Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Olive oil cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390F (198C), or follow the manufacturer's recommended temperature for your specific air fryer model.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the honey and Dijon mustard until well mixed.
4. Spray one side of the chicken thighs with olive oil cooking spray, then place them in the air fryer basket, oiled side down, in a single layer.
5. Brush the tops of the chicken thighs with the prepared sauce.
6. Air fry at 390F (198C) for 8 minutes.
7. Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and brush with the remaining sauce.
8. Continue air frying for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C), checked with an instant-read thermometer.
9. Serve the chicken thighs warm and enjoy!

Cook's Note

This recipe was developed for a 5.3-quart, basket-style air fryer. Cooking times and results may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 364
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 38g

Percent Daily Values

• Total Fat: 20g (26%)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (30%)
• Cholesterol: 201mg (67%)
• Sodium: 612mg (27%)
• Total Carbohydrate: 10g (4%)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2%)
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 38g (76%)
• Calcium: 25mg (2%)
• Iron: 2mg (10%)
• Potassium: 438mg (9%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs are a modern twist on a classic combination of flavors. Honey and mustard have been paired in cooking for centuries, with roots tracing back to European culinary traditions where mustard sauces sweetened with honey were commonly used to balance rich meats. The advent of air fryers has transformed this timeless pairing into a quick, convenient, and healthier dish, allowing chicken thighs to become perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying.

Regional Variations and Influences

While honey-mustard chicken is popular across the United States, regional differences influence its preparation and taste. In the South, smoked paprika or cayenne is often added to give a smoky, slightly spicy edge, while in the Midwest, the focus is more on the balance of sweetness and tang from honey and Dijon mustard. Coastal regions may incorporate citrus or fresh herbs, giving the dish a lighter, fresher profile. Air fryers have made it possible for home cooks everywhere to enjoy this dish with minimal oil and maximum flavor.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional roasted or baked chicken thighs, this recipe leverages the air fryer to achieve a unique texture: a lightly crisp exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. Compared to standard honey-mustard chicken prepared in an oven, air frying reduces cooking time and often intensifies the caramelization of the honey, giving the sauce a richer, more concentrated flavor. Unlike fried chicken, this version is healthier yet still offers a satisfying golden finish without excessive oil.

Where This Dish is Commonly Served

Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs are versatile enough to appear in casual weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and even meal prep plans. They are often served with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Restaurants featuring modern American cuisine sometimes include variations of this dish on their menu, emphasizing its balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes. It has also become a favorite for air fryer enthusiasts who want restaurant-quality results at home.

Interesting Facts About Honey-Mustard Chicken

• The combination of honey and mustard is believed to have medicinal origins, as mustard seeds were historically used to stimulate digestion and honey was valued for its antibacterial properties.
• Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air at high speed, which reduces fat content while maintaining a crispy exteriora method particularly suitable for chicken thighs.
• Using boneless, skinless thighs allows for even cooking and quick marination, but the recipe can be adapted to bone-in thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
• Brushing the honey-mustard sauce halfway through cooking helps prevent burning while allowing the sugars in honey to caramelize perfectly.
• This dish showcases how traditional flavors can be modernized for convenience without compromising on taste or texture.

FAQ about Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

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