Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Thighs

Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero, food blogger and creator of Savvy with Abbie. All photos original.

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Thighs

These crispy chicken thighs are crunchy and crispy, with a tender and juicy middle and a thick spice that is offset by a sweet honey glaze. This recipe is super easy to make and is perfect for a family-friendly meal during the work week. With only 20 minutes in the air fryer and a long list of seasonings, this chicken is flavorful and a family favorite! 

Juicy air fryer spicy chicken thighs with a sweet honey glaze. Crispy, flavorful, and ready in 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal!

Spicy Chicken Thighs served with homemade garlic bread and brown rice.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving size: 2-3
• Total cook time: 20 minutes
• Total prep time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Family friendly: Yes, we LOVED this chicken
• Rating: 10/10
• Serving suggestions: Serve with brown rice and homemade garlic bread. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad

What Makes This Recipe Different

If you love spice or if you love the sweet and spicy combination, this is the recipe you will want to make. The chicken itself is super spicy - you can adjust the seasonings to your specific taste. The honey can be used as a dip or you can add it on top of the chicken after they are done cooking. 

Chicken thighs are more tender than chicken breasts and adding it to the air fryer provides a healthier alternative to making juicy chicken. The crisp layer is as if you added it to a thick puddle of vegetable oil - but without all of the grease. All you need is a thin layer of cooking spray, seasonings, chicken thighs, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Super easy!

Pro Tips

• The original recipe called for broiling and I decided to air fry instead - perfect, crispy chicken pieces
• If you want to add the honey glaze on top of the chicken, you can do so while the air fryer has one minute left, or you can dip it. If you are okay with a cold or warm glaze, you can add it on top of the cooked chicken

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by Just a Pinch. We removed the salt, added blackened seasoning, chili powder, and onion powder. We used apple cider vinegar instead of cider vinegar. Instead of broiling, we put this recipe in the air fryer.

If You Enjoy Chicken Recipes, You May Also Like

Leftover Ideas

Store chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or the air fryer until warm. 

Adjust to Your Liking

  • If you don't like spice, you can remove or reduce the cayenne pepper, chili powder, and blackened seasoning

Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Thighs

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  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • *1 tsp Blackened Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp onion powder 
  • Black pepper
  • 6 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Note: For a milder version, reduce cayenne and blackened seasoning. Add a drizzle of honey halfway through cooking for a caramelized glaze. Boneless thighs can be swapped for quicker cooking—reduce time by 2–3 minutes.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Thighs

✓ Step #1: Add seasonings to a bowl - In a small bowl, add all of the seasonings - everything except chicken thighs, apple cider vinegar, and honey.

Seasonings in a bowl, ready to add to chicken thighs.

✓ Step #2: Store in fridge - Add the chicken to the seasonings and make sure the chicken thighs are covered completely in the seasonings. Store in the fridge for two hours.

Chicken thighs and seasonings in a bowl, ready to store.

✓ Step #4: Add to Air Fryer – Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees and cook for 10 minutes. 

Spicy Chicken Thighs in the air fryer, ready to flip.

✓ Step #5: Flip – Flip and cook for 10 more minutes - 20 minutes total. 

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Thighs ready to serve.

✓ Step #6: Serve – Add chicken thighs to a plate. Serve with brown rice and homemade garlic bread.

Spicy Chicken Thighs on a plate, served with homemade garlic bread and brown rice.

What Did You Think?

Did you enjoy this spicy chicken thighs? Was it super easy to make?

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