Air Fryer Glazed Chicken Thighs, a tasty, tender, and shiny main course with a sweet and smoky glaze ready in 25 minutes.
These Air Fryer Glazed Chicken Thighs are one of those recipes I prepare when I want to serve a tasty main course without spending too much time in the kitchen. The air fryer cooking method ensures incredibly tender meat on the inside, while the sweet and smoky glaze caramelizes on the surface, creating a shiny and irresistible effect. Additionally, the air fryer guarantees even, fast cooking with minimal mess: a perfect ally on busy days.
The sauce is a simple but winning combination: honey, smoked paprika, garlic, mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar – or rice vinegar – which balances the sweetness and helps create that glaze that adheres perfectly to the meat. During cooking, the chicken absorbs the flavors and caramelizes naturally.
It’s a recipe I often make when I need something quick but showy at the table: just a few ingredients and one bowl for the sauce, and while the air fryer works on its own, I can prepare the side dish or simply relax for a few minutes. It’s perfect for both a casual dinner and when I want a tasty dish with minimal effort.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I have answered some questions about this preparation. If you have any other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form at the end of the page.
Other recipes you might be interested in:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economic
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 302.82 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 7.18 (g) of which sugars 6.05 (g)
- Proteins 24.10 (g)
- Fat 20.46 (g) of which saturated 5.44 (g)of which unsaturated 8.73 (g)
- Fibers 0.57 (g)
- Sodium 286.94 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 80 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Air Fryer Glazed Chicken Thighs
- 1.1 lbs chicken (thighs)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- to taste salt
Tools
- Baking dish
- Bowl
- Grater
- Air fryer
Recipe for Air Fryer Glazed Chicken Thighs
Start preparing the air fryer glazed chicken thighs with the dressing.
Begin by mixing oil and honey.
Then add the apple cider or rice vinegar and mustard.
Whisk until you obtain a homogeneous emulsion.
Grate the garlic clove and add it to the sauce.
Continue with the smoked paprika and salt.
Mix again until the ingredients are well combined.
Clean the chicken thighs with tweezers, removing any feathers or hairs.
Season the chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Then add the smoked paprika sauce on both sides, using a brush to spread it better.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour.
Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to the air fryer preheated to 392°F.
Cook for 25 minutes, turning them halfway through and brushing with the sauce.
Serve the air fryer glazed chicken thighs immediately.
Air Fryer Glazed Chicken Thighs
I hope these air fryer glazed chicken thighs become your new go-to for quick and flavorful dinners. The combination of tender meat and sweet, smoky glaze is truly irresistible, and air fryer cooking makes everything even easier and more practical. And if you’re looking for more delicious ideas to prepare in the air fryer, you’ll find many perfect recipes on the blog to complete your menu.
Also try the Spiced Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I prepare these glazed chicken thighs without an air fryer?
Yes! You can also bake them in a traditional oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 392°F for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway and brushing with the remaining sauce. The result will still be tender and well-glazed.
Can I use different pieces of chicken other than thighs?
Sure. Drumsticks work great too, but they may require a few more minutes of cooking. Breasts, however, tend to dry out: it’s better to choose cuts like thighs or wings.
Can they be stored?
Yes. Once cooked, store them in an airtight container for 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer at 356°F for 4-5 minutes to bring the glaze back to the right consistency.
Find all the air fryer recipes in the Air Fryer Recipes section.
For questions, comments, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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