Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Thighs

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! 

Spicy Chicken Thighs served with homemade garlic bread and brown rice.
Crispy, spicy chicken thighs paired with brown rice and garlic bread for a complete meal.

• 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

Why You Will Love These Spicy Chicken Thighs

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 Tip

• 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

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.

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How to Store

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

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.
A bold blend of spices ready to coat the chicken for maximum flavor.

✓ 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.
Chicken thighs marinating in a mix of spices for rich, spicy flavor.

✓ 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.
Chicken thighs crisping up in the air fryer halfway through cooking.

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

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Thighs ready to serve.
Perfectly cooked chicken thighs — golden, spicy, and full of flavor.

✓ 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.
Sweet and spicy chicken thighs finished with honey glaze and served with sides.

What Did You Think?

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

How You Can Support Savvy with Abbie

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