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Crispy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Honey Mustard Sauce

crispy air fryer boneless chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy boneless chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer, paired with a quick and tangy homemade honey mustard sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a flavorful, easy-to-make meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt (for sauce)
  • Dash of freshly ground black pepper (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Pat the 1.5 pounds of boneless, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the thighs. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper evenly. Toss well to coat all sides.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
  5. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the thighs using tongs, then cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
  6. Remove the chicken and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. While the chicken cooks or rests, whisk together 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste in a small bowl.
  8. Serve the chicken thighs with the honey mustard sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip chicken halfway through cooking gently to keep skin intact. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. If chicken is not crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. The honey mustard sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week. Leftover chicken reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes retains crispiness better than microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, honey mustard sauce, boneless chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal