When the clock’s ticking and dinner needs to come together without fuss, this air fryer chicken breast glazed recipe steps up to the plate. It’s got that balance between sweet and tangy, with just a hint of spice that keeps things interesting without overwhelming the tender meat.
I remember the first time I made this—I was juggling a few things and almost forgot to flip the chicken halfway through. The kitchen timer beeped just in time, and the smell of honey and smoked paprika filled the air, making it impossible to wait patiently for dinner. The glaze brushed on at the end gave the chicken this shiny, sticky finish that clung deliciously to each bite. It wasn’t perfect—the glaze dripped a little more than I hoped, and I might have gotten it on my sleeve—but that’s part of the charm. It felt like a little win after a hectic day, and I kept thinking about how easy it was to pull off.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Juicy and tender chicken every time thanks to the air fryer’s magic.
- The glaze is sweet, tangy, and just a touch spicy—complex but approachable.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for when you want something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time or energy.
If you’re worried about the glaze getting too sticky or messy, just know it’s part of the experience. A quick wipe of the counter and you’re back in business. Plus, letting the chicken rest after cooking helps the juices settle, making each bite worth the wait.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast Glazed
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Juicy and tender air fryer chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook the chicken breasts for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the glaze by whisking together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
After 12 minutes, brush the glaze generously over the chicken breasts.
Cook the glazed chicken breasts for an additional 3 minutes in the air fryer.
Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a standard air fryer basket for this recipe, and it fits two chicken breasts comfortably. If your chicken is a bit thicker or thinner, you might need to adjust the cook time slightly—just keep an eye on it. Serving this with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies balances the richness of the glaze nicely. Sometimes I toss in a pinch of extra crushed red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous, but that might be too much for everyone. Or, you could swap the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile, though I haven’t tested how it changes the texture exactly. Another fun twist is adding a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy lift, but again, results may vary.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking, but if you’re in a hurry, you could try increasing the cook time slightly.
Is the glaze gluten-free? The soy sauce usually isn’t, but swapping in a gluten-free tamari works well.
Can I make this ahead of time? Definitely. Leftovers keep in the fridge for a few days and reheat nicely in the air fryer or microwave.
Ready to make dinner a little easier and a lot tastier? Save this recipe, print it out, or just dive right in and enjoy the simple joy of a well-glazed air fryer chicken breast.