Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken – Sweet, Spicy Delight
Discover the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with this Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken recipe.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Bowls
- Shallow Dish
- - Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts halved; tender and perfect for absorbing flavors
- 1 cup Buttermilk essential for marinating to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor; whole milk mixed with vinegar can be a substitute
For the Coating
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour provides the crispy coating; gluten-free flour could be substituted for a gluten-free version
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder adds savory depth to the coating; fresh garlic can be used, but reduce quantity
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika imparts a smoky flavor enhancing the dish’s profile; regular paprika can work if you’re in a pinch
- Salt and pepper to taste; essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors
For the Glaze
- 0.25 cup Hot sauce e.g., Frank's RedHot; brings the heat and flavor; adjust to taste for spice preferences
- 0.25 cup Honey adds sweetness to balance the hot sauce; maple syrup can substitute for a different flavor
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter enriches the hot honey glaze; can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option
- 0.5 teaspoon Chili powder gives an extra kick to the glaze; can reduce or omit for less heat
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when serving
Instructions
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with buttermilk; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat.
- Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spraying with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the hot sauce, honey, butter, chili powder, and a bit of garlic powder until smooth.
- Drizzle the hot honey mixture over the chicken in the air fryer, then return it for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to bubble and caramelize beautifully.
- Sprinkle the chicken with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and serve immediately while still hot.
Notes
Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty brightness!