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Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

honey garlic air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

These honey garlic air fryer chicken thighs are crispy, juicy, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze. Quick to make and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (about 8) chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on or boneless skinless
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour marinade over chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate at least 10 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
  4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side up, in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. Flip thighs, brush or spoon on extra marinade, and cook another 10-12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F and skin is golden and crisp.
  7. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer or by ensuring juices run clear.
  8. Optional: For extra crispy skin, transfer cooked thighs to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for best crispiness. For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the marinade. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra crunch and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, dairy-free, meal prep, Asian chicken, family dinner