Air fryer hoisin chicken turns bite-sized pieces of chicken into a flavorful, sticky-sweet main in about 15 minutes from start to finish. These hoisin chicken bites work well in rice bowls, over noodles, in ramen, or tossed into a salad for an easy weeknight dinner.
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark Chinese condiment with bold savory notes, umami depth, and a gentle sweetness that is almost barbecue-like. For this recipe, a modest mix of hoisin, soy sauce, garlic powder and a little oil coats the chicken and delivers lots of flavor with minimal effort.
I often serve these air fried hoisin chicken bites on top of egg noodles with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or over steamed rice with vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. They also make a fast protein topping for ramen or grain bowls.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
How to make air fryer hoisin chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it preheats, cut the chicken into uniform 1.5-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
In a medium bowl combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic powder. Add the chicken cubes and stir until each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes if you have time, but it will still be tasty if you cook it right away.
Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure pieces aren’t crowded. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket around the 5-minute mark to promote even browning and crisping.
When the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has caramelized slightly, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. I like this with egg noodles and sesame seeds, but it’s just as good over rice with steamed vegetables.
Recipe tips
- Air fryers vary. Cooking time depends on your model and how large your chicken pieces are—check for even color and that the chicken is cooked through.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in a single layer for the best crisping; work in batches if needed.
- You can scale this recipe easily. Double or triple the ingredients and cook in batches so each piece gets direct airflow.
- The same marinade works well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs; just expect slightly different cook times and a juicier result.
- If you want more glaze, reserve a tablespoon of hoisin to brush on at the end, then pop the chicken back in the fryer for a minute to set the sauce.
- Add vegetables: broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas or carrots can be air fried alongside or steamed and served with the chicken.
- Storage and reheating: store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat in the air fryer or a hot skillet to refresh the glaze and crisp the edges.
Instructions (quick list)
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Toss chicken cubes with hoisin, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic powder until coated.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 8–10 minutes, shaking at the halfway point.
- Remove and serve over noodles, rice, or in salads with sesame seeds or scallions as a garnish.
Serving ideas
Serve these hoisin chicken bites over egg noodles with a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, or add them to a bowl with steamed rice, roasted or steamed vegetables, and a splash of soy or chili oil. They’re also a tasty protein option for salads or wraps.
More air fryer chicken bite recipes
- Air fryer chicken bites
- Air fryer buffalo chicken bites
- Air fryer chicken and broccoli
- Air fryer tandoori chicken
- Air fryer chicken and vegetables