Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs — A perfect dinner is easy to make and delicious. Some of the best dinners are at home with friends and family around the table.

One such dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re in need of something quick but satisfying is this Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs, and it’s so good! It’s guaranteed to be one of your family’s new favorite meals!

The combination of sweet balsamic vinegar and spices will fill your kitchen with an aromatic smell that will have everyone drooling before they even take their first bite! This recipe would be great served alongside a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

An air fryer is a time-saving appliance for cooking chicken thighs. Made with an inexpensive yet flavorful marinade that you can store in the refrigerator for up to two days, this recipe will have you coming back again and again. Pair it up with your favorite side dish, or enjoy it as is!

If you love an excellent Chicken Thigh recipe, this is perfect for you! And it’s so easy!

My other favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipes are EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN SANDWICH (CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT), AIR FRYER HERB CRUSTED CHICKEN BREASTS, CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS, and AIR FRYER PERUVIAN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS.

Easy Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken Thigh Recipe

Creating an Easy Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken Thigh Recipe is a game-changer for any home cook looking for a blend of convenience, flavor, and health. This recipe brings to the table succulent chicken thighs that are marinated in a rich, tangy balsamic glaze, then air fried to perfection, resulting in chicken that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The balsamic marinade, with its robust blend of balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey, and herbs, infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that is both sophisticated and comforting. The air fryer not only ensures a healthier cooking method by reducing the amount of oil needed but also simplifies the cooking process, making this dish an ideal option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.

The beauty of this Easy Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken Thigh Recipe lies in its versatility. It can be served atop a bed of fluffy rice, mixed greens for a hearty salad, or alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The balsamic glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a delightful contrast of textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof, promising a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal fuss. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined and cooked correctly, can create a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Why You Will Love The Recipe!

• Quick and Convenient: The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This ease of preparation makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Marinade: The balsamic vinegar marinade not only tenderizes the chicken thighs but also imparts a rich, tangy flavor that is both sweet and savory, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat: Air frying achieves a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the chicken thighs succulent and juicy, providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Healthy Cooking Option: Cooking with an air fryer requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making this recipe a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Versatility: This dish pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, making it versatile enough to fit into any meal plan.

Each of these points highlights why the Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken Thigh Recipe is not just a meal but an experience, blending convenience, health, and taste into one irresistible dish.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Embark on a culinary journey with Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs, where the rich, tangy flavors of balsamic vinegar meet the succulent, tender textures of chicken in a harmonious dish that promises to delight your taste buds. This recipe brings together a symphony of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful, perfect for those evenings when you crave something special yet straightforward.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides the base for the glaze, contributing a complex mixture of sweetness and acidity that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, creating a beautifully caramelized exterior.
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the balsamic glaze, balancing the vinegar’s acidity and creating a sticky, glossy finish that makes the chicken irresistibly appealing.
• Honey Mustard: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the balsamic glaze, balancing the vinegar’s acidity and creating a sticky, glossy finish that makes the chicken irresistibly appealing.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the glaze with a pungent, aromatic quality that deepens the dish’s flavor complexity, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the chicken’s natural flavors and help to balance the sweetness and acidity of the balsamic glaze.
• Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish, chicken thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, with their higher fat content ensuring a moist and tender result after air frying.

How To Make Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Making Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs in an air fryer is a simple process that results in a deliciously flavorful dish with minimal effort. Follow these steps to create this savory meal:

Mix the balsamic vinegar, honey mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

In an air fryer-safe pan (which is any oven-safe pan), add the chicken thighs. Then pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.

Set the pan into the air fryer and set the temperature to 350 degrees F for 7 minutes. (air fryer setting) After 7 minutes, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken thighs and air fry for another 7 minutes.  Check the chicken’s internal temperature, which should read at least 165 degrees F. If it is not fully cooked, add it back for another 5 minutes.

Recipe Variations

The versatility of Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs allows for numerous delicious variations, enabling you to customize the dish to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some creative twists on the classic recipe:

• Spicy Balsamic Glaze: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the balsamic mixture to create a spicy glaze. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their sweet and tangy flavors.
• Rosemary Lemon Balsamic Chicken: Incorporate the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of fresh, chopped rosemary into the marinade. The lemon adds a bright, citrusy note, while the rosemary provides an aromatic depth that complements the balsamic beautifully.
• Maple Balsamic Chicken: Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a deeper, autumnal sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy balsamic vinegar. Maple syrup offers a unique flavor profile that’s especially fitting for colder months.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken: Add a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a teaspoon of dried oregano to the marinade. Serve the chicken with a sprinkle of crumbled feta and sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Orange Balsamic Chicken: Mix in the juice and zest of one orange to the balsamic marinade for a citrusy variation. The orange juice adds a fresh, sweet contrast to the rich balsamic glaze.
• Asian-Inspired Balsamic Chicken: Incorporate a tablespoon of hoisin sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil into the marinade. Garnish the finished chicken with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for an Asian flair.
• Balsamic BBQ Chicken: Combine the balsamic vinegar with your favorite BBQ sauce in equal parts for the glaze. This version marries the complexity of balsamic vinegar with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce for a uniquely American twist.
• Garlic Herb Balsamic Chicken: Add extra minced garlic to the marinade, along with a tablespoon of mixed dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil. This variation boosts the aromatic qualities of the dish, making it even more savory.

These variations on Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs showcase the recipe’s adaptability, allowing you to explore different flavor combinations and find new favorites. Whether you’re looking for a spicy kick, a touch of sweetness, or an aromatic herb blend, there’s a variation here to satisfy your cravings.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs involves a blend of technique, timing, and seasoning to achieve the best flavor and texture. Here are some professional tips to enhance your cooking experience and ensure delicious results:

• Marinate for Flavor Depth: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate the thighs for at least 30 minutes, though marinating for a few hours or even overnight will deepen the flavors significantly, allowing the balsamic and seasonings to fully penetrate the meat.
• Ensure Proper Air Circulation: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each chicken thigh cooks evenly and gets that desirable crispy exterior. Proper air circulation is key to achieving the perfect texture.
• Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating and after removing the chicken from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crisper skin when air frying, as excess moisture can steam the chicken instead.
• Reserve and Reduce the Marinade: Always reserve the marinade and cook it down to a thick, syrupy glaze. This not only maximizes flavor but also ensures you’re not wasting those delicious ingredients. Remember, never use raw marinade as a sauce without properly heating it first to eliminate any bacteria.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures the chicken cooks more uniformly and helps achieve a crispy skin right from the start.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
• Garnish for Added Flavor and Presentation: Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil before serving. A sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper or a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar can also enhance both the flavor and appearance of the dish.
• Experiment with Balsamic Vinegars: There are many varieties of balsamic vinegar available, ranging from traditional to infused flavors. Experimenting with different types can subtly alter the dish’s flavor profile, offering unique twists on the classic recipe.
• Balance Your Plate: Pair the balsamic glazed chicken thighs with sides that complement the rich, tangy flavors of the balsamic glaze. Light salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta dish can balance the meal beautifully.

Incorporating these pro tips when making Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs will not only enhance the dish’s flavor and texture but also ensure a successful and satisfying culinary experience.

Faqs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in? Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used and will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How can I make the glaze thicker? To thicken the balsamic glaze, simmer the reserved marinade in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to a syrupy consistency. If it’s still not as thick as you’d like, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until the desired thickness is achieved.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken thighs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The balsamic glaze can also be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve.

What side dishes pair well with Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs? Light and simple sides complement this dish well, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, quinoa, or mashed potatoes, to balance the rich and tangy flavors of the balsamic glaze.

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead? Absolutely. Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary due to differences in thickness and size. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos, and check that your balsamic vinegar and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer? If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then broil for a few minutes to crisp the skin.

Can I use this balsamic glaze on other meats? Absolutely. The balsamic glaze works beautifully on pork chops, salmon, or even roasted vegetables, offering a versatile flavor enhancer for a variety of dishes.

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