Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken (Airfryer Friendly)
If you're craving a dish that’s crispy, sticky, and packed with flavour, this Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-try!
Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a crunchy panko crust, air-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a rich, garlicky honey glaze. It’s the ultimate combination of crispy and saucy, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent treat.
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About this recipe
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and crunchy.
The crispy, golden-brown chicken is coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s both rich and slightly tangy, thanks to the addition of rice vinegar.
The combination of garlic’s bold aroma, honey’s natural sweetness, and the umami depth of soy sauce creates an addictive glaze that clings beautifully to each crispy bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without Deep Frying – The air fryer gives the chicken an amazing crunch with minimal oil.
- Sweet and Savoury Balance – The honey garlic sauce is the perfect blend of sweetness, tang, and umami.
- Quick & Easy – With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Possible Substitutes
- Chicken Thighs → Chicken Breast – If you prefer leaner meat, use chicken breast, but be mindful not to overcook it.
- Panko Breadcrumbs → Crushed Cornflakes – For an extra crunchy texture, crushed cornflakes work as a great alternative.
- Honey → Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar – If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or brown sugar will still give you that sticky sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar → Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice – A splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar will add the same tangy contrast to balance the sauce.
This dish is easy to customise, and whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or even inside a wrap, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your crispy, saucy cravings!
Ingredients
For the crispy chicken:
- 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 10g cornstarch
- 100g panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
For the honey garlic sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 stalk spring onions, green and whites separated and finely chopped
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and set them aside while preparing the other ingredients.
2. Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the egg and cornstarch until smooth. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly.
In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Roll each coated piece of chicken in the panko, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Air-fryer method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360ºF). Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat the chicken as per the original instructions (egg-cornstarch mixture → panko breadcrumbs).
- Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet and spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pan-Fry Method:
- Heat 2-3 tbsp of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Coat the chicken as per the original instructions.
- Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a pan over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and light soy sauce.
Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until each piece is coated in the glossy, sticky sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and serve hot over a bowl of fluffy rice. Enjoy the sweet, garlicky crunch in every bite!
FAQs
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake the chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or shallow fry it in oil until golden and crispy.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
For maximum crispiness, serve immediately after tossing in the sauce. If you need to reheat, use an air fryer or oven instead of the microwave.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
What can I serve with this?
It’s delicious over steamed rice, noodles, or even inside a wrap for an easy meal!
Can I prep this in advance?
You can coat the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Cook just before serving for the best texture!
Video demonstration
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