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To make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, you will need these simple ingredients: - 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Chopped green onions for garnish Each ingredient adds its own flavor. The chicken thighs are juicy and rich. Honey gives sweetness, while soy sauce adds saltiness. Garlic adds depth, and ginger gives a nice kick. Apple cider vinegar balances the dish with acidity. Black pepper and salt bring out the flavors, while sesame oil adds a nutty touch. Finally, the green onions are perfect for a fresh garnish. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you will have everything ready to go. To start, you need to mix your marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon sesame oil Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This sweet and savory mix will coat the chicken thighs. Tips for marinating chicken thighs: - Use a resealable bag or a shallow dish. - Ensure the chicken is fully covered with the marinade. - Marinate in the fridge for the best flavor. Now let’s move on to marinating the chicken. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have time, aim for 1-2 hours. Best practices for marinating: - If using a bag, squeeze out air before sealing. - Turn the bag a few times to coat all sides. - Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference in taste. Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook. First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Next, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off. You can save some marinade to heat later if you'd like a drizzle over the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Make sure to leave space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Flip the thighs halfway through for even browning. Checking for doneness: - Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). - If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear. Marinating your chicken is key for great taste. A longer marinating time, ideally 1-2 hours, makes a big difference. The honey and soy sauce soak in well, giving rich flavor. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes helps, but more is better. To enhance the marinade, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. Each addition brings a new layer of flavor to your dish. Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for the best results. This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly while getting that desired crisp on the skin. Preheat it for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. To ensure even cooking, place the thighs skin side up in the basket. Keep space between them to allow hot air to circulate. Flip the thighs halfway through cooking for uniform browning. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. These honey garlic chicken thighs shine when served right. You can place them over a bed of rice or quinoa. The sticky sauce pairs well with simple sides like steamed broccoli or roasted carrots. For a fresh touch, add a crisp salad or coleslaw. These complement the rich flavors and add a nice crunch. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can use boneless chicken thighs for a quick cook. They will still soak up the sweet and savory flavor. Just cut the cooking time by about five to seven minutes. Chicken breasts are another good choice. They cook well in the air fryer too, but watch the time. They are leaner, so they may dry out if overcooked. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes to the marinade. This will give your dish some heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new taste. Switch up the sweetener for a different flavor. Maple syrup works great in place of honey. It gives a unique twist while keeping the dish sweet. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can bake these chicken thighs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. For stovetop cooking, heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 6-7 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Always check that the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) inside. These variations keep things fun and fresh in the kitchen. Enjoy trying different proteins and flavors! To keep your air fryer honey garlic chicken thighs fresh, follow these tips. First, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to lock in flavor. These chicken thighs stay good for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and remove the air. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheating properly is key. The best way to reheat chicken thighs is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-12 minutes. This method helps keep the skin crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the skin may lose its crunch. For flavor, add a drizzle of the reserved marinade while reheating. This keeps the taste fresh and delicious. How long to cook chicken thighs in air fryer? You should cook chicken thighs in the air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Always check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well. They may cook faster, so check them after 20 minutes. Adjust cooking time as needed. What to serve with honey garlic chicken? Serve honey garlic chicken with rice or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad also pairs well. You can add some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken? While it's not strictly necessary, marinating enhances the flavor. Letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes helps infuse the taste. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure to cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Avoid overcrowding for best results. This blog post covered a tasty air fryer honey garlic chicken recipe. We talked about the key ingredients, like bone-in chicken thighs and honey. Then, I shared tips on marinating and cooking in the air fryer. The right marinade makes all the difference. Cook with care for great flavor. Enjoy leftovers by storing them properly. With a few simple techniques, you can create a dish that impresses everyone. Use these tips for success each time you cook!

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe! Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, garlic, and ginger are perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a deliciously crispy finish. Discover how simple it is to create this mouthwatering dish that your family will love! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty meal to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, black pepper, salt, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well mixed to create the marinade.

    Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours for more flavor).

      Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off (you can reserve the marinade if you wish to use it later).

          Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, leaving space between them for air circulation.

            Cook in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

              If desired, heat the reserved marinade in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes; this can serve as a drizzle over the cooked chicken.

                Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes.

                  Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

                    Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4