Sticky Air Fryer Chicken Bites
These delicious chicken bites are quickly cooked in an air fryer or oven and then tossed in a homemade sweet and savory sticky sauce. They are perfect as a main dish with rice or as a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken lean
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 clove minced garlic, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into small, uniform bites or meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). If using an oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the sticky sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 clove minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once the chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sticky sauce over the chicken bites and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Serve these chicken bites over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation. For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha to the sticky sauce. You can also use ground turkey or pork for variations. Ensure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket for best results; cook in batches if necessary.