If you’ve ever craved the sticky-sweet flavors of sesame chicken from your favorite Chinese takeout but wished for a healthier version, this Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe. With crispy golden chicken bites coated in a glossy honey-garlic-sesame glaze, it delivers everything you love about restaurant-style Asian chicken—minus the excess oil, MSG, and deep-frying mess.
Air fryers have completely changed the way we cook at home. They make it possible to achieve the same crunchy texture as deep frying but with a fraction of the calories and almost no grease. This recipe takes advantage of that magic, ensuring every bite is light, crispy, and packed with flavor. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and honey strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty richness.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing friends with a better-than-takeout dish, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it can easily be customized to suit your spice tolerance, dietary needs, and pantry staples.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, serving suggestions, and detailed FAQs. By the end, you’ll not only master this recipe but also discover new ways to enjoy it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy air-fried perfection – All the crunch, none of the deep-frying oil.
- Healthier than takeout – Lower in fat, cleaner ingredients, and customizable to dietary needs.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults love the sweet-savory glaze.
- Meal prep approved – Stores and reheats well without losing flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients, plus tips for choosing the best options:
For the Chicken
- Chicken breast (1.5 lbs) – Lean, tender, and high in protein. You can also use chicken thighs for juicier bites.
- Eggs (2, beaten) – Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
- Cornstarch (¾ cup) – Creates that signature crispy crust when air-fried.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, salt, ginger powder, and sesame seeds add flavor before cooking.
For the Sauce
- Garlic (7 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic is essential for depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup) – Provides salty, umami richness.
- Honey (⅓ cup) – Natural sweetness that thickens beautifully into a sticky glaze.
- Sesame oil (1–2 tsp) – Adds nutty aroma and authentic sesame flavor.
- Rice vinegar or white vinegar (1 tbsp) – Balances the sweetness with a hint of acidity.
- Onion (1 tbsp, grated) – Subtle sweetness and body for the sauce.
- Chili paste or gochujang (1 tbsp, optional) – Adds heat and a layer of complexity.
- Fish sauce (1 tsp, optional) – Boosts umami without overpowering.
Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds – For crunch and presentation.
- Green onions – Fresh, vibrant finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray. Preheating helps the chicken crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- ¾ cup cornstarch (reserve 1½ tsp separately for later)
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
- Cut 1.5 lbs of chicken breast into 1-inch bite-size chunks.
- Beat 2 eggs in a bowl and toss the chicken pieces until coated.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Let excess egg drip off.
- Toss chicken into the cornstarch mixture until every piece is well coated.
Step 5: Air Fry
- Place chicken in the basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Drizzle lightly with sesame oil.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 6–7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat 1 tsp sesame oil. Add garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated onion
- 1 tbsp chili paste (optional)
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Mix reserved 1½ tsp cornstarch with ¼ cup of the sauce until smooth. Pour back into the saucepan and cook until thickened.
Step 8: Toss & Serve
Place crispy chicken in a large bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Pro Tips for Success
- Toss chicken in cornstarch just before air frying for maximum crunch.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—work in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispiness, spray chicken lightly with oil before cooking.
- Simmer the sauce until thick and glossy before adding chicken.
- If making ahead, store sauce separately and toss before serving.
What to Serve with Honey Sesame Chicken
Pair this dish with simple sides for a complete meal:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy
- Asian cucumber salad or kimchi
- Garlic noodles or fried rice
- Lettuce wraps for a lighter option
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or extra chili paste.
- Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Replace honey with a sugar-free syrup.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower.
- Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Best to freeze the chicken without sauce; add glaze after reheating.
- Reheat – Air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or skillet with a splash of sauce.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—thighs give a juicier, richer flavor.
3. What’s the best oil for air frying this recipe?
Sesame oil adds flavor, but you can use avocado or canola spray for crispiness.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made 2–3 days in advance and reheated gently.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just omit the chili paste for a mild version.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, replace soy sauce with Tamari or coconut aminos.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
8. How do I keep the chicken crispy for leftovers?
Reheat in the air fryer or oven—avoid microwaving.
9. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, store chicken and sauce separately for best results.
10. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use potato starch or all-purpose flour, though cornstarch gives the crispiest results.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken is everything you want in a homemade takeout-inspired dinner: crispy, sticky, sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough to adapt to your dietary needs.
Once you try it, you’ll never need to order sesame chicken from a restaurant again—you’ll have a healthier, tastier version right in your own kitchen.
