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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Glaze

air fryer chicken thighs honey garlic - featured image
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Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken thighs with a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this easy weeknight dinner delivers shatteringly crisp skin and tender meat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook for 2-3 minutes. If using cornstarch slurry, stir it in and cook for 30 seconds until thickened. Remove from heat.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
  6. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes at 380°F.
  7. Brush the glaze generously over both sides of the thighs. Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 175-185°F (80-85°C) in the thickest part.
  9. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush with any remaining glaze.
  10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the chicken skin very dry for maximum crispiness. Start skin-side down to render fat. Watch the glaze carefully in the final minutes to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

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

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