Air Fryer Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe 

 Last Update March 6, 2024

By Jenny Zhang

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Are you yearning for a mouthwatering serving of crispy, flavorful fried chicken that satisfies your cravings without the guilt of deep frying? Look no further than the magical world of air frying, where culinary possibilities seem to know no bounds. And if you're ready to take your taste buds on an exhilarating journey, get ready to discover the mouthwatering wonder of air fryer honey butter fried chicken.

Picture succulent pieces of tender chicken coated in a heavenly blend of crispy breading, kissed with a touch of honey butter that adds an irresistible sweet and savory twist. This is a dish that combines the best of both worlds—decadent indulgence and healthier cooking—and will have you savoring every single bite.

You can whip up a mouthwatering batch of crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Fried Chicken with just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make! Not only will you indulge in irresistible flavors, but you'll also feel good about enjoying a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken.

Air Fryer honey butter fried chicken

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Rest Time
5 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

  • Cooking Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Servings: 3
  • Calories: 541
  • Courses: Main Dish
  • Best Season: Any

Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken pieces (such as bone-in chicken thighs or chicken wings)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Japanese Panko or breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Avocado oil spray optional

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer by setting it to 400°F (200°C) and allowing it to heat up for a few minutes.

2. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. Then, add the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.

4.Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the buttermilk mixture, making sure to coat it fully with the mixture.

5. Transfer the coated chicken piece to the flour mixture and ensure it is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.

6. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to get a second coating.

7. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are placed without overcrowding. If needed, cook them in batches to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

8. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the chicken breasts for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through the cooking process. Continue cooking until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

9. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey butter sauce. Mix the melted butter and honey in a small bowl to create the honey butter glaze.

10. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and brush each piece generously with the honey butter glaze or toss it all together in a large bowl.

11. After removing the crispy fried chicken from the air fryer, allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to blend harmoniously and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

12. Serve the air fryer honey butter chicken while it is hot and crispy, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

After enjoying this delicious recipe, don't forget to clean your air fryer to maintain its efficiency and hygiene.


Tips & Notes

Preheat the air fryer: To achieve even cooking and crispy results, it is essential to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken. This step sets the stage for optimal cooking conditions and helps create that desired golden crunch.

Coat the chicken evenly: When coating the chicken with the flour mixture, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly and shake off any excess flour. By following this step, you'll achieve a tantalizingly crispy and well-seasoned exterior on your chicken.

Flip halfway through cooking: To ensure even browning and achieve delightful crispiness on both sides of the chicken, remember to flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time. Carefully use tongs or a spatula to gently turn the chicken, allowing it to cook evenly and develop a uniform golden color.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4


Calories

541


% Daily Value*


Total Fat 18.9g

24%


Saturated Fat 9.2g

46%


Cholesterol 189mg

63%


Sodium 1065mg

46%


Total Carbohydrate 56.2g

20%


Dietary Fiber 2.5g

9%


Total Sugars 12.5g



Protein 36.1g



Vitamin D 16mcg

79%


Calcium 225mg

17%

Iron 4mg

23%

Potassium 889mg

19%


*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Spray with oil: Lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil. This helps promote browning and crispiness. Use a cooking spray or a brush to apply a thin layer of oil on both sides of the chicken.

Check for doneness: For accurate doneness, utilize a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe for consumption.

Arrange in a single layer: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are spaced apart and not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece of chicken, resulting in a uniformly crispy texture.


What You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Fried Honey Glazed Chicken

Chicken Pieces

Chicken breast is a lean and healthy option, while chicken thighs offer a more flavorful experience. Chicken thighs boast a naturally higher fat content, which contributes to their juiciness and tenderness. When it comes to choosing between chicken breast and chicken thighs, it ultimately boils down to personal preference since both options offer their own delicious qualities.

When selecting chicken, you have the flexibility to choose boneless, skinless, or retain the bone and skin according to your preference. Consider mixing chicken thighs and drumsticks for a delightful assortment of flavors and textures. This combination allows you to enjoy the thighs' juicy tenderness alongside the drumsticks' satisfying meatiness. It's a fantastic way to add variety to your dish and please different palates.

Opt for organic and free-range chicken when shopping to make a mindful choice. Not only is it better for your health, but it also contributes to a healthier environment and ensures happier chickens.

Whether you choose chicken breast or chicken thighs, the key is to enjoy the flavors and textures that suit your palate. Prepare your chicken carefully, and savor the deliciousness each option brings to your table.

A Dry Mixture For Coating

The dry mix of flour and panko creates a crispy and textured coating for your fried chicken. The combination of flour and panko in the dry mix creates a satisfyingly crispy and textured coating that elevates the overall enjoyment of the fried chicken. When cooked, the coating turns golden brown, while the panko adds an extra crunch, leaving you craving more.

A Wet Mixture

Creating a wet mixture using egg and buttermilk, combined with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, can add flavor and moisture to your fried chicken. The wet mixture helps tenderize the chicken, infuse it with flavors, and create a moist base for the breading. It introduces an additional dimension of flavor and enhances the overall juiciness of the fried chicken. Enjoy the delicious results of your perfectly seasoned and moist chicken!

Honey Butter Sauce

The honey butter sauce adds a luscious and sweet element to the golden crispy air fryer fried chicken, creating a delicious contrast with the crispy coating. It's a simple yet delightful addition that elevates the overall flavor experience.

You will need honey and unsalted butter to make the honey sauce. Honey, being a natural sweetener, imparts a unique and delightful sweetness to the sauce. It also offers subtle floral notes and depth of flavor. It's important to use good-quality honey for the best taste. The honey serves as a flavor enhancer, perfectly complementing the savory notes of the chicken.

Unsalted butter provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce. It adds a luxurious mouthfeel and helps balance the sweetness of the honey. Incorporating unsalted butter grants you the ability to regulate the dish's overall level of saltiness. The melted butter helps bind the ingredients together and coats the chicken, enhancing its flavor and providing a glossy finish.

If you seek a healthier alternative, consider exploring coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil as potential substitutes. For added creaminess, you can also consider Greek yogurt.

What Are the Advantages Of Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Fried chicken?

Healthier Cooking Method

Air frying offers a healthier alternative to deep frying as it requires significantly less oil for cooking. Traditional fried chicken is deep fried in peanut or vegetable oil, and the air fryer uses hot air circulation. Air fryers can achieve a crispy exterior similar to deep frying but with significantly reduced oil content. This means you can enjoy the indulgence of fried chicken with fewer calories and less unhealthy fats. And there is no need to drain fried chicken or big messes to clean up.

Reduced Fat Content

Traditional deep-fried chicken can be high in saturated fats and calories due to the large amount of oil used for frying. Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, resulting in a lower fat content while still achieving a crispy texture.

Retains Moisture

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook the chicken, sealing in moisture and ensuring a juicy interior. This is especially beneficial for chicken breast, which can sometimes become dry when deep-fried. Air frying helps maintain the tenderness and succulence of the chicken.

Easy Cleanup

Deep frying has the tendency to generate oil splatters and leave the kitchen greasy, leading to a messy cooking experience. With air frying, there is no need for large amounts of oil, which simplifies the cleanup process. Air fryer baskets and trays are typically dishwasher-safe, facilitating swift and effortless cleanup.

Versatility

Air fryers can be used for more than just fried chicken. They can also roast, grill, and bake a variety of foods. The air fryer's versatility expands cooking possibilities, making it a highly adaptable kitchen appliance.

air fryer fried honey glazed chicken

Jenny passionately advocates a holistic and natural approach to health and well-being. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and years of working in food sciences, specializing in organic & natural products. She is committed to helping others embrace a balanced, natural lifestyle that fosters well-being. Jenny believes that a harmonious balance between nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness is the key to unlocking the full potential of one’s well-being.