a tasty appetizer
I remember the first time I made Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken; my kids practically danced around the kitchen waiting for dinner to be served. BBQ Pineapple Meatball Skewers They devoured every last piece while complimenting my culinary skills—who knew I could be such a “master chef”?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are perfect for this recipe due to their juicy texture and rich flavor.
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Honey: Choose pure honey for the best sweetness and flavor; it really elevates the dish.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still providing that umami punch.
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Sesame Oil: A few drops bring out those nutty flavors; it’s essential for authenticity.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; don’t skimp on this aromatic booster.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds add crunch and visual appeal; they also enhance the nutty flavor.
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide freshness and a pop of color as a garnish.
For the Sauce:
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Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce perfectly; it gives that desirable glossy finish.
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Rice Vinegar: A splash adds acidity that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by cutting boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and maximizes flavor absorption from the marinade.
Whisk Up That Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth—this should smell amazing already! For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
Add Chicken to Marinade: Toss your chicken pieces into the marinade and mix well until evenly coated. Let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial!
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for achieving that crispy exterior we all love.
Airlift It! Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—don’t forget to shake halfway for even crispiness!
Toss in Sesame Seeds: Once cooked, transfer chicken back to your mixing bowl and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Toss gently to coat evenly before serving.
Now you’re ready to savor every delicious morsel of your homemade Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken!
And there you have it—a delightful dinner ready in no time! Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, this dish will surely become a regular at your table. If you’re looking for something easy yet impressive, this recipe fits perfectly!
You Must Know
- This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken recipe combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a family favorite
- The crispy texture from the air fryer adds an irresistible crunch that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or veggies
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat in the air fryer for crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken, ensure your chicken pieces are evenly sized
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juicy results
I remember the first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I felt like a culinary genius!
FAQ
How can I make this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken healthier?
Use skinless chicken breast and reduce honey for a lower-calorie option.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure you increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
What sides pair well with Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken?
Serve with steamed broccoli or jasmine rice for a complete meal. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe.

Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken. Juicy, boneless chicken thighs are marinated in a rich honey-soy glaze, then air-fried to crispy perfection. This quick and easy recipe transforms any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience that will impress your family and friends alike. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.
- Once cooked, toss the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: - For added spice, consider mixing in red pepper flakes to the marinade. - Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. - Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.