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A close-up of a black bowl of General Tso's Chicken over white rice, garnished with green onions and served with chopsticks.

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken (Air Fryer)

Crispy, tender chicken pieces air-fried to perfection and tossed in a sticky, sweet, and fiery honey pepper sauce. This dish is packed with flavor and makes for an exciting weeknight meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 435

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha, adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Coating
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Spicy Honey Pepper Sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or more, to taste
  • 1 tbsp black pepper freshly ground, or more for extra pepperiness
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow Dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce, and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
Prepare the Coating & Air Fry
  1. While the chicken marinates, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch, flour, salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and paprika.
  2. Working in batches, remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the dry coating mix, ensuring it's fully covered, then shake off any excess.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange coated chicken in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Air fry for 9-11 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and continue to air fry for another 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Repeat with remaining chicken.
Make the Spicy Honey Pepper Sauce
  1. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1 tbsp black pepper, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. In a small cup, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.
Combine and Serve
  1. Once all the chicken is air-fried, transfer it to a large clean bowl. Pour the prepared spicy honey pepper sauce over the chicken and toss gently with tongs until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken by dredging once, then dipping back into marinade slightly (just to moisten) and dredging again. Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and black pepper in the sauce to match your preferred spice level. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the chicken may lose some of its crispness.