Description
This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy seasoned flour mix, then air-fried to perfection. The chicken is drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that combines the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick of hot sauce and chili powder. Ready in just over an hour, this flavorful and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut in half)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Hot Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to create the seasoned flour coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly, and shake off excess flour for an even crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat fully for optimal cooking results.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if desired for even crispiness.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine hot sauce, honey, unsalted butter, chili powder, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until butter is melted and sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the hot honey sauce evenly over the pieces in the air fryer basket. Use a spoon to spread the sauce to cover the chicken.
- Caramelize the Sauce: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized onto the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in buttermilk if time allows.
- Use cooking spray to help achieve a crispy crust without adding extra oil.
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce or chili powder in the sauce.
- Serve with a side of greens or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American