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Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

These air fryer honey mustard chicken thighs are the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy. The chicken comes out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, with a sweet and tangy flavor that’s just perfect. It is one of my favorite air fryer chicken thighs recipes because it is simple, fast, and tastes like comfort food. Whether you are using bone-in chicken thighs or boneless, it always turns out amazing. Perfect for busy moms, teens who are always hungry, or anyone who loves easy air fried food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 to 6 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard optional but yummy
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps make the skin nice and crispy while cooking.
  • In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  • Add your chicken to the bowl or a big zip bag. Pour the sauce over and coat every piece really well.
  • Turn your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken start crisping right away.
  • Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in one layer. Cook for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked inside.
  • Brush a little extra honey mustard sauce on top during the last 3 minutes. It gives that sticky, caramelized finish that tastes so good.
  • Sprinkle parsley on top if you want it fancy. Serve warm with rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Tips

  • Always dry your chicken before cooking for extra crispy air fryer chicken thighs.
  • Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket — give them room to breathe.
  • For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the honey mustard for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes to make them taste freshly cooked again.

Variations

  • Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
  • Garlic Lovers: Mix in fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
  • Sweet & Smoky: Add a touch of smoked paprika for that BBQ-style taste.
  • Oven Option: If you do not have an air fryer, bake at 400°F for about 30 to 35 minutes.
  • Meal Prep Idea: Pack in 3-section meal prep containers — chicken in one, rice in another, and roasted veggies in the last.