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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Honey Garlic Glaze

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy air fryer chicken thighs with a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. The air fryer ensures a crunchy skin without excess oil, while the glaze adds a delicious balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil all over each piece, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes without overcrowding.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up. Cook for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deep golden brown and crackly.
  5. While the chicken cooks, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and brush the honey garlic glaze generously over each thigh. Return to the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking. Apply glaze near the end to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, honey garlic glaze, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken