I love discovering ways to make dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen, and this Air Fryer Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals. The balance of sweet honey and savory seasonings makes every bite incredibly flavorful, while the air fryer ensures the chicken stays juicy with a perfectly caramelized exterior. Honestly, it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but with way less effort and cleanup.
Cooking with the air fryer has changed the game for me. Not only does it speed up the cooking process, but it also locks in moisture, giving chicken thighs a tender, succulent texture that oven baking sometimes struggles to achieve. Pair it with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a dinner that feels both comforting and indulgent, all in under 30 minutes.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Thighs: Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they retain their juiciness during cooking and provide a rich flavor. The skin crisps beautifully in the air fryer, creating that irresistible golden-brown finish.
Honey: Honey is the star of the glaze, adding a natural sweetness that balances the savory spices. It caramelizes quickly in the air fryer, giving the chicken a sticky, flavorful coating that tastes amazing with every bite.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings a depth of umami and saltiness that enhances the chicken’s flavor profile. Its combination with honey ensures the glaze is savory-sweet rather than overwhelmingly sweet.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory note that perfectly complements the honey glaze. Minced or pressed garlic works best to evenly distribute the flavor across the chicken.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps coat the chicken, promoting even cooking and ensuring the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer without drying out.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and balancing the sweetness of the honey.
Optional Spices (Paprika, Onion Powder, Chili Flakes): These optional additions add layers of flavor and a subtle kick. Paprika gives a smoky touch, onion powder deepens the savoriness, and chili flakes add gentle heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
Ingredients List
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, pinch of chili flakes
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drying them ensures the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Set them aside while you mix the glaze.
Make the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and any optional spices you like. Taste it and adjust seasoning if necessary—this glaze is the flavor hero of the dish!
Coat the Chicken
Brush the honey glaze generously over each chicken thigh, making sure to cover the skin and under the edges where possible. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and develops a crisp exterior.
Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with more glaze if desired. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the golden, sticky goodness!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Pat the chicken completely dry for crispier skin.
- Brush additional glaze halfway through cooking for an extra sticky coating.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for air to circulate.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated gently.
- Customize the glaze by adding mustard, sriracha, or lemon juice for a different flavor twist.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but cooking time may be shorter, and the texture may differ slightly without the bone.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to crisp the skin.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Can I freeze these chicken thighs?
Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer from frozen.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar works as a substitute, though the flavor will slightly change.