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Crispy air fryer brown sugar chicken thighs with caramelized skin on a white plate

Air Fryer Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

5 from 1 vote
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with garlic and onion, air fried until crisp, and finished with a caramelized brown sugar crust.

Ingredients 

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Brush the thighs on both sides with olive oil, then season all sides with the spice mixture.
  • Place the thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes.
  • Flip the thighs skin-side up. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the skin and press it lightly to adhere.
  • Air fry for 10 to 13 minutes more, until the sugar is caramelized and the thickest part of the thigh reads at least 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Pastry Brush

Notes

For boneless, skinless thighs, cook 8 minutes, flip and add the sugar, then cook 6 to 10 minutes more. If the sugar darkens too fast, cover the thighs loosely with foil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 18gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 673mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg