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Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Craving crispy chicken? This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken is your answer! Boasting a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Try it tonight for a dinner that’s quick, delicious, and unforgettable!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Chicken cutlets or thin-sliced chicken breasts Pounded to 1/4-inch thick.
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2 large Eggs Beaten.
  • 2 tablespoons Hot sauce Such as sriracha, or to taste.
  • ½ cup Honey
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chipotle chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • Optional Fresh herbs Such as parsley or cilantro, for garnishing if desired.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. If you’re using a smaller model, you may need to cook in batches. Don’t worry, it’s worth it for that crispy chicken!
  2. Prepare the chicken by pounding the chicken cutlets to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat tenderizer. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, smoked paprika, dried parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until well blended.
  4. In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  5. Take each piece of chicken, dip it into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Allow any excess to drip back into the bowl.
  6. Next, dredge the chicken through the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken using your fingers to ensure a good coating.
  7. Open the air fryer basket and lightly spray it with cooking spray or use an oil mister. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the basket.
  8. Close the basket door and air fry for about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken, mist the tops lightly with cooking spray, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. If cooking in batches, repeat the process with the remaining chicken. Each piece should be golden brown and crispy.
  10. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey, butter, and another splash of hot sauce. Heat in the microwave for about 1 minute or until the butter melts and everything can be stirred together smoothly.
  11. As soon as the chicken is done, drizzle it with the hot honey sauce, slice, and serve immediately. Enjoy every juicy, crispy bite!

Notes

  • Thinly Sliced Chicken: Aim for 4 pieces that are about 1/4-inch thick. You can buy pre-sliced cutlets or pound your own.
  • Oven Baking Alternative: If you prefer baking, follow the same dredging technique and cook at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Adjusting Spice Level: The hot honey sauce can be customized with more or less hot sauce according to your taste.
  • Leftover Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Nutrition Estimate: The nutritional stats provided are estimates based on using all the ingredients but may vary.