If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, juicy, spicy, and sweet—look no further than the Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe. This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a mouthwatering experience, thanks to a perfect balance of smoky spices and a luscious hot honey glaze. Cooking it in the air fryer ensures that irresistibly crispy skin with tender meat underneath, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort food with a delicious kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial part in building the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable. From the crispiness brought by olive oil to the sweet heat of the glaze, every element is essential.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each): The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer while the bone keeps the meat juicy.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes golden, crunchy skin.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the meat perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides savory warmth that complements the honey glaze.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a lovely smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the hot honey.
- 1/3 cup honey: The star of the glaze, balancing heat with natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and helps the glaze coat the chicken perfectly.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce: You can adjust this based on your preferred spice level.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the glaze.
- Pinch of salt: Rounds out the glaze and balances flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is key for crispy skin. Next, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, massaging it in so every piece shines with a thin oil layer that will help the seasonings stick and the skin crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle this aromatic blend generously on all sides of the chicken thighs. These spices create a savory, smoky base that perfectly complements the sweetness and heat of the glaze.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up in the basket—this positioning is essential for that coveted crisp skin. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through but avoid flipping the thighs. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of at least 165°F, ideally 175°F to 185°F for that extra tender bite.
Step 4: Create the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This glaze balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, ready to take your chicken to the next level.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Cooking
Brush the glaze generously over each chicken thigh and pop them back into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes. This short cook time “tacks up” the glaze, giving the skin a shiny, sticky coating without burning the sugars.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, so each bite is juicy and flavorful. Serve with extra warm glaze on the side for dipping—because who doesn’t love double the flavor?
How to Serve Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is best here. Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to introduce a pop of green and fresh herbal brightness. If you love texture, a handful of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts offer an irresistible crunch and visual contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides that complement the bold flavors. Think a refreshing cucumber salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a creamy mashed sweet potato that echoes the sweetness of the glaze. For carb lovers, fluffy jasmine rice or a warm buttered cornbread are absolute winners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive meal, consider serving these chicken thighs atop a bed of tangy coleslaw or alongside grilled corn with a squeeze of lime. You can turn this into a full meal by slicing the chicken and using it as a topping for loaded nachos or wraps, elevated by the hot honey glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, cool the chicken completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Remember to keep the glaze separate if possible to preserve texture and flavor when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that crispy skin magic. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven or microwave, but finishing in the air fryer or oven helps maintain the delicious crispiness and glaze shine.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so reduce your air frying time accordingly—probably around 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F. The key is to still aim for that internal temperature of 165°F.
How spicy is the Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe?
The spice level is adjustable by the amount and type of hot sauce you use in the glaze. Start with 2 tablespoons for moderate heat, and increase if you want more zing. The honey helps mellow the heat, creating a perfect sweet-spicy balance.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it up slightly before brushing on the chicken so it spreads smoothly.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the chicken thighs in a 400°F oven on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet for about 35 to 40 minutes. Brush on the glaze and broil briefly to achieve that sticky finish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The flavorful chicken keeps well and can be paired with various meals throughout the week. Just store the chicken and glaze separately until you’re ready to enjoy them fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe enough. It’s comfort food with a delightful twist—crispy skin, tender meat, and a glaze that perfectly balances sweet and heat. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises to wow your taste buds and keep everyone asking for seconds. So, fire up that air fryer and get ready for a flavor-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy with a sweet and spicy glaze. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and a tangy hot honey glaze delivers a flavorful kick that’s quick and easy to make using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Drizzle them with olive oil and rub to coat all sides evenly, ensuring the seasoning will stick well.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken thigh.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the basket. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through the cook time. Avoid flipping the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, ideally between 175°F and 185°F for optimal tenderness.
- Make the glaze: While the chicken cooks, mix honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until well combined.
- Glaze the chicken: Brush the hot honey glaze over the cooked chicken thighs. Return them to the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to let the glaze tack up and adhere to the chicken. Note that you will not need to use all the glaze in this step.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side as a flavorful dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the heat level to your preference.
- Do not flip the chicken while air frying to maintain a crispy skin.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving helps retain juices for moist meat.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness and better flavor.
