Print

Crispy Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

This easy and quick recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or regular)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and toss well to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Optional: Pour leftover marinade into a small saucepan and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken and kill bacteria.
  8. Toss the cooked chicken gently in the warmed glaze or brush it on top for an extra sticky finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Apply glaze after cooking to prevent burning. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For paleo, use maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal