This Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken delivers a perfect balance of flavors in just 23 minutes. With only 312 calories per serving and a whopping 48g of protein, it’s a guilt-free dinner winner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
The magic happens when tender chicken meets a mouthwatering blend of sweet and spicy seasonings, all while your air fryer creates that irresistible crispy exterior. It’s the kind of quick, nutritious meal that’ll make you wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Chicken
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, adds perfect sweetness
- Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon, brings the heat
- Garlic Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances savory flavors
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, extra spice kick
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, adds smoky depth
- Ground Black Pepper: To taste, optional
- Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces, boneless and skinless
- Oil: For spraying, helps with crispiness
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: Mix brown sugar with all spices until well combined for an even flavor distribution
- Season the Chicken: Spray chicken with oil and generously coat both sides with the spice mixture
- Air Frying: Place in air fryer basket at 350°F for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Temperature Check: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
- Serving: Let rest briefly, then slice and serve while hot
Variations & Substitutions
Want to change things up? Try these easy swaps! Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat – just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Not a fan of heat? Cut the cayenne pepper in half or skip it completely. For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey to your spice mix. You can also use regular paprika if you don’t have the smoked kind.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet and spicy chicken is so versatile! Slice it up over a fresh salad, serve it with fluffy rice to soak up all the tasty spices, or wrap it in warm tortillas with some crunchy slaw. For a complete meal, add some roasted veggies – they can go right in the air fryer after your chicken is done! A side of corn on the cob or sweet potato fries would match those sweet-spicy flavors perfectly.
Storage Tips
Made extra? Lucky you! Keep your leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F – this keeps it nice and juicy. You can also slice it cold for sandwiches or salads. If you’re meal prepping, this chicken stays tasty all week long!
Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Ground black pepper optional
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- Oil for spraying
Instructions
- Combine all spices and brown sugar together. Mix thoroughly.
- Spray the chicken breasts with oil. Sprinkle spice mixture over the chicken breasts. Flip chicken and repeat.
- Place chicken into air fryer basket and air fry at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for 16 to 18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Flip halfway through cooking.
- Slice chicken and enjoy!
