The glaze on these Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is to die for! A quick and easy chicken recipe with tons of flavor. 276 calories and 7 Weight Watchers SP
Just when my older son started jokingly rolling his eyes at "another chicken dinner", I served up these Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and the mock complaints stopped. I always know when I've hit the jackpot when he goes quiet at the dinner table, then heads back to the kitchen for another helping.
Maybe you can't solve the world's problems with a sweet and tangy glaze and tender, juicy chicken thighs, but you can certainly make a teenager smile.
The air fryer has the ability to cook the chicken until it's perfectly tender and juicy while also producing those flavor-filled charred bits that are reminiscent of barbecued chicken. This recipe would also work on the grill, but if it's the middle of the winter and you don't feel like firing up the grill, an air fryer is the way to go.
How do you cook thighs in an air fryer?
This recipe calls for eight chicken thighs. In my air fryer (I use this one - affiliate link), I can comfortably fit four thighs into the basket in a single layer. If your air fryer basket is smaller, cook the chicken in three batches instead of two.
Once the air fryer is preheated, pop half of the chicken into the basket in a single layer, then cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, turning halfway through. This typically takes 10 minutes total per batch. If the chicken thighs are thick, you might need to add another minute or two of cooking time.
Tips for making these Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
Leave yourself time to marinate the chicken for at least an hour or overnight. I've tried it with marination time of one hour and overnight. The chicken tastes equally good both ways.
Before tossing the chicken with the marinade, pour ¼ cup of the marinade into a small bowl and reserve it for later. This will be simmered in a saucepan and drizzled over as extra glaze once the chicken is cooked.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. This takes just a few minutes. Then cook the chicken in two batches. Be sure to arrange the chicken in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket so that air can circulate around each thigh.
Can these chicken thighs be made ahead of time?
Technically, yes. If you want to make the chicken ahead of time and serve it at room temperature, that will certainly work and would actually be a great picnic option. However, this chicken is best straight from the air fryer. Piping hot and perfectly juicy.
What to serve with honey balsamic chicken:
This chicken goes well with rice or quinoa. Serve the chicken on top to allow the juice and sauce to soak in. For a lower carb option, serve the chicken on a bed of Sautéed Cauliflower Rice with Caramelized Onions & Spinach. So good!
If serving with regular rice or quinoa, add some veggies on the side. You could go with something as simple as steamed broccoli or a green salad. Or take a few extra minutes to make Greek Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas or Smoked Paprika Roasted Asparagus.
Other healthy air fryer recipes:
Blackened Air Fryer Salmon with Cucumber Avocado Salsa {Cookin' Canuck}
Air Fryer Potato Roses {Cookin' Canuck}
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops {Skinnytaste}
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders {Creative Bite}
Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 8 (about 28 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed
- 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a glass or ceramic bowl, whisk together the orange juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside ¼ cup of the sauce.
- Add the chicken to the bowl with the remaining marinade. Toss to coat the chicken. Cover, refrigerate and marinate the chicken for at least an hour and up to overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Arrange half of the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, turning halfway through, about 10 minutes total. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- While the chicken is cooking, pour the ¼ cup reserved marinade into a small saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the glaze reduces slightly, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze over the chicken and garnish with the parsley. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Sheri
This was the first recipe I tried after I got my air fryer and it's still my favorite! The crispy browned bits are to die for and the marinade adds really nice flavor.