Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Tender bone-in chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic marinade, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The combination of honey's sweetness and balsamic vinegar's acidity creates a beautiful caramelized coating while keeping the meat juicy. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The air fryer delivers crispy skin and even cooking in just 18 minutes, making this an ideal choice for busy families who don't want to compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt(optional)
- pepper(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined
- 2
Place chicken thighs in marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated
- 3
Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours
- 4
Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes
- 5
Place marinated chicken thighs in air fryer basket in single layer
- 6
Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- 7
Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving
- 8
Drizzle any remaining glaze over top
Tips
Pat chicken thighs dry before marinating to help the skin crisp up better in the air fryer
Don't overcrowd the basket - cook in batches if needed for proper air circulation
Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as finishing glaze
Good to Know
refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container
marinate chicken up to 2 hours ahead, cook just before serving
serve immediately while skin is crispy, pairs well with roasted vegetables or rice
Common Mistakes
use meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out chicken
don't skip marinating time to ensure flavor penetration
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, reduce cooking time to 12-15 minutes and check for 165°F internal temperature. Boneless thighs cook faster but may be less juicy.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes or grill over medium heat, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.