Description
Crispy, bite-sized chicken chunks coated in a golden panko crust and glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfected in the air fryer. A healthier alternative to fried chicken with a cross-cultural twist, offering a satisfying crunch and caramelized sweetness. Ideal for snacks, appetizers, or main dishes.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
Dice chicken into 1-inch cubes and set aside
Mix flour and salt/pepper in a bowl; set as coating station
Beat egg in one bowl; stir in sesame oil
Dip chicken bites into flour mixture, then into egg wash for a crisp crust
Place chicken in air fryer basket (no overlap) and cook for 12 minutes
Toss chicken with panko and return to air fryer for 4-5 minutes until golden
Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and garlic
Simmer sauce 2-3 minutes; stir in cornstarch until thickened
Brush or toss chicken with honey glaze after air frying
Rest 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce
Notes
Marinate chicken 30 minutes for deeper flavor
Use sweet chili sauce alternatives (e.g., apricot jam + soy sauce mix)
Storage: Freeze unbaked chicken bits up to 3 months, rehearse at 400°F for 6 minutes
Taste sauce first before adding cornstarch to adjust sweetness/salt
Can sub sesame oil with avocado oil for neutral taste
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken bite
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg