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Crispy Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

honey garlic air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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Sticky, golden, and outrageously crispy, these air fryer chicken thighs are coated in a garlicky honey glaze and deliver restaurant-worthy crunch with minimal oil. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dinner is a family favorite that comes together in under 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4–6 thighs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Cooking oil spray (such as avocado or canola oil)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (for slurry, optional)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, sprinkle cornstarch. Lightly coat each thigh on both sides, shaking off excess. The coating should be thin and even.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops of the chicken with oil as well.
  5. Air fry at 400°F for 14 minutes. Flip thighs over with tongs, spray again, and air fry for another 10-12 minutes, until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). For extra crunch, air fry 3-4 minutes longer if desired.
  6. While chicken cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat until bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. If a thicker glaze is desired, stir together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water, then whisk into the sauce. Simmer 1-2 minutes until glossy and thickened. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
  8. Transfer hot chicken thighs to a bowl or rimmed baking sheet. Pour or brush sauce over each piece, coating well. For maximum crispiness, glaze just before serving.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for maximum crispiness. Use a thin, even layer of cornstarch—too much will get gummy. Preheat the air fryer and avoid crowding the basket for best results. Glaze chicken just before serving to keep the skin crispy. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. Adjust sauce thickness with cornstarch slurry as desired. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to restore some crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, Asian chicken, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, family friendly, healthy fried chicken, sticky chicken

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