Air fryer hot honey chicken bites in 25 minutes

Why this works

Cornstarch gives a thinner, crunchier crust than flour alone, and a little all purpose flour helps it brown. Two minutes' rest after coating lets the egg soak into the flour, so it turns craggy in the air fryer instead of staying dusty.

An air fryer cooks with fast moving hot air, so the coating needs a light, even film of oil to brown, and a fine mist reaches every side. The honey goes on last, off the heat, so the crust stays crunchy while you eat.

Key ingredients

• Chicken thighs. Boneless and skinless. They stay juicy in the dry heat of an air fryer.
• Cornstarch. Most of the coating. It gives a thin, glassy crunch that holds up under the glaze.
• Honey. Runny honey melts into a glaze fastest. Set honey works once it's warm.
• Red pepper flakes and cider vinegar. Chili for heat and vinegar to cut the sweetness. Warmed with the honey, they make hot honey.

Amounts for 1 to 6 people are in the recipe card below, in grams or cups.

Method

1. 01

   Cut and coat

   Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces. Beat the egg with the salt in a bowl and toss the chicken through it.

2. 02

   Dredge

   Mix the cornstarch and flour on a plate. Lift the chicken out of the egg a few pieces at a time, let the excess drip off, and press each piece into the flour until coated all over. Leave for 2 minutes, until the coating looks damp rather than powdery.

3. 03

   Spray and air fry

   Spray the basket, lay the chicken in a single layer and mist it all over with oil until no dry flour shows. Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway and spraying any pale patches, until golden and crisp and 165°F in the middle of the largest piece.

   Glass Oil Sprayer
4. 04

   Make the hot honey

   While the chicken cooks, squeeze the honey from the dispenser into a small pan and add the red pepper flakes, vinegar and a pinch of salt. Warm over a low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until runny and bubbling at the edges.

   Honey Dispenser
5. 05

   Toss and serve

   Tip the hot chicken into a large bowl, pour over the hot honey and toss until every piece is glossy. Scatter with the sesame seeds and serve straight away, while the coating is crisp.

What to serve it with

Pile them on rice with steamed greens for dinner, or serve them as party food with cocktail sticks. They go well with egg fried rice.

Storing and reheating

Fridge

Cool quickly, cover and eat within 2 days.

Freezer

Best skipped. The coating goes soft once thawed.

Reheat

In the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes, until piping hot and crisp again.

Questions