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Crispy honey garlic chicken garnished with green onions on a white plate

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

This quick, sticky, and savory crispy honey garlic chicken comes together fast in the air fryer, making it a perfect weeknight dinner loved by both kids and adults.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken tenders (about 1 to 1.5 lb / 450–680 g)
  • 2–3 tablespoons Honey Use runny honey for easy mixing
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Or 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Sub tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Any neutral oil works
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional garnishes

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of black pepper until combined.
  • Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat each piece. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Cooking

  • Arrange the marinated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  • Air-fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping once around the halfway mark, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)).

Serving

  • Transfer to a plate and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. If you'd like extra crisp, toss the tenders lightly in 1–2 tbsp cornstarch before air-frying. To cut sugar, reduce honey to 1 tablespoon and add 1 tsp rice vinegar for balance.
Keyword Air Fryer Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, Honey Garlic Chicken