Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: Quick prep, simple ingredients, and minimal cleanup. Win-win!
• Healthy-ish: Air frying keeps the crunch without drowning in oil.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds.

The Magic of Honey + Garlic

Let’s talk flavor. Honey brings the sweetness, garlic adds some boldness, and a splash of soy sauce and ginger ties everything together. The result? A glaze so good you’ll want to lick your fingers (no judgment here).

And can we talk about that crispy skin? The air fryer works its magic, making every bite perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tools You’ll Need

Make this recipe even easier with these kitchen tools:

• Air Fryer: The MVP for crispy chicken without the oil.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking up that delicious honey garlic marinade.
• Basting Brush: Perfect for glazing the chicken thighs in the final minutes of cooking.

How to Make It

1. Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pop the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re planning ahead).

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

3. Cook the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The goal? Crispy skin and an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).

4. Brush on the Glaze

In the last 5 minutes, brush some of that leftover marinade onto the chicken. This step makes the glaze extra sticky and delicious.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a little extra flair. Pair it with rice, veggies, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a complete meal.

Quick Tips

Cook and Prep Time

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• No Honey? No Problem: Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey. They’ll still give you that sweet, sticky glaze.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Craving Some Spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Different Cuts of Chicken: While bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for crispy skin, you can use boneless thighs or even chicken drumsticks. Just adjust the cook time slightly to ensure the meat reaches 165°F.

FAQs About Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! They’ll cook a bit faster—around 18-22 minutes. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they don’t dry out.

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 back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No air fryer? No problem! You can bake the chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to get the skin nice and crispy.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Totally! Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor, or freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up, these air fryer honey garlic chicken thighs are it. They’re crispy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests. Go ahead—give them a try, and let me know how it goes. Happy cooking!