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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.

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)

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/hot-honey-chicken-thighs-air-fryer/