If you’re craving a dish with bold flavor, irresistible crispiness, and just the right kick of sweetness and heat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe. Juicy chicken thighs get perfectly cooked in the air fryer, delivering crispy skin and tender meat that is gloriously coated with a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or whenever you want something comforting yet exciting on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to make this recipe sing. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s building layers of savory spices or creating that luscious hot honey glaze with just the right balance of heat and sweetness.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Choose thighs about 6 to 8 ounces each for juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps crisp up the skin and promotes even seasoning adherence.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic with a mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky nuance and beautiful color.
- 1/3 cup honey: The sweet base for the glaze that balances out the heat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the glaze ingredients.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce: Provides that fiery kick central to the hot honey flavor.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a splash of tang that brightens the glaze.
- Pinch of salt: Rounds out the flavors in the glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels; this step is essential for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Drizzle them with olive oil and rub it all over each piece. Then, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika together. Sprinkle this fragrant seasoning blend evenly on both sides of the chicken, making sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, which is the perfect temperature to crisp the skin without drying out the meat. Place the chicken thighs skin side up into the air fryer basket—important to lay them this way to keep the skin crispy. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, but if you can aim for 175°F to 185°F, your thighs will be melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This glaze is where all the magic happens—it’s sticky, spicy, sweet, and tangy, perfectly complementing the savory chicken.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking
Once your chicken is cooked through, brush on a generous layer of the hot honey glaze. Pop the chicken back into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to set the glaze and make it tacky. You don’t need to use all the glaze here; save some for dipping to keep every bite dripping in flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving—this helps the juices redistribute and locks in all that incredible flavor and juiciness. Serve the thighs with the remaining glaze on the side for dipping or drizzling.
How to Serve Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous contrast that brightens the richness of the dish. For a bit more crunch and color, toasted sesame seeds are also an excellent choice. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with cool, creamy sides to balance the heat and sweetness. Think alongside a light cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or even garlic mashed potatoes. Roasted vegetables with a touch of lemon make a lovely earthy counterpoint, while fluffy rice or warm cornbread can soak up every last drop of that hot honey glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, try serving the chicken thighs on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, scattered with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. You can also pile the chicken over a bed of greens or quinoa for a nourishing bowl that’s both pretty and practical. Drizzle additional hot honey glaze artistically over everything for that extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together. Frozen cooked chicken maintains its quality for up to 2 months—perfect for busy weeks when you need a flavorful protein without the fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is to pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to restore that crispy skin and warm through evenly. If you’re in a rush, reheating gently in the oven or stovetop pan with a splash of water covered with foil can help keep it moist, but the air fryer is unbeatable for crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, usually in about 15 to 20 minutes, so keep an eye on them. The flavor is still fantastic, though bone-in and skin-on gives a bit more juiciness and crisp texture.
What type of hot sauce works best in the glaze?
You want a hot sauce that balances heat and flavor, like a classic Frank’s RedHot or similar cayenne-based sauce. Feel free to adjust the quantity depending on how spicy you like your hot honey chicken.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Definitely! You can bake the chicken thighs in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. Just finish under the broiler after glazing to get that sticky, glossy finish.
Is the honey glaze gluten-free?
Yes, the honey glaze is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free hot sauce. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten but craving bold, spicy-sweet flavors.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by the amount of hot sauce you add. It delivers a nice warming kick without overwhelming the sweetness of the honey, making it approachable for most palates.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe has become a golden favorite in my kitchen, and I have no doubt it will steal your heart too. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and that unforgettable glaze is a crowd-pleaser any day of the week. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again for its irresistible flavor and easy preparation.
Print
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs combine perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze. This quick and easy recipe uses bone-in, skin-on thighs cooked to tender perfection in the air fryer, then finished with a sticky hot honey butter glaze for a deliciously addictive meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Drizzle them with olive oil and rub well to coat all sides evenly.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh.
- Preheat and cook in air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the basket. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through the cooking time (do not flip the chicken). Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C), ideally between 175°F to 185°F (79°C to 85°C) for best tenderness.
- Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze and finish cooking: After the initial cooking time, brush the hot honey glaze generously over the chicken thighs. Return them to the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to tack up the glaze. Note that not all glaze will be used here.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve the thighs with the remaining glaze on the side as a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin in the air fryer.
- Do not flip the chicken during cooking; rotating the basket instead helps cook evenly while preserving skin texture.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe and optimal doneness.
- You can adjust hot sauce quantity in the glaze to control the spice level.
- Resting the chicken after cooking allows juices to redistribute for juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
