Okay. If you own an air fryer and you are not making honey garlic chicken thighs in it… what are we doing?
This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and cooks in about 20 minutes. The skin gets crispy and caramelized from the honey, while the inside stays juicy and tender. The marinade is a mix of coconut aminos, honey, lime juice, and garlic olive oil, so you get sweet, savory, and a little tangy in every bite.
It is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or those nights when you want something that tastes impressive but takes almost no effort.
Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook time: 20 to 30 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes to marinate)
Why This Recipe Is So Good
- It is faster than baking in the oven.
- The skin gets crispy while the inside stays juicy.
- It is gluten-free when using coconut aminos.
- It is amazing for meal prep.
One of my favorite hacks is cooking a batch of jasmine rice ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge and reheat it with a damp paper towel over it in the microwave. Add these chicken thighs and some steamed veggies and dinner is done in minutes.
Ingredients
- 7 to 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon roasted garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
Optional:
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes if you like heat
Substitutions:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce instead of coconut aminos if you are not gluten-free.
- Swap honey for maple syrup if that is what you have.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil if preferred.
- You can use boneless thighs, just reduce cooking time and check temperature early.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Remove the chicken from the package and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in a large bowl and get rid of any extra liquid.
- Add the olive oil, garlic olive oil, honey, coconut aminos, lime juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl.
- Mix everything really well using clean hands or tongs. Make sure every piece is fully coated. Try to get some marinade under the skin too.
- Transfer the chicken and all the marinade into a zip-top bag. Seal it and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better if you have time.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil so the chicken does not stick.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. They need space so the skin gets crispy, not soggy. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken so it is skin-side up and cook for another 8 minutes. If you want extra flavor, brush a little marinade on top when you flip.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach at least 165°F. Depending on the size of your thighs and your air fryer, it might need more time.
- If needed, flip and cook in 3-minute intervals until the chicken reaches 165°F to 175°F and the skin looks golden and caramelized.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place two thighs on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1 ½ to 2 minutes. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes if you want the skin crispy again.
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Always use a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should reach at least 165°F internally. There should be no pink juices and no blood near the bone.
Can I line my air fryer with parchment paper?
You can, but it will stop the fat from draining properly. That means the bottom of your chicken will not get as crispy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use coconut aminos. If you use soy sauce, make sure it is labeled gluten-free.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes. Start with about 6 minutes per side at 400°F, then check the temperature. Cook until they reach 165°F.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 318 kcal
- Total Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 21g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sodium: 485mg
Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
If you make this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken, share it on Pinterest or Facebook and tag me so I can see your version. I love seeing how you guys plate it and make it your own.