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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy 5-Step Guide

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs air fryer - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a sticky honey garlic glaze, made quickly and easily in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it balances sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Place cornstarch in a shallow bowl and lightly dredge each chicken thigh, shaking off excess. (3 minutes)
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook another 8 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (20 minutes)
  5. While chicken cooks, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes to make the sauce.
  6. Toss the hot chicken thighs in the honey garlic sauce to coat thoroughly. (2 minutes)
  7. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not apply sauce before cooking to avoid burning. For a more caramelized glaze, air fry glazed chicken at 370°F (190°C) for 1-2 minutes while watching closely. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, honey garlic glaze, weeknight meal