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
Scale
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.
