Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
This air fryer honey garlic chicken thigh recipe is one of my family’s all-time favorites. The chicken comes out crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and covered in a sticky sweet glaze that’s just crazy good. It’s simple, fast, and tastes like you spent hours cooking (but really you didn’t). Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want something homemade without a ton of effort.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless both work
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium if you want
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, vinegar, paprika, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Stir it all together till it smells amazing.
- Add chicken thighs into a bowl or bag, pour the marinade over them, and rub it in. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (longer if you got time).
- Turn the air fryer to 380°F and let it heat for 3–5 minutes.
- Place chicken thighs in one layer in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–10 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Simmer any leftover marinade on the stove for 2–3 minutes till thickened. Brush it over the cooked chicken for that glossy, sticky finish.
Notes
Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket — they need space to crisp up.
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating if it’s too wet. Helps the skin get crispy.
- If using boneless thighs, reduce cook time by 2–3 minutes.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 3 minutes — tastes like fresh again!
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Lemon Garlic Twist: Swap vinegar for lemon juice and add a little zest.
- Asian Style: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Sweet BBQ: Mix in a tablespoon of BBQ sauce with the honey for a smoky kick.