Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Love crispy chicken that’s juicy on the inside? These Boneless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze are the perfect quick and easy meal that brings big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

600g boneless chicken thighs
30ml olive oil
25g honey
20g Dijon mustard
10g whole grain mustard
3g smoked paprika
5g garlic powder
3g onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a glaze.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and generously coat each with the glaze.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
6. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth glaze.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Using a paper towel, pat the boneless chicken thighs dry. Generously coat each thigh with the honey mustard glaze, ensuring they are well covered.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overlap the pieces for even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for proper doneness.

Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest

Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes to retain their juiciness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley and serve alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

These chicken thighs pair well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Customize the Glaze

Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or mustard according to your taste preferences. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Cooking Time Variation

Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the model of your air fryer. Always check the internal temperature for safety.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you wish to freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing

To thaw frozen chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these flavorful chicken thighs with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, serve with quinoa or rice and a side of your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (4 servings total) approximately contains:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 28g
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Sugar: 5g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sodium: 400mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.)

Ingredient Substitutions

– Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
– Olive Oil: Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can be used in place of olive oil.
– Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used to replace honey for a vegan option.
– Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard can be used if Dijon is not available; however, it will alter the flavor slightly.
– Whole Grain Mustard: Spicy brown mustard is a good alternative.
– Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika or chili powder can replace smoked paprika if needed.
– Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be substituted, using about 1 clove for every 0.5g of garlic powder.
– Onion Powder: Alternatively, you can use fresh chopped onions, adjusting to taste.
– Salt and Pepper: Adjust these to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Cook Techniques

Marinade Your Chicken

To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the glaze for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb the sweet and tangy notes of the honey mustard.

Proper Preheating

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Always ensure it reaches the desired temperature before adding the chicken.

Single Layer Cooking

Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to steam instead of a nice sear.

Flipping for Even Cooking

Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning and ensure both sides are perfectly cooked.

Resting the Chicken

Allow the chicken thighs to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, but bone-in chicken thighs will require a longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Is it possible to use other types of meat?

Absolutely! This honey mustard glaze works well with chicken breasts, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken can be served with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or sweet potato fries.

Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

How can I adjust the glaze for different flavor profiles?

Feel free to experiment with different mustards or add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or lemon juice for acidity.

Conclusion

The Boneless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard Glaze is a delightful and efficient dish that combines the best of both worlds: crispy exteriors with juicy interiors. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Switch the glaze to a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile that complements the air fryer’s crisping capabilities.

Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

Create a savory herb blend with garlic, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant and flavorful take on air-fried chicken thighs.

Spicy Asian Chicken Thighs

Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha for an Asian-inspired dish that adds a spicy kick.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Use fresh lemon juice and zesty lemon pepper seasoning for a refreshing, citrusy version that’s perfect for summertime.

Maple Mustard Chicken Thighs

Replace honey with maple syrup in the glaze for a sweeter, earthy flavor that pairs well with the mustard.

Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Coat the chicken thighs with buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy variation that’s perfect for fans of heat.

Peach Glazed Chicken Thighs

Use a peach preserves glaze to give your chicken a sweet and fruity flavor, perfect for a summer barbecue.