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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Glaze

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw honey recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add 2-3 more minutes if skin is not crispy enough.
  6. While the chicken cooks, combine minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Avoid boiling.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and brush the honey garlic glaze generously over each thigh.
  8. Optionally, return the glazed chicken to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to set the glaze without burning it. Watch carefully.
  9. Serve immediately, sprinkling with a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly and preheat air fryer for best crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent steaming. Keep glaze on low heat to avoid burnt garlic. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes before serving. For leftovers, reheat gently in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

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