Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites

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Golden, crispy, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze with a hint of fiery kick—these Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites are a total game-changer for weeknight meals or party appetizers. The outside has a perfect crunch thanks to air frying, while the inside remains juicy and tender. They’re tossed in a bold sauce made from honey, sriracha, soy, and garlic, delivering a flavor explosion in every bite.

What makes this dish truly stand out is the combination of convenience and taste. No need for deep frying or long prep times—just a few pantry staples and your air fryer. With a garnish of sesame seeds for an extra touch of texture and nutty flair, these chicken bites are as visually appealing as they are addictive.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray or oil mist

For the Honey Sriracha Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry, optional for thicker sauce)

Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions (optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Start by setting up a simple dredging station. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. Place the coated pieces on a tray and let them sit for about 5 minutes—this helps the coating stick better during air frying.

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Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the chicken pieces in a single layer—avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops of the chicken with oil to help achieve a golden crunch. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.

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Step 3: Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce

While the chicken cooks, add honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic to a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey sriracha sauce over the chicken and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. The hot, sticky glaze will cling beautifully to the crispy exterior.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the coated chicken for added texture and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and crisp. These bites are perfect on their own, over rice, or with a crisp veggie slaw on the side.

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Storage Instructions

To store any leftover Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container—this prevents sticking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–6 minutes to regain crispiness. If reheating from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and exact portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Simply reduce the amount of sriracha and add more honey for a milder, sweeter flavor balance.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Just ensure they’re boneless and cut into similar-sized bites.

Is it possible to bake instead of air fry?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Definitely. Store the sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat gently before tossing with chicken.

What sides go well with these chicken bites?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or Asian-style slaw are all great pairings. You could also serve them in lettuce wraps.

Are these gluten-free?

Not as written. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free flour, tamari instead of soy sauce, and confirm your sriracha brand is gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked frozen chicken bites?

You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be as fresh. Still, tossing them in the homemade sauce can be a fast shortcut.

How can I make them crispier?

Use a generous amount of cornstarch in the coating, don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and lightly spray oil on both sides before cooking.

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