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.