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Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Bites - Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Binder: 1 large egg (or 2 tablespoons buttermilk)
  • Coating: 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Seasoning: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Oil: Avocado or olive oil spray
  • Hot Honey Glaze: 1/3 cup hot honey, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • To Finish: Flaky salt, sliced green onions or chives, sesame seeds (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch bites. Dry chicken browns better and gets crispier.
  2. Season: In a bowl, whisk egg. In another bowl, mix cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss chicken in egg, then in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 390–400°F (200–205°C) for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps prevent sticking and boosts crispiness.
  4. Arrange and oil: Lightly spray the air fryer basket. Place chicken in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Lightly mist the tops with oil spray. Do not overcrowd. Work in batches if needed.
  5. Air fry: Cook for 6 minutes, flip, spray lightly again, and cook 4–6 more minutes until golden and the thickest piece hits 165°F internally.
  6. Make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in hot honey, vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra kick. Warm 30–60 seconds until smooth and glossy; do not boil.
  7. Toss and finish: Add hot chicken bites to a bowl and drizzle with the glaze. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with flaky salt, green onions, and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately.