🍯🧄 Honey Garlic Chicken Jerky (Air Fryer Method) – Sweet, Savory & Perfect for Snacking

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Say goodbye to pricey store-bought jerky! This Honey Garlic Chicken Jerky is ultra flavorful, protein-packed, and naturally sweetened with honey. Made in your air fryer, it’s the perfect on-the-go snack that’s low in fat and big on bold flavor.

✨ Short Description

This air fryer chicken jerky recipe features thin strips of chicken breast marinated in a sticky honey-garlic glaze and slowly dried to chewy, savory perfection. Naturally high in protein, low in fat, and absolutely addicting!

📚 Table of Contents

  1. Look at the Recipe

  2. Ingredients Needed

  3. How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Jerky

  4. Storage & Serving Suggestions

  5. Tips & FAQs

  6. Nutritional Info

  7. Author Note

  8. More Healthy Snack Ideas

  9. Call to Action

🍗 1. Look at the Recipe

This chicken jerky has saved me so many times when I need a quick, satisfying protein fix without reaching for sugar-laden snacks. It’s chewy, sweet, garlicky, and ridiculously simple with just a few pantry staples. And yes—it works beautifully in the air fryer!

🛒 2. Ingredients Needed

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast – lean and high in protein

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce – umami base

  • 3 tbsp honey – adds natural sweetness

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – for balance

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil – subtle richness

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced – punch of flavor

  • ½ tsp ground black pepper – mild spice

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional) – hint of smoky depth

👩‍🍳 3. How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Jerky

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Thinly slice your chicken breasts into ¼-inch strips. Tip: Partially freeze them for 30–45 minutes to make slicing easier.

Step 2: Marinate

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 180°F (82°C) or the lowest setting. Lay chicken in a single layer (no overlap!) and air fry for 2–3 hours, flipping or rotating every 30–45 minutes.

Step 4: Cool & Store

Let jerky cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer.

🧊 4. Storage & Serving Suggestions

  • Store cooled jerky in a zip-top bag or glass jar in the fridge.

  • For travel or hiking, portion into small bags and refrigerate until ready to go.

  • Great with: fruit, boiled eggs, or W-W friendly crackers for a balanced snack plate.

💡 5. Tips & FAQs

Can I make this in a dehydrator?
Yes! The same temp and time applies—about 2.5–3 hours at 160–180°F.

How do I know when it’s done?
It should be dry but still bendy—not brittle or soft in the middle. Always cool before checking the final texture.

Want more heat?
Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.

📊 6. Nutritional Info (Per Serving – ~1 oz jerky)

  • Calories: 70

  • W-W Points: 1 (based on lean chicken and light marinade)

  • Protein: 11g

  • Fat: 2g

  • Carbs: 4g

  • Sugar: 3g

💬 7. Author Note

Chicken jerky has become a pantry staple for my kids and my coaching clients. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and clean eating. I love customizing the flavor based on what I’m craving—sweet, spicy, or even smoky BBQ!

🥗 8. More Healthy Snack Ideas

  • Crunchy Asian Ramen Salad

  • Oven-Dried Strawberries

  • Crack Keto Biscuits

  • BLT Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

📣 9. Call to Action

Have you tried this Honey Garlic Chicken Jerky? Tag me @KristyCookW-W and show off your chewy snack creations! 💪 Leave a comment with your flavor variations—we’re all about that snack-life inspiration.

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