Description
This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is tender, juicy, and lightly crisped on the outside, with a balanced sweet-savory coating from brown sugar and warm spices. Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly in the air fryer, making this a practical, high-protein option for weeknight meals or simple meal prep.
Ingredients
The Spices
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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3/4 teaspoon salt (I use Morton table salt for this because it’s fine and better for coating)
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1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
The Chicken
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2 teaspoons avocado oil
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
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If you have closer to 1.5 pounds, increase the spices above by 1.5x to ensure even seasoning
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Instructions
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Cut each chicken breast into thin, flat pieces rather than bite-sized chunks. For a one-pound package with two breasts, slice each breast into 3–4 thin pieces. Pat the chicken dry if there is excess moisture.
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In a bowl, combine the paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until evenly blended.
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Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken pieces. Add the avocado oil and toss thoroughly using your hands or tongs until all pieces are fully coated.
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Preheat the air fryer. Arrange the chicken in an even layer in the air fryer basket or on the grate, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
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Air fry at 415°F for 10 minutes. If the chicken pieces are larger, cook closer to 13 minutes, until the outside is lightly crisped and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest briefly before slicing and serving.
Notes
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Thin chicken pieces are essential for even cooking and juicy results.
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Mixing the spices thoroughly ensures consistent flavor on every piece.
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Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain proper crisping.
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Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain moisture and improves texture.