Air Fryer Almond Chicken In Honey Soy Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it feels like the perfect fusion of crispy comfort and flavorful finesse, all from the magic of my air fryer. Plus, the rich, tangy honey soy sauce takes the juicy almond-crusted chicken to the next level, making it a go-to for impressing friends with minimal effort!

I enjoy crafting recipes that merge taste and ease, and my Air Fryer Almond Chicken in Honey Soy Sauce is a perfect case in point. Crispy panko breadcrumbs, nutty sliced almonds, and juicy chicken breasts mean that my dish is crammed with flavor.

To massify my quest for nutrients, I turned to the honey soy glaze that I upped with copious amounts of fresh ginger. Its delightful balance of sweetness and salt means that I can call this dish “guilt-free” and still have it be a mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients

Lean protein emerges as a primary source in chicken breasts; it acts to create and mend bodily tissues.

Almonds, when sliced, proffer an impressive array of health benefits.

They contain a slew of healthy fats, vitamin E, and nigh an endless supply of crunch and nuttiness.

Natural sweetener; imparts sweetness and balance to the sauce: honey.

Soy Sauce: Rich with umami; furnishes profoundness and saline flavor.

Panko breadcrumbs are light and crispy.

They add a crunchy coating.

Powdered Garlic: Intensifies the fragrant and delicious flavor of the dish.

Ginger: Anti-inflammatory; adds warmth and zing.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to reach the proper temperature.

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. In a second bowl, beat the eggs.

4. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the sliced almonds.

5. Each chicken breast should be dredged in the flour mixture, dipped into the egg, and then coated with the almond-panko mixture. Gently press the coating to ensure it adheres well.

6. Lightly coat the chicken breasts with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. As the chicken cooks, combine the ingredients for the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. The honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil go in first. Then you fold in the freshly grated ginger and very finely minced garlic.

8. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

9. After the chicken is finished, take it out of the air fryer and allow it to rest for several minutes.

10. Drizzle the honey soy sauce over the chicken and, if desired, serve garnished with chopped green onions.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Shallow bowls (3)
3. Whisk
4. Beating bowl for eggs
5. Cooking thermometer (optional)
6. Saucepan
7. Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Spoon or spatula
10. Cooking spray
11. Grater (for ginger)
12. Knife and cutting board
13. Tongs (for flipping chicken)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. You might need to make slight adjustments to your cooking time, depending on how thick the thighs are.
• Q: How can I make the coating extra crispy?Make sure that the chicken is completely enrobed by the flour, egg, and panko mixture. Press the panko and almonds onto the chicken to help them stick. Cooking spray will help in achieving the crispiness that you want.
• Q: Can I prepare the honey soy sauce in advance?A: You can indeed prepare the sauce beforehand and keep it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before you serve it.
• Q: How do I prevent the almonds from burning?A: Ensure that the almonds are well pressed into the panko mixture and that a light coating of cooking spray has been applied. During the last few minutes of air frying, keep a close eye on the almonds.
• Q: What can I use as a substitute for soy sauce?A: For a gluten-free option, you can substitute tamari; for a slightly sweeter taste, use coconut aminos.
• Q: Is the sesame oil necessary?You can make the recipe without it if you prefer, but I think the addition of the sesame oil gives a really nice flavor in combination with the other ingredients.
• Q: Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?Q: Is it possible to bake chicken in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes?

Substitutions and Variations

For the chicken breasts: Use chicken thighs that are boneless and skinless for a juicier option.
To substitute all-purpose flour, use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
To make the panko breadcrumbs, you can alternatively use standard breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different crunch.
For the soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey.

Pro Tips

1. Marination for Enhanced Flavor For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, a little garlic, and ginger for an hour before coating it. This infuses more taste into the meat itself.

2. Uniform Cooking Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before dredging. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer, avoiding undercooked centers or overcooked edges.

3. Panko Mixture Upgrade Lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs and almonds in a dry pan before using them to coat the chicken. This step enhances the nutty flavor and ensures a crisper texture.

4. Crispier Coating For an extra-crispy coating, double-dip the chicken: after the first round of flour, egg, and almond-panko coating, dip it again in the egg and then back into the almond-panko mix.

5. Zesty Freshness Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice over the chicken before serving. The acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a bright, fresh finish.