Cooking with an air fryer has become one of my favorite kitchen innovations, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it also gives me that crispy, golden texture without the excess oil. One of my go-to recipes for quick, flavorful meals is Air Fryer Peach Glazed Chicken. The sweetness of the peach glaze pairs beautifully with the savory, juicy chicken, making this dish perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe brings a touch of summer to your plate all year long.
I love how simple and hassle-free this recipe is! With just a few ingredients and a quick cook time, you can have a delicious, mouthwatering meal ready in no time. The air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly, giving you that perfect balance of tender meat and crispy skin. The peach glaze adds a burst of sweetness that’s just the right amount of tangy and savory, taking your chicken dinner to the next level.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken is the star of this recipe. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs offer a juicier, more tender texture, while breasts are leaner and cook a little faster.
Peach preserves: The peach preserves are the secret ingredient that brings the glaze to life. The sweet and slightly tangy flavor of peach pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a balanced glaze that coats the meat beautifully.
Olive oil: A little olive oil is needed to give the chicken a crispy exterior. It also helps to bind the seasoning to the chicken skin and ensures it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: This staple seasoning enhances the savory depth of the chicken and complements the sweetness of the peach preserves. A light dusting is all you need for that perfect flavor balance.
Onion powder: Onion powder adds a savory depth to the glaze and enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken. It works in perfect harmony with the garlic powder.
Salt and pepper: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and enhances the peach glaze.
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 3 tbsp peach preserves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Peach Glazed Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning in well, ensuring an even coat.
Step 2: Prepare the Peach Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the peach preserves and olive oil until smooth. This will be the glaze that adds that sweet and savory shine to the chicken. Feel free to adjust the amount of preserves depending on how sweet you want the glaze to be.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and get that golden crisp.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, brush the peach glaze generously over the top of each piece of chicken. Allow it to sit in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the glaze set and caramelize slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve hot. The sweet, sticky peach glaze will be perfectly set, adding a mouthwatering finish to your crispy chicken. Enjoy with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For extra crispiness: If you prefer an even crispier texture, spray the chicken with a light coating of cooking spray before air frying. This will help the chicken skin crisp up even more.
- Customizing the glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the peach glaze by adding a little honey or brown sugar if you want it to be richer. You could also add a dash of vinegar for some extra tang.
- Thickening the glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, simply reduce the peach preserves on the stovetop by simmering it for a few minutes until it thickens. This creates a more intense peach flavor.
- Chicken alternatives: While this recipe is written for chicken breasts or thighs, you can easily use chicken drumsticks or even chicken wings for a fun twist. Adjust the cook time accordingly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cook time. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 75°C).
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer? Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, basting with the peach glaze halfway through.
Can I use another type of fruit preserve? Absolutely! If you prefer a different fruit flavor, feel free to swap peach preserves for apricot, raspberry, or even strawberry preserves.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and season it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Glazing the chicken with peach preserves should be done just before air frying for the best flavor and texture.
This Air Fryer Peach Glazed Chicken is not only simple to prepare but also delivers an irresistible combination of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!