Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Looking for a quick and delicious chicken recipe? This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect choice! Made with bone-in chicken thighs, honey, garlic, lime, and a savory marinade, this recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with minimal effort. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside. This simple, healthy chicken recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. With easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a family favorite that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 7-8 bone-in chicken thighs
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon roasted garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon Coastabile olive oil (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
• 1 ½ tablespoon garlic olive oil (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup coconut aminos
• 1 ½ tablespoon lime juice

Instructions:

1. Remove the chicken thighs from the packaging, wash them, and place them into a large bowl. Pat dry to remove any excess moisture.
2. Coat the chicken thighs with both oils, honey, coconut aminos, lime juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Using your hands, toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the chicken and marinade into a Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
5. Once marinated, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
6. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil using a pastry brush to prevent the chicken from sticking.
7. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, ensuring there is space between each piece for optimal crisping.
8. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8 minutes.
9. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. If it hasn’t reached 165°F, flip the thighs and continue to cook in 3-minute intervals, checking the temperature and flipping after each interval until it reaches the desired 165°F.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of honey, garlic, and lime, while the air fryer ensures a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It’s quick, easy, and makes a fantastic weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. Plus, it’s made with minimal oil for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken!

Tips

• Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the chicken thighs are spaced out in the air fryer to allow air circulation, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken thighs with bone-in or boneless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster.
• Honey Substitute: If you prefer a lower sugar option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Coconut Aminos Substitute: Tamari or soy sauce can be used instead of coconut aminos if you don’t need it to be soy-free or gluten-free.
• Spices: Customize the flavor by adding additional spices such as cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will cook faster. Reduce the cooking time to around 8 minutes on each side, but always check for the proper internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes
• A fresh green salad or sautéed spinach
• Cauliflower rice or quinoa for a healthy, low-carb option
• A side of mashed potatoes or rice to complement the sweet and savory flavors

Enjoy your meal with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or a drizzle of extra honey for added flavor!