You’re going to adore these Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs! Bone-in thighs are seasoned with a delightful brown sugar blend and air-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. They’re an ideal choice for a quick and easy dinner that you’ll want to recreate time and time again!
If you love easy air fryer chicken recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat), Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings, or Air Fryer Rosemary Roasted Chicken.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
- Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer ensures that the chicken thighs are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The brown sugar seasoning creates a delightful balance of sweetness and savory goodness that will have your taste buds singing.
- Versatile Meal: Serve these chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please everyone at the table, from kids to adults, making it a great addition to your regular meal rotation.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Tender and juicy chicken thighs, use bone-in chicken thighs or bone-less chicken thighs.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the brown sugar glaze adhere to the chicken.
- Brown sugar: Provides the sweet, caramelized flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- Salt and pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory, aromatic element to the dish.
- Onion powder: Sweet onion flavor that complements the brown sugar glaze perfectly.
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
Here is a brief overview of the recipe. The full recipe is below:
Preheat the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a seasoning blend.
Season the Chicken: Brush the olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs to help the seasoning adhere. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides of each chicken thigh, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top side of each chicken thigh. The sugar will create a sweet glaze as it cooks.
Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side up, in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. Cook the chicken thighs at 375 degrees F (190°C) and set cook time for 25-30 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the thighs and your air fryer model. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and carefully flip the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and browning.
Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture. T
- Thoroughly Dry the Chicken: Removing excess moisture helps the skin become crispy.
- Season Generously: Coat both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brush with Oil: Brushing the chicken with olive oil not only helps the seasoning stick but also aids in browning the skin and creating a nice texture.
- Apply Brown Sugar Carefully: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top side of the chicken thighs.
- Check doneness with a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Flip for Even Cooking: Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken thighs to ensure both sides brown evenly.
- Watch Closely Towards the End: Keep a close eye on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken thighs to rest briefly after cooking.
- Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes. Fresh herbs, a drizzle of extra brown sugar glaze, or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Easy Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe Faqs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? While boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, bone-in, skin-on thighs are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for brown sugar if I want a lower-sugar option? You can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or a brown sugar alternative if you prefer a lower-sugar option.
How do I prevent the brown sugar from burning during cooking? To prevent the sugar from burning, sprinkle it evenly and not too thickly on the chicken thighs. Additionally, watch the chicken closely during the last few minutes of cooking and shield it with foil if necessary.
Can I use other seasonings or spices to customize the flavor? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to create a flavor profile that suits your taste. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or herbs like rosemary can be great additions.
Is it necessary to flip the chicken during cooking? Flipping the chicken thighs halfway through cooking is recommended to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance and reheat it in the air fryer? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat the chicken in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes to maintain its crispiness.
What side dishes go well with Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken? This chicken pairs nicely with various sides, such as roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for the best results.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN
- AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH
- EASY AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
- AIR FRYER BANG BANG CHICKEN
Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
Description
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a seasoning blend.
- Brush the olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs to help the seasoning adhere.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides of each chicken thigh, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top side of each chicken thigh. The sugar will create a sweet glaze as it cooks.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side up, in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the thighs and your air fryer model.
- Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and carefully flip the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and browning.
- The chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and browned. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve your Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra brown sugar glaze if desired.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
Jeanie
Why do all the photos show a green sauce on the chicken? It doesn’t match the Ingredients or directions.