Name: Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray; 1/3 cup honey; 2–3 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

Crispy, sticky, sweet, and just the right kind of spicy — that’s what you’re in for with these Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites. I make these when I want something fast but totally satisfying, and let me tell you, they disappear in minutes every single time. The crunch of the air-fried coating mixed with that glossy honey sriracha glaze is just next-level.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up without turning on the stove or oven. It’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or when you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that doesn’t taste like you took shortcuts (even though you totally did — thanks, air fryer!). These bites deliver flavor in every single crisp-tender chunk.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’re going to fall hard for these. The chicken gets super crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside — all without deep frying. The sauce is a mouthwatering balance of sweet honey and tangy, spicy sriracha with just a touch of garlic. It’s addictive.

Plus, this recipe is quick to prep, easy to customize for your spice tolerance, and made with pantry staples. It’s great as a main dish with rice or noodles, or served up as an appetizer for sharing (just be ready for it to vanish fast!).

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites?

I always go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Both work beautifully, but they give slightly different textures. Chicken breast is lean and turns out tender with a nice firm bite, while chicken thighs offer juicier, richer pieces that stay moist even if slightly overcooked. Just be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized chunks — this ensures they all cook at the same rate in the air fryer.

If you’re looking for convenience, pre-cut chicken tenders can also be a time-saver — just chop them into smaller bite-sized pieces.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving and flexible it is. Here are some smart swaps:

Protein Swap: Try using tofu for a vegetarian version — just press it well and coat it the same way.
Flour Alternatives: Instead of all-purpose flour, use rice flour or cornstarch for an extra-crispy gluten-free option.
Honey Substitute: Maple syrup or agave nectar can stand in if you’re out of honey. Keep in mind, they’ll tweak the flavor slightly.
Sriracha Substitute: Don’t have sriracha? Go for any other chili garlic sauce or even sambal oelek for a bolder kick.
Air Fryer Alternative: No air fryer? You can bake the chicken bites at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it soy-free.

Make it your own, based on what you’ve got in the pantry!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites

Chicken Breast or Thighs
This is the star of the recipe — bite-sized chunks of juicy chicken that crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. You’ll want boneless and skinless pieces for the best texture.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour helps create a base layer that sticks to the chicken and crisps up beautifully when air-fried. It’s essential for that golden outer crust.
Cornstarch
This adds an extra crunch factor. When combined with flour, it makes the coating ultra crispy — a key to replicating that fried texture without the oil.
Eggs
Eggs act as the binding agent that helps the flour and cornstarch mixture adhere well to each piece of chicken.
Salt & Black Pepper
These basics enhance the flavor of the chicken itself before you even get to the sauce.
Garlic Powder
Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the coating, making each bite even more flavorful.
Honey
The sweet element of the glaze — it balances out the heat from the sriracha and adds a glossy finish.
Sriracha Sauce
Bold, spicy, and tangy, sriracha gives the sauce its signature kick. You can adjust the quantity to suit your spice level.
Soy Sauce
This adds umami depth and saltiness to the glaze — a must for balance and richness.
Garlic (Minced or Powder)
Boosts the savory side of the glaze, complementing the sweetness and spice.
Sesame Seeds (Optional)
They don’t just look good — they add a little nutty crunch that works beautifully with the glaze.
Chopped Green Onions (Optional)
For a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the sticky sweetness — and a pop of color!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into even, bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels — this step is important for helping the coating stick. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder to build flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Set up a simple dredging station. In one bowl, beat a couple of eggs. In another, mix your flour and cornstarch with a pinch more seasoning. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess and set aside.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer — don’t overcrowd them. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.

Step 4: Make the Honey Sriracha Glaze

While the chicken is air frying, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking.

Step 5: Toss & Finish

Once the chicken bites are crispy and hot, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the top and toss to coat every piece evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a little crunch and brightness.

How Long to Cook the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites

In the air fryer, these chicken bites typically take 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking to get even crisping on all sides. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the pieces and the power of your air fryer — you’ll know they’re ready when the coating is golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).

If you’re doubling the batch, air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to that light, extra crispy crust without needing deep frying.
Dry Your Chicken: Blotting the chicken pieces with paper towels before seasoning helps the coating stick better.
Oil Spray is Key: A light mist of cooking spray ensures the breading crisps up and doesn’t dry out.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat — it guarantees immediate crisping when the chicken hits the basket.
Toss in Sauce While Hot: The glaze sticks best when the chicken is still hot from the fryer.
Customize the Sauce: Like it spicier? Add extra sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes. Too hot? Add a bit more honey.
Work in Batches: Overcrowding leads to steaming, not frying. Give the pieces room to breathe.
Let It Rest: After saucing, let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes to allow the glaze to soak in just right.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes have a few traps — here’s what to avoid so your chicken bites come out perfect every time:

Skipping the Preheat
If you don’t preheat the air fryer, the chicken starts cooking before the crust gets a chance to crisp — no thanks to soggy bites.
Overcrowding the Basket
Air fryers need space to circulate hot air. Cramming too much chicken in one batch will steam it instead of crisping it.
Forgetting to Flip
Flipping halfway ensures both sides cook evenly and stay golden brown. Otherwise, one side might end up pale and undercooked.
Too Much or Too Little Sauce
Drenching the chicken in sauce too early can make it soggy. On the flip side, don’t skimp — the glaze brings everything together.
Using Cold Chicken
If your chicken is too cold (straight from the fridge), it may not cook evenly. Let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes first.
Not Drying the Chicken First
Moisture on the surface prevents the breading from sticking properly and leads to uneven texture.
Skipping the Spray Oil
A light coat of oil helps the crust crisp without drying. Dry flour spots? That’s a sign you didn’t spray enough.
Sauce Too Thin
Simmer the sauce long enough to thicken slightly. If it’s too runny, it won’t cling to the chicken the way it should.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic, fluffy base that absorbs every drop of that sticky glaze.

Garlic Noodles

Simple buttery noodles tossed with garlic and soy sauce pair beautifully with the spicy-sweet bite.

Asian Slaw

Cool, crunchy slaw with a sesame vinaigrette cuts through the heat and adds freshness.

Cucumber Salad

A tangy cucumber salad brings cooling contrast and crunch — super refreshing next to the warm chicken.

Sweet Potato Fries

The natural sweetness of roasted or air-fried sweet potato fries complements the bold flavors.

Roasted Broccoli

Toss it with sesame oil and a dash of soy sauce for a flavorful veggie side.

Fried Rice

Amp it up with a side of veggie or egg fried rice for a complete takeout-style dinner at home.

Ice-Cold Beer or Sparkling Water

A cold, fizzy drink helps cool your palate while making it feel like a proper treat.

Storage Instructions

If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), you can store these crispy honey sriracha chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to bring back the crisp.
You can also reheat in the oven, but avoid the microwave — it tends to make the coating soggy.

If you want to freeze them:

Freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheat directly in the air fryer from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, then toss in fresh glaze.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate per serving (assuming about 4 servings total):

Calories: 390–420
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 14g (mostly from the honey glaze)
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 850mg (can be reduced with low-sodium soy sauce)
Fiber: 1g

Note: These values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! You can bake the chicken bites in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp as air-fried, but still delicious.

Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and coat the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before air frying. For best results, fry just before serving and glaze while hot.

Is this recipe too spicy for kids?

The sriracha gives it a noticeable kick, but it’s balanced by the honey. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and increase the honey or add a splash of ketchup to mellow the heat.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes — just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating. Moisture is the enemy of a crispy coating.

How do I thicken the honey sriracha glaze?

Let it simmer gently on the stove for 3–5 minutes until it slightly reduces. If needed, you can add ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to help it thicken.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to air fry in batches so the chicken doesn’t overcrowd the basket and lose its crisp.

Can I use a different sauce?

Totally! Swap the honey sriracha with buffalo sauce, teriyaki glaze, or a lemon garlic butter for something new.

How do I keep the chicken bites crispy after saucing?

Serve them immediately after tossing in the sauce, or briefly re-air fry them for 1–2 minutes if they’ve sat too long. Avoid covering them tightly — steam kills the crunch!

Conclusion

Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites are the perfect mix of easy prep, bold flavor, and crispy texture — all without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re making them for dinner, a party, or a quick snack fix, they bring that satisfying combo of sweet, spicy, and crunchy that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe makes it super friendly for substitutions and creative spins.