Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated with a smoky spice blend and glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This quick and easy recipe yields perfectly cooked chicken with a sticky, spicy-sweet finish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Hot Honey 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 Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub to coat all sides evenly.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Cook: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken thighs skin side up into the basket without overlapping. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through the cooking time but do not flip the chicken. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F, although 175°F to 185°F is ideal for tenderness.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
- Glaze the Chicken: Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken thighs and return them to the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to tack up the glaze. Note that not all glaze will be used at this stage.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with the remaining hot honey glaze on the side as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the chicken skin is patted very dry before oiling and seasoning.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity in the glaze to suit your heat preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure food safety and optimal tenderness.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute for juicier meat.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge and used as a dipping sauce or drizzle over other dishes.
