Description
This crispy air fryer honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is fast enough for a busy weeknight, impressive enough for company, and comforting enough to chase away the chill of a fall evening. The combination of sticky-sweet glaze and impossibly crispy skin is something you have to taste to believe.
Ingredients
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
- 1/3 cup honey (110 g)
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (45 ml)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh red chili slices
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 6-8 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry at 190°C / 375°F for 10 minutes. Do not open the basket during this time.
- After 10 minutes, open the basket and brush a thin layer of the honey garlic glaze onto each thigh. Flip the thighs over and brush the other side. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Open the basket again. Brush another layer of glaze onto both sides of each thigh. Cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F. The skin should be deep golden brown and crispy. Cook for an additional 2 minutes if desired.
- Let the chicken rest in the air fryer basket (turned off) for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s the secret to extra-crispy skin. Watch the glaze carefully in the last few minutes as honey burns quickly. Let chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Reserve a small spoonful of raw glaze to drizzle over finished chicken for a fresh contrast. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticky mess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 32
Keywords: air fryer chicken, honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, fall dinner, easy chicken recipe, air fryer recipe