The glaze on these Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is irresistible! This quick and easy air fryer chicken recipe is packed with flavor.

Plate of Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs.
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The result is a tender and delicious piece of air-fried chicken with loads and loads of flavor! Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs will soon become your favorite.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER DRY RUBBED CHICKEN WINGS, AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICH, AIR FRYER CHICKEN KIEV, and AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN KEBABS.

Here’s what you need to make Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs
  • Chicken Thighs – Tender and juicy, chicken thighs are the perfect protein for absorbing the rich, flavorful marinade.
  • Maple Syrup – Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tangy balsamic and enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
  • Balsamic Vinegar – This rich, tangy vinegar provides depth and a slight sweetness that complements the maple syrup perfectly.
  • Olive Oil – A touch of olive oil helps create a silky marinade while keeping the chicken moist as it cooks.
  • Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a punch of savory goodness, infusing the chicken with bold flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard – Brings a hint of sharpness to the marinade, giving the dish a subtle tangy kick.
  • Salt and Pepper – Simple yet essential, these seasonings enhance all the flavors in the marinade, making each bite delicious.

How To Make Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Bowl with honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper being whisked together for marinade.

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Air fryer preheating to 375°F for cooking honey balsamic chicken thighs.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

Marinated chicken thighs placed in air fryer basket, cooking to perfection.

Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a nice glaze.

Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy!

How To Make Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs on a plate.

Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

  • After air fryer your chicken, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This way, you will get a delicious and moist chicken breast.
  • Let it marinate; this is a great recipe to make and marinate overnight.
  • The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees F before you remove it from the Air Fryer. It’s essential to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
  • Pat dry before air frying: Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
  • Arrange in a single layer: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  • Flip halfway through cooking: For even browning and cooking, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
  • Allow resting time: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Customize the marinade: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors in the balsamic marinade, such as herbs, spices, or even a sweetness like honey or maple syrup.
Cooked honey balsamic chicken thighs resting on a plate, ready to be served with glaze drizzled on top.

Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but cooking times may vary. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How long should I marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can marinate the chicken thighs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken thighs. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What sides pair well with honey balsamic chicken thighs? This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Plate of Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs.

Serving Suggestions

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Plate of Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs.

Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs

5 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

The glaze on these Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is irresistible! This quick and easy recipe is packed with flavor

Ingredients 

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a nice glaze.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 358kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 19gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 105mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 89IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

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