Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs come out juicy, sticky, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. They cook fast, taste like you fussed for hours, and hit that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.

Get ready for a dinner that’s both effortless and irresistible with these Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Tender, juicy chicken thighs are perfectly cooked in the air fryer, then coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic glaze that clings to every bite.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, quick meal prep, or anytime you crave a flavorful, comforting dinner without the fuss.

Serve with rice, veggies, or your favorite sides for a meal the whole family will rave about!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Juicy & Tender: Air fryer locks in moisture for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Sweet & Savory Flavor: Sticky honey garlic glaze hits all the right notes.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, no complicated steps.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great with rice, veggies, noodles, or in wraps.

If you are looking for other great and easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos, Air Fryer Steak Fajitas, Air Fryer Roast Beef, and Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken: Chicken thighs, skin-on or boneless, for juicy results
• Soy sauce: For savory, umami-packed flavor boost
• Ketchup: To add tangy sweetness to the sauce
• Honey: For natural sweetness and sticky glaze
• Minced garlic: For aromatic, bold, savory punch
• Basil: For fragrant, herbaceous, slightly sweet notes
• Kosher salt: To season and enhance all flavors
• Black pepper: For mild heat and subtle spice

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step One: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin get crispy and allows the sauce to stick better.

Step Two: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, basil, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step Three: Brush or toss the chicken thighs in the honey garlic sauce, making sure they’re evenly coated on all sides

Step 4: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 360 degrees F and set cook time for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy on the edges.

Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

• Pat chicken dry first: This ensures the sauce sticks better and helps the skin crisp up nicely.

• Even coating: Brush or toss chicken thoroughly in the honey-garlic sauce for consistent flavor.
• Single layer cooking: Arrange thighs in one layer in the air fryer basket for even crisping.
• Flip halfway: Turn chicken halfway through cooking to get golden-brown edges on all sides.
• Sauce adjustment: If you like extra sticky wings, brush on an additional layer of sauce after cooking.
• Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest 2-3 minutes after air frying so juices redistribute.
• Optional garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Place cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through, or in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes! Chicken breasts work, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature).

Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking? Flipping halfway through helps ensure even cooking and a nicely caramelized glaze, but it’s optional if your air fryer circulates heat very well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for up to 24 hours in the fridge for extra flavor.

Can I adjust the sweetness or garlic flavor? Definitely. Add more honey for sweetness or more garlic for a bolder flavor. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or chili flakes for extra depth or heat.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
• AIR FRYER KUNG PAO CHICKEN
• EASY AIR FRYER CLASSIC CHICKEN TENDERS (TENDERLOINS)
• LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS
• AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN WINGS
• EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN FAJITAS
• AIR FRYER PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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