Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
A delicious and quick recipe for honey garlic chicken breasts made in an air fryer, perfect for a gluten-free meal.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (454g)
- ½ tbsp avocado oil (7.5ml)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (30g)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup honey (60ml)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (30ml)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Make sure they are clean and neat, which helps with cooking evenly. If you prefer a quicker cook, lightly pound them to achieve an even thickness. However, avoid making them too thin, as they can dry out.
- In a bowl, whisk together avocado oil, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The aroma of garlic will fill the air, making for a flavorful mixture. Ensure everything is well combined; this is crucial for an even flavor throughout.
- Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. This sticky glaze will infuse the chicken with delightful flavors, but do not let it sit for too long, or it may become overly sweet.
- Turn on the air fryer and set it to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Preheating is essential for achieving that golden-brown color and crispy texture outside. Do not put in the chicken before it is fully preheated; the hot air is necessary for creating the perfect crust.
- Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. When they begin to sizzle, the delightful honey and garlic aroma will fill your kitchen. Cook for about 18 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for safety. Avoid stacking the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, preventing the chicken from becoming dry. Resist the temptation to slice right away; waiting ensures each bite is juicy. Monitor the clock, as letting it sit too long may cool it down.
- Slice the chicken and serve it hot. You will notice the beautiful glaze shimmering, and it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light salad. Ensure not to let the chicken sit too long before serving to maintain the nice glaze.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. A meat thermometer is useful for confirming that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for safety. For juicy results, remove the chicken from the air fryer immediately after cooking and allow it to rest to retain moisture. If you find the glaze does not stick well, lighter oil application before seasoning can aid adhesion.