Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites

Introduction

These Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor! Coated in a deliciously sticky glaze with a balance of sweet honey, spicy chili, and savory soy sauce, this dish makes for an excellent appetizer, snack, or main course. Cooking in the air fryer keeps them crispy without excessive oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Chicken Bites

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

½ cup cornstarch (for crispiness)

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp paprika

For the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

¼ cup honey

2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)

1 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated ginger

1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)

For Garnish (Optional)

Sesame seeds

Sliced green onions

Instructions

 Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, ensuring an even layer. This helps create a crispy texture.

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat.

 Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 2 minutes.

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

 Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, ketchup, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).

Remove from heat once the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Coat the Chicken

Transfer the air-fried chicken to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the chicken and toss until fully coated.

 Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve immediately. Enjoy as a snack, or pair it with rice, noodles, or a side of steamed veggies!

Air Fryer Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crispiness.

Cornstarch is key for crispy bites – Avoid flour for this recipe.

Adjust spice levels – Reduce sriracha and red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Want extra crispiness? Spritz the chicken with a little cooking spray before air frying.

Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: ~280 kcal

Protein: ~30g

Carbohydrates: ~30g

Fat: ~5g

Saturated Fat: ~1g

Cholesterol: ~75mg

Sodium: ~550mg

Fiber: ~1g

Sugar: ~18g