There’s something about the way honey caramelizes on chicken skin that just pulls you in. This recipe for air fryer honey chicken thighs is a game-changer when you don’t want to fuss but still crave flavors that feel like a little celebration on your plate.
Last Wednesday, I was juggling emails and dinner plans, mentally tallying what could be quick but satisfying. I tossed these chicken thighs into the air fryer, stirring up the glaze while the kitchen filled with the faint but promising scent of smoked paprika and honey mingling in the air. I admit, I almost forgot to flip the chicken on time — distracted by a stray text — but that little hiccup didn’t ruin the crispiness. The sticky glaze clung just right, and biting into that tender, juicy meat was worth every second. I don’t remember if I let the chicken rest quite long enough, but honestly, it was so good I barely noticed.
Here’s why you might want to save this recipe somewhere handy:
- It’s quick and hands-off—air frying means less babysitting the stove, which is perfect for busy evenings.
- The honey glaze strikes a nice balance between sweet and savory, but it’s not overly sugary, so it won’t overpower your meal.
- The crispy skin is surprisingly satisfying, though air fryers can vary, so you might need to tweak cooking times a bit.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, but the flavors feel thoughtful.
If you’re worried about whether this will be too sweet or too sticky, I’d say give it a try anyway. The vinegar in the glaze cuts through that honey sweetness nicely, making it more complex than your usual glaze.
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Air Fryer Honey Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Juicy and flavorful chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer, coated with a sweet and sticky honey glaze. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to make the honey glaze.
After 10 minutes, flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and brush half of the honey glaze over the skin.
Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and brush with the remaining honey glaze.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually air fry this in a basic basket-style fryer—nothing fancy needed. When serving, it pairs nicely with steamed greens or a simple rice dish to soak up all that honey sauce. If you want to switch things up, you might try swapping smoked paprika for a pinch of cayenne for some heat, or using maple syrup instead of honey, though I haven’t tested how that affects the glaze texture. Also, bone-in, skin-on thighs are key here; boneless versions might cook faster but won’t get quite the same crispy skin.
FAQ:
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but cooking time will be shorter, and you might miss out on that crispy skin texture.
Is the honey glaze very sweet?
No, the soy sauce and vinegar balance it out nicely, so it’s pleasantly sticky without being overpowering.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Sure, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning and glaze for a few hours before cooking, but the glaze is best brushed on during and after cooking for maximum crispiness.
This recipe really makes weeknight dinners something to look forward to. If you decide to try it, don’t forget to save it for later—chicken nights just got a little sweeter.