I love when a recipe feels both comforting and effortless, and that’s exactly what these air fryer honey BBQ chicken thighs are all about. Juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky glaze that clings to every bite, they bring that crave-worthy barbecue taste without needing to step outside and fire up the grill. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving the chicken a crispy outside while keeping the meat tender and succulent.
For me, this recipe is perfect on those nights when I want dinner to feel special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The honey BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating that irresistible sweet-smoky balance. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even a simple bowl of rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken thighs: Juicy and full of flavor, chicken thighs are the star of this dish. I prefer using bone-in, skin-on thighs because they stay extra moist and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, but boneless thighs work just as well if you’re after a quicker cooking time.
Olive oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while also encouraging that golden-brown crispiness we all love. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.
Garlic powder: This pantry staple brings a warm, savory depth to the seasoning blend. It layers flavor into the chicken before the sauce even touches it, ensuring every bite tastes balanced and aromatic.
Smoked paprika: For that hint of smokiness reminiscent of outdoor grilling, smoked paprika is a must. It adds a rich color and subtle heat, complementing the sweetness of the honey BBQ glaze.
Salt and black pepper: Simple yet essential, these two seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and keep everything perfectly balanced. Without them, the dish would fall flat.
Honey BBQ sauce: The heart of this recipe, honey BBQ sauce brings sticky sweetness, tangy notes, and a little smokiness. As it caramelizes in the air fryer, it transforms into a glossy glaze that makes these chicken thighs downright irresistible.
Ingredients List
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup honey BBQ sauce
How to Make Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub them with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the thighs. This base layer of flavor ensures the chicken is delicious even before the sauce is added.
Step 2: Cook in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side down, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip them and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Add the honey BBQ glaze
Brush the chicken generously with honey BBQ sauce on both sides. Return the thighs to the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to let the glaze caramelize and thicken into a sticky coating.
Step 4: Rest and serve
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat with every bite. Serve hot with extra honey BBQ sauce on the side if you like.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Pat dry for crispiness: Removing excess moisture from the chicken helps the skin crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the thighs in a single layer so the hot air can circulate properly. If needed, cook in batches.
- Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Customize the sauce: Prefer more heat? Stir in a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ glaze. Want it tangier? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Pair it right: These thighs go well with creamy coleslaw, roasted corn, or even a baked potato for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work too and cook a bit faster—usually around 14–16 minutes total before adding the glaze.
What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?
You can mix regular BBQ sauce with a tablespoon of honey to create your own quick version.
Can I make this with chicken breasts instead?
Absolutely, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. Lower the cooking time slightly and keep a close eye on the internal temperature.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, these chicken thighs freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until warmed through.