Hot Honey Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy chicken with a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze.
• Quick and easy—no deep frying required.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
• Customizable heat level with simple pantry ingredients.
• Pairs beautifully with rice, cornbread, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred for crispiness
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
• Honey
• Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• Butter
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375 °F (190 °C) and let it heat for about 3 minutes.
2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.
3. Air fry the chicken: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side down. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
4. Make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until combined.
5. Glaze the chicken: Brush the hot honey mixture over the crispy chicken thighs as soon as they’re done cooking.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve hot with rice, biscuits, or a side salad.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 people
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Extra hot version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or more cayenne to the glaze.
• Sweet and smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a touch of molasses to the honey mixture.
• Garlic honey glaze: Stir in minced garlic or garlic powder for extra depth.
• Honey lime glaze: Add a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
• Boneless thighs: Cook for 10 minutes per side at 375 °F for a quicker version.
• Buttermilk marinade: Marinate chicken in buttermilk and spices for 2 hours before cooking for extra tenderness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Air fry at 350 °F for 5–6 minutes or until warmed through. Brush with fresh hot honey glaze before serving.
• Tip: For the crispiest skin, reheat in the air fryer instead of the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes! They cook a bit faster—about 18–20 minutes total in the air fryer.

2. How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne to your taste.

3. Can I make this with chicken breasts?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to prevent drying out—cook for about 18 minutes total.

4. What kind of honey should I use?

Any pure honey works, but a mild clover or wildflower honey pairs best with the heat.

5. Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Absolutely! Warm it slightly before brushing it on the chicken.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C).

7. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before using.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally is—just check that your hot sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

9. What sides go well with Hot Honey Chicken Thighs?

Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables all pair wonderfully.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded. This ensures the chicken stays crispy.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Thighs made in the air fryer are a perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and spicy-sweet flavors. The honey butter glaze adds a beautiful glossy finish and a hint of heat that keeps you coming back for more. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is a quick weeknight favorite that’s sure to impress anyone at the table.

Hot Honey Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer)

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Hot Honey Chicken Thighs made in the air fryer are crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet-spicy glaze made with honey, butter, and hot sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs and drizzle with olive oil or lightly spray with cooking oil.
4. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10–12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring until smooth.
6. Brush the hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken thighs immediately after cooking.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Adjust the heat by changing the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
• For extra crispiness, pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning.
• Use store-bought hot honey for convenience.
• The glaze can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 135mg