Some nights, I just cannot deal with complicated dinners. Between refereeing sibling fights, stepping on rogue Legos, and attempting to fold laundry (for the fifth time), I need something fast, easy, and actually delicious. Enter: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs—specifically, these Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
I’ve tried all the air fryer chicken recipes—Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks, Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer, even Easy Honey Garlic Chicken—but this one? This is THE BEST air fryer chicken. It’s so easy, it practically cooks itself, and the flavor? Chef’s kiss. Whether you need a new Chicken Thighs Recipe, a go-to for simple chicken recipes, or just a no-fail dinner that doesn’t require babysitting, this one’s for you.
If your family is anything like mine, they’ll devour this—maybe even without complaining (a mom can dream, right?). So if you’re searching for the best air fryer chicken that fits into real-life chaos, this Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (skin = crispy, don’t skip it!)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (gives it that little tangy kick)
- 2 tbsp honey (balances out the tang with a little sweetness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (helps the skin crisp up)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic = life)
- ½ tsp paprika (adds a little color + mild smokiness)
- ½ tsp salt (flavor, duh)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (just a little kick)
Step 1: Dry the Chicken
Take a paper towel and pat those thighs dry—trust me, this is key to getting them crispy. If there’s too much moisture, they’ll just kinda steam instead. No one wants that.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Dijon mustard
Honey
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt & pepper
It should be thick, glossy, and smell amazing. Try not to taste-test too much or you’ll end up making another batch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take half of your delicious sauce and brush it all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin too. More sauce = more flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry That Goodness
Pop the thighs into the air fryer skin side down at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 8-12 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy and the inside hits 165°F (use a meat thermometer if you wanna be fancy).
Step 5: Add More Sauce & Rest
Brush the rest of the sauce over the hot chicken right after it comes out—this gives it that glossy, sticky finish. Let it sit for 5 minutes (yes, I know, waiting is hard).
FAQs for Air Fryer Dijon Honey Chicken Thighs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Yep! But just a heads-up—boneless, skinless thighs cook faster and won’t get as crispy. Reduce the cook time to 12-15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks work great with this recipe. The cook time will be about the same, but check that they hit 165°F internally before serving.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can swap it with yellow mustard for a milder taste or spicy brown mustard for a little extra kick.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer as usual.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up. Microwaving works too, but the skin won’t be as crispy.
Air Fryer Dijon Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe Card
Air Fryer Dijon Honey Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel for crispy skin.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken
- Brush half of the sauce over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin.
Air Fry
- Place the thighs skin side down in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-12 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temp is 165°F.
Add More Sauce & Serve
- Brush the remaining honey mustard sauce over the hot chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
- Marinate for extra flavor—let the chicken sit in the sauce for 30 min before cooking.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy leftovers.
And just like that, dinner is DONE—and you didn’t even have to break a sweat.These Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and coated in the perfect sweet-tangy sauce that’ll have everyone licking their plates (and maybe even asking for seconds—rare mom win!).
I’ve tried so many Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipes over the years, from Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs to Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks, and I gotta say—this one might just be The Best Air Fryer Chicken yet. It’s fast, foolproof, and picky-eater approved. And honestly? I love anything that lets me throw dinner together in 30 minutes while still feeling like a rockstar chef.
So whether you’re looking for Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes, a quick weeknight Chicken Thighs Recipe, or just another go-to for simple chicken recipes, this one’s a keeper. Now if only the air fryer could also do the dishes…
If you try this recipe, let me know how your family liked it! And if you’ve got another favorite Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Thighs idea, drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for more Easy Chicken Dishes to add to the rotation.
