If you’re craving a quick and easy dinner recipe packed with flavor, this Honey Sesame Chicken Breast (cooked in the air fryer) is the answer!

With tender chicken breast coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, this air fryer recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just craving some good takeout-style chicken with honey and sesame. Plus, using the air fryer keeps things light and crispy without the extra oil!

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What is Honey Sesame Chicken?

Honey sesame chicken is a unique Asian-inspired dish (popular at Panda Express!) featuring crispy chicken coated in a rich sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. In this version, we’re using an air fryer to create crispy, golden chicken without deep frying.

The sauce combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, making it a perfect balance of taste and texture. This honey sesame chicken breast recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a healthier yet equally delicious take on this classic dish.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe

Quick and easy dinner: This air fryer honey sesame chicken breast comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Incredible flavor: The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and nutty sesame oil for an irresistible glaze.
Crispy texture without deep frying: The air fryer delivers perfectly crispy chicken with minimal oil.
Great for meal prep: The sauce keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, making it ideal for leftovers.

If you like this recipe, then you'll also love my Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji) or Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Salt, white pepper, and garlic powder: These seasonings add simple yet effective flavor to the chicken.
Cornstarch: Helps create a light, crispy coating when cooked in the air fryer.
Avocado oil spray: Great for air frying since it has a high smoke point and promotes crispy chicken.

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
Soy sauce: Brings a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and flavor that’s key to this dish.
Sesame seeds: Adds texture and a toasty flavor to the sauce.
Cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens the sauce to create a glossy, clingy glaze.
Minced garlic: Adds a savory punch to the sauce.
Shaoxing cooking wine: Enhances the sauce with a rich umami depth.
Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Water: Helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Added Garnishes:

Scallions: A fresh garnish that adds color and flavor.
Sesame seeds: For a final sprinkle of nutty goodness.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken (Cooked in the Air Fryer)

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.

Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil.

Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in batches if needed). Spray the top of the chicken with avocado oil as well. Air fry for 12-14 minutes until the chicken is golden and crispy.

Make the Honey Sesame Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, cornstarch, garlic, cooking wine, rice vinegar, and water in a pan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Serve

Once the chicken is done, add it to the pan with the sauce. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to coat the chicken evenly.

Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Storage

This honey sesame chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures it gets crispy all around.
Coat the chicken evenly: Tossing the chicken well in cornstarch is key to achieving that crispy texture.
Reheat for best results: For crispy leftovers, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.