Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Sticky-sweet honey garlic chicken thighs ready in the air fryer for a high-protein American weeknight dinner. Crispy skin, saucy glaze, and food-safe 165°F every time—great with rice or roasted broccoli.
🛒Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6–8)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for serving
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Instant-read thermometer
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
📝Instructions
- 1
Pat chicken thighs very dry. Toss with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- 2
Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes. Arrange thighs skin-side up in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- 3
Air fry at 380°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping once in the last 5 minutes, until the thickest thigh reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- 4
Meanwhile, simmer honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar in a small saucepan 2–3 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 30–60 seconds until glossy.
- 5
Brush thighs with glaze; air fry 1–2 minutes more to set sticky edges. Rest 3 minutes. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds. Serve.
- 6
Food safety: never serve undercooked chicken—confirm 165°F in the thickest piece away from bone.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 420
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Bone-in or boneless thighs?
Bone-in stays juicier in the air fryer. Boneless skinless: cook 12–16 minutes at 380°F to 165°F.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate up to 4 days; warm gently before brushing.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Air fry 350°F for 4–6 minutes until hot (165°F).
Is this high protein?
Yes—thighs are protein-dense; pair with rice and veggies for a complete dinner.
Too sticky / burned sugar?
Glaze only in the last 1–2 minutes so honey doesn’t scorch.
