If you’re craving a dish that brings together crispy, juicy chicken with a spicy-sweet punch, then this Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe is just what you need. It’s an absolute showstopper that combines succulent, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer and slathered with a sticky glaze that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or an impressive last-minute meal, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites—it’s that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color for the Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe. From the smoky paprika to the kick of hot sauce, everything comes together effortlessly for an unforgettable meal.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each): Provides juicy meat and crispy skin when air fried.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes golden-brown skin.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory, aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a mild sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a beautiful color and smoky nuance.
- 1/3 cup honey: The base of the glaze, balancing spicy heat with sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness to the glaze and helps it adhere perfectly.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce: The fiery element that makes this dish pop.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness, bringing brightness and tang.
- Pinch of salt: Rounds out and intensifies the glaze flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—dry skin is key to getting that irresistible crispiness in the air fryer. Drizzle the thighs with olive oil, then rub it all over each piece to lightly coat them. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to create a perfectly balanced seasoning mix. Sprinkle it generously over both sides of the chicken, making sure every inch is covered with flavor.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, which is the sweet spot for crispy, tender chicken. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket—not crowded, so they cook evenly. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through cooking, but keep the skin side facing up at all times. You want to avoid flipping so the skin stays crispy and golden. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 165°F; aiming for 175°F to 185°F will give you wonderfully tender results.
Step 3: Mix the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This glaze is what elevates the dish, blending sticky sweetness with a delightful heat and just the right tang to keep things vibrant.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking
Once the chicken is cooked, brush a generous layer of the hot honey glaze all over each piece. Return the chicken to the air fryer for one to two minutes—just long enough to set and tack up the glaze without burning. This step locks in flavor and gives you a glossy, irresistible coating.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute and the glaze set perfectly. Serve warm with the remaining glaze on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro brightens the dish with a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A few thinly sliced green onions work beautifully to add a mild, oniony crunch that complements the honey glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
The rich, bold flavors of this chicken pair wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. For something fresh, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds texture. Roasted veggies, like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, also make fantastic companions on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted corn salad with a squeeze of lime. You can even turn this dish into tacos by shredding the meat and serving with slaw and avocado slices. No matter how you plate it, this chicken steals the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you probably will), place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors intensify after sitting overnight, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes to refresh the crispy skin and warm through evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crisp texture; air fryer or oven reheating is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce air frying time accordingly and keep an eye to avoid overcooking. The glaze still works beautifully.
What type of hot sauce is best for this recipe?
Use your favorite hot sauce based on your heat preference. Classic options like Frank’s RedHot or a cayenne-based sauce work great, but feel free to experiment with more flavorful or smoky varieties.
Is it okay to use other types of honey?
Definitely! Wildflower, clover, or even orange blossom honey will add unique nuances to the glaze. Just make sure it’s pure honey for the best texture and sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your hot sauce does not contain gluten. Always double-check the label to be safe.
How spicy is the Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of hot sauce you add to the glaze. It’s perfect for those who love a nice kick without overwhelming your palate.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe is truly a keeper. It’s simple to make, packed with bold flavors, and delivers that unbeatable balance of crispy skin and juicy meat with a sweet and spicy glaze. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to for weeknights and special occasions alike. So preheat your air fryer and get ready to impress yourself and everyone at the table!
Print
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy and tender Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs with a perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce glaze. This quick and easy recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with a fragrant blend of spices, then air fried to juicy perfection. The final glaze adds a sticky, flavorful finish that’s perfect for serving as a main dish with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
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 excess moisture. Drizzle the olive oil over them and rub thoroughly to coat all sides for even seasoning and crispy skin.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs for flavorful crust.
- Preheat and Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispness. Do not flip the chicken. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) but ideally 175°F to 185°F for the best tenderness.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Glaze the Chicken: Brush the hot honey glaze generously on the cooked chicken thighs. Return them to the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to tack up the glaze, giving a sticky, flavorful finish. Note that not all glaze will be used at this step.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes after air frying to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side as a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F; cooking to higher temps improves tenderness.
- Use skin-on, bone-in thighs for juicier results.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to taste for spice preference.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rotate the chicken in the air fryer basket instead of flipping to keep skin intact and crispy.
