Menu
Author:
Franco Salzillo
We all know that chicken thighs are more flavorful than breasts, but they can still benefit from a sweet and savory glaze — that’s when thighs really show their best.
Chicken thighs are often featured on Asian menus, and it’s common to enjoy them glazed with a honey-based sauce. The chicken’s fatty richness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of honey and the umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. What you might not know is that you can make honey chicken thighs in an air-fryer for a mess-free take on the classic.
To make honey-glazed chicken thighs, you’ll need chicken, and we always suggest you get hormone-free, free-range birds. You’ll need honey, and the regular kind will work fine. For the rest of the glaze, have soy sauce in hand; if low in sodium, even better.
Finally, a pinch of garlic powder will give the chicken the loveliest savory flavor and aroma. When working with soy sauce, you don’t need additional salt. We’ll marinate the chicken for at least an hour, drain it and air fry it until sticky and crispy. How does that sound?
The best side dishes for honey chicken share traditions and ingredients. For example, combine your chicken with teriyaki tofu and fried rice. Steamed veggies, dumplings and other Asian goodies will give context to the glossy chicken, resulting in a much more exciting dining experience.
Of course, honey chicken is also compatible with international sides, such as mashed potatoes and even fries. After all, chicken is chicken, and we all know chicken goes with anything.
Here’s a tip. Save some honey soy sauce mixture, and drizzle it on the chicken straight out of the air fryer; that’s a glossy chicken right there.
In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce and garlic powder. Separate a few tablespoons of the mixture to brush the chicken in the end.
Marinate the chicken in the mixture and let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
Drain the chicken thighs and place them into the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 20-22 minutes. Brush the chicken with the reserved sauce halfway through.
Alternatively, serve with white rice, steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes.
