Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Air Fryer | Chicken Air Fryer Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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When I first tried these honey garlic chicken thighs in the air fryer, I remember thinking, “Wow, so this is what dinner should taste like.” The chicken turns golden on the outside yet stays tender inside. The glaze clings to every bite, giving you that mix of sweet and savory with a little garlic punch. Cooking chicken in the air fryer feels a bit like cheating. You set it, you wait a short while, and suddenly dinner is ready. No fussing over oil splatters or smoky pans. Just crisp skin, juicy meat, and a sauce that begs for a slice of bread to mop it up. If you’ve been scrolling through air fryer recipes chicken or searching for the perfect chicken recipe air fryer, this one fits right in. It sits happily next to your air fryer chicken wings recipe, pairs well with an air fryer chicken fajita recipe, and honestly could even pass as an easy air fryer chicken wings recipe for folks who don’t want wings every night. It’s quick, reliable, and kind of addictive.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
3) Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
4) How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
5) Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
6) Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe gives you juicy chicken with a sweet and garlicky glaze.
Cooking in the air fryer keeps the skin crisp without much oil.
The honey garlic sauce doubles as a glaze and dipping sauce.
You can serve these thighs with rice, salad, or roasted veggies.

2) Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Some nights you crave something bold yet simple. That’s when I grab my air fryer and make honey garlic chicken thighs. The skin gets that satisfying crunch while the meat stays tender. When the sweet honey meets the sharp bite of garlic, it creates a flavor that feels balanced but not heavy. It’s the kind of dinner you want on repeat.

I love how the air fryer makes the job easier. Instead of standing over a skillet, I just place the chicken inside, set the timer, and wait for the magic. The smell fills the kitchen and makes everyone peek in to ask, “When’s dinner?” That’s when you know it’s working.

This dish belongs on your list of chicken air fryer recipes. It’s flexible too. It can join your weekday menu as fast comfort food or shine on a weekend table when you need something that feels special without taking hours.

3) Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs I prefer bone-in with skin for extra flavor and texture. The skin turns crisp while the inside stays juicy. Boneless thighs work too, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time.

Honey A natural sweetness that balances the garlic and soy. It caramelizes as it cooks and leaves a glossy finish on the chicken.

Garlic Fresh cloves make all the difference. Minced garlic infuses the sauce and clings to the chicken as it bakes.

Soy Sauce It brings a salty base that enhances the honey and garlic without overpowering them.

Olive Oil A small amount helps coat the chicken and carry flavors through. It also aids crisping in the air fryer.

Apple Cider Vinegar A splash of tang keeps the sauce lively and bright.

Black Pepper Just enough to balance the sweetness with mild heat.

Salt A pinch rounds out all the flavors, especially when paired with soy sauce.

Smoked Paprika Adds a gentle smokiness that deepens the glaze and makes it smell irresistible.

4) How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1 Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. This step helps the chicken cook evenly from the start.

Step 2 Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple step makes the skin crisp and flavorful.

Step 3 Mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. This mixture becomes the glaze that ties the recipe together.

Step 4 Place chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes. The skin begins to brown and the kitchen smells rich.

Step 5 Flip the chicken and brush generously with the glaze. Cook for another 10 minutes until the skin is golden.

Step 6 Brush again with sauce and cook 3 to 4 minutes more. The glaze caramelizes, leaving sticky edges you’ll want to lick off the spoon.

Step 7 Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside and makes each bite tender.

5) Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

I’ve learned a few tricks to make these chicken thighs shine. First, don’t skip drying the chicken. Moisture on the skin keeps it from crisping. Second, give the glaze time to thicken by brushing it twice. The more it caramelizes, the more flavor sticks to the chicken.

If you want extra sauce for dipping, double the honey garlic mixture. Warm it on the stove while the chicken cooks. It’s a small step that makes the meal feel indulgent.

Lastly, rotate the basket halfway through cooking. Air fryers can heat unevenly, and this helps every thigh cook just right. It’s a little move that pays off big when you see even color and crisp skin.

6) Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time

Life gets busy, so I often prepare parts of this dish early. You can whisk the sauce a day ahead and keep it chilled. It thickens slightly, which makes it cling better during cooking. Seasoning the chicken in advance also deepens the flavor.

If you plan to cook the chicken fully ahead, keep in mind that reheating may soften the skin. To restore crispness, place the thighs back in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh.

This recipe fits well into meal prep. Pair the chicken with rice or roasted vegetables in containers, and you’ve got lunch sorted for days. It keeps things easy without feeling repetitive.

7) Storing Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Store leftovers in an airtight container. They hold well in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer for about five minutes at 350°F. The skin regains some crispness, and the sauce stays sticky.

If you freeze the chicken, wrap each thigh separately. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The glaze holds up surprisingly well, though the skin won’t be as crisp as the first day.

I sometimes shred the leftover chicken and mix it into salads or wraps. The sweet garlic flavor works well in sandwiches and keeps lunch exciting.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe