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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs offer a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. Juicy, crispy chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, cooked to perfection in under 30 minutes using an air fryer to lock in moisture and achieve crispy skin with less oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Honey Garlic Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will be the magic behind your chicken’s incredible flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to absorb all the delicious flavors.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes; this ensures crispy skin and even cooking.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, flip them, brush with the remaining marinade, then cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Glaze and Serve: Once cooked, brush the chicken thighs with any leftover honey garlic sauce, allow them to rest for a few minutes, and then serve hot for an unbeatable dish with glossy, flavorful skin.

Notes

  • Dry the Skin: Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels before marinating for extra crispiness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Place chicken thighs in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature to avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken.
  • Double the Sauce: Make extra marinade to brush on while the chicken cooks for a super sticky finish.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes locks in the juices and keeps the meat tender.

Nutrition

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