Craving a delicious weeknight dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved? These Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with tangy-sweet flavor — all made in your air fryer in less than 30 minutes!
Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs :
If you love that golden, caramelized glaze on tender chicken, this recipe is for you. With a blend of honey, mustard, and simple pantry spices, these chicken thighs come out perfectly crispy in the air fryer with minimal mess and maximum flavor.
History of the Recipe :
Honey-mustard sauce has long been a popular combination in both European and American cuisines, used for everything from dips to glazes. The pairing of sweet honey and tangy mustard dates back to Roman times, but gained popularity as a modern marinade and sauce in the mid-20th century. With the rise of air fryer cooking, traditional baked or grilled honey-mustard chicken evolved into this faster, crispier version — perfect for busy home cooks looking for bold flavor and quick results.
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Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs :
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry. Place in a bowl or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat. For best results, marinate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) and let preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Air fry the chicken: Place thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up. Cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional glaze: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush with extra honey-mustard mixture for a sticky glaze.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with sides of your choice.
Notes
- For boneless thighs, reduce cook time by 3–5 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed.
- You can use whole grain mustard for a rustic texture.
Tips for Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs :
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Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin.
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Line your air fryer with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
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Save extra marinade for a drizzle (just be sure it hasn’t touched raw chicken).
FAQs for Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs :
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but adjust the cook time and check doneness at 15 minutes.
Q: Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
A: It’s optional, but marinating for 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
Q: Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
A: Yes! It will be a bit sweeter and milder — perfect for kids.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes.
Conclusion :
Air Fryer are the ultimate quick dinner recipe — juicy, crispy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the family on a busy night, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.