Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ⅓ cup hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pat the cubed chicken breast thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until every piece is evenly dusted and looks matte.
  3. Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick oil spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
  6. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides reach a mahogany-colored, crispy finish.
  7. While chicken cooks, whisk the melted butter, hot sauce, honey, and cayenne in a clean bowl until velvety.
  8. Immediately transfer the hot chicken bites into the sauce bowl and toss quickly to coat so the sauce clings to the crust.