Sweet and Spicy Honey Chilli Chicken – Air Fryer Version

A quick and tasty fakeaway that’s both crispy and delicious with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy! If you’re craving Chinese food but don’t want to order in, this Airfryer Honey Chilli Chicken recipe is just what you need. It’s quick, easy, and calorie-friendly, with all the flavour of a deep-fried dish but without the guilt. Let’s dive right into it!

Method in Detail

Coating the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. First, coat the chicken evenly with 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce. This adds a rich, umami flavor to the chicken and helps the coating stick. Once the soy sauce is applied, sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of cornflour over the chicken. Cornflour helps achieve the crispy texture when cooking in the Airfryer. After that, add 1 teaspoon of garlic granules and 1 teaspoon of ginger, both of which will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring that each piece of chicken is fully coated in the seasoning and cornflour mixture.

Airfrying the Chicken

Once the chicken is coated, it’s time to cook it. Generously spray the Airfryer basket with low-calorie spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts inside the basket, making sure they’re spaced out for even cooking. Set your Airfryer to 200°C (about 400°F) and cook the chicken for 15-17 minutes. The chicken should become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Keep an eye on the chicken, checking halfway through the cooking process to ensure it’s not overcooked. If you like your chicken extra crispy, feel free to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Preparing the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine 4-5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, which will give the sauce a tangy and slightly sweet base. Add 5 crushed garlic cloves to enhance the savory flavor. Then, stir in 5 tablespoons of honey, which will balance out the tanginess of the orange juice and give the sauce its signature sweetness. To add some heat, mix in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, which will infuse the sauce with a spicy kick. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce and 4 tablespoons of light soy sauce for depth of flavor, and finish it off with 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar to add a little bit of acidity. Stir everything together and set it aside to let the flavors meld while your chicken is cooking.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Once the chicken is almost done, heat a pan over medium heat. Slice up an onion and a bell pepper, then toss them into the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a slight caramelized color. The onion and pepper add a nice crunch and sweetness to balance the sauce’s heat and richness.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

When the chicken is ready, carefully transfer it from the Airfryer to the pan with the vegetables. Add the sauce you prepared earlier into the pan as well, making sure to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken completely. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring that the sauce adheres to the chicken and the flavors are fully absorbed.

Serving the Dish

Once the chicken is fully coated with the thickened sauce, it’s time to serve! Spoon a generous portion of rice onto your plate and top it with the delicious honey chilli chicken. The warm, fragrant rice perfectly complements the savory, sweet, and spicy chicken, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with some chopped spring onions or sesame seeds for a fresh and crunchy finish.

Necessary Tools

• Airfryer
• Pan for stir-frying
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spoon
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice. You can even serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables for some extra flavor and crunch. Want to take it up a notch? Top it off with some chopped spring onions or sesame seeds for a burst of freshness!

Fun Fact

Did you know that honey and chili is a classic pairing in many cuisines around the world? The combination of sweet and spicy creates a mouthwatering flavour that people love in everything from sauces to marinades. In fact, it’s so popular, there are entire dishes dedicated to this dynamic duo! 

Conclusion

If you’re craving a quick, delicious meal with all the flavor of takeout but without the added calories, this Airfryer Honey Chilli Chicken is the perfect recipe for you. It’s crispy, sweet, spicy, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and the best part is, you get all of the taste without the guilt! You can’t go wrong with this one, so go ahead and try it out – I can’t wait to hear how you like it!