Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Hot Honey Chicken (Excitingly Delish)

If you love the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Hot Honey Chicken is exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, this chicken is coated with a roasted garlic-infused hot honey glaze that’s sticky, flavorful, and downright addictive. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve golden-brown perfection without deep frying, giving you restaurant-quality results at home.

I love making this recipe when I want dinner that’s comforting yet exciting. The sweet heat of the honey and chili pairs beautifully with the earthy richness of roasted garlic, creating layers of flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without being complicated — perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Why This Recipe Works

Roasting garlic first transforms its flavor into a sweet, mellow, and nutty base that complements the heat from the chili. When combined with honey, it creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to the chicken. The air fryer crisps the exterior while keeping the inside juicy, making it the ideal cooking method for this dish.

Because the glaze caramelizes quickly in the hot air, the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust with rich flavor that’s balanced by a tender, juicy interior.

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the roasted garlic hot honey glaze

• 6 cloves roasted garlic, mashed into a paste
• ¼ cup honey
• 1–2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to your preferred heat)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

For serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Steamed rice or roasted vegetables (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. While the chicken cooks, combine the mashed roasted garlic, honey, red chili flakes, soy sauce, and vinegar or lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, brush generously with the hot honey glaze.
8. Return the chicken to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly.
9. Remove and let rest for 3–5 minutes.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, with your choice of sides.

Tips for the Best Results

• Roast the garlic beforehand for a sweet, mellow flavor that complements the honey and chili perfectly.
• Pat the chicken dry to help the seasoning stick and achieve crisp edges.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; air must circulate for even cooking.

For more chicken cooking tips, don’t miss my full air fryer chicken recipe guide.

Flavor Variations

• Add a teaspoon of sriracha to the glaze for extra heat.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for extra texture and nutty flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve this chicken with air-fried potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. It’s also great sliced over grain bowls or tacos for a creative twist.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain the glaze’s stickiness and the chicken’s crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Hot Honey Chicken is a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory that satisfies every craving. The roasted garlic adds depth, the hot honey glaze adds that irresistible sticky sweetness, and the air fryer ensures juicy, tender chicken with a golden crust.

It’s a simple yet impressive dish that elevates weeknight dinners and is sure to become a go-to recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors and quick, fuss-free cooking.