Crispy on the outside, impossibly juicy on the inside — this Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Breast is the high-protein weeknight hero you have been waiting for. A glossy honey-garlic glaze caramelizes right in the air fryer basket, wrapping each tender slice in sweet, garlicky, golden perfection. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the air fryer: Heat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Air fry: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Flip and glaze: Flip the chicken, brush with the reserved marinade (or a fresh spoonful from the bowl), and air fry for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
- Rest and slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices, then slice against the grain.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Pro tip: Pound the thicker end of each chicken breast to an even thickness before marinating — it cooks up perfectly even with zero dry edges. For an extra-glossy finish, brush on one final coat of warm honey glaze right after slicing.
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Estimated nutrition per serving: ~320 calories, 42g protein, 12g carbs, 10g fat.
