Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
These Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs are straight fire—like sweet and spicy had a baby. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and totally teen-approved. This one’s an air fried food win, especially when your crew is starving and you just need dinner to slap.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs skin on for the win
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or more if you got spice lovers
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce use your fave
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar trust the process
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the thighs
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry skin = crispy skin.
Step 2: Season that bird
- Rub olive oil all over the chicken. Then add garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix it up real good.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
- Pop that air fryer on 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes to warm it up.
Step 4: Cook
- Place the thighs skin-side down in the basket. Air fry for 12 minutes. Flip ‘em. Go for another 10-13 minutes until they hit 165°F inside and the skin is golden and crispy.
Step 5: Make the glaze
- While they cook, mix honey, hot sauce, and vinegar in a lil pot on low heat until it gets smooth and bubbly.
Step 6: Glaze time
- Brush that spicy honey magic all over the thighs right after they are done. You can pop ‘em back in the air fryer for 2 more mins if you want that glaze sticky and thick.
Notes
- Do not skip drying the chicken. It is the difference between crispy and sad.
- Use parchment or a liner if you do not wanna scrub your basket forever.
- If your glaze thickens too much, just warm it up again.
Variations
- Extra spicy? Add a splash of sriracha or cayenne to the glaze.
- Mild version? Skip the hot sauce, use BBQ sauce and honey instead.
- No air fryer? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 mins.