Air Fryer Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs: Crispy, Sweet & Delicious!

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than these Air Fryer Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs! This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a beautifully caramelized, sweet, and savory maple glaze. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier and faster alternative to traditional frying or baking. Perfect for busy families, meal prepping, or anyone craving a flavorful and satisfying meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Crispy and Juicy:** The air fryer creates perfectly crispy skin while keeping the chicken incredibly moist and tender.
* **Flavorful Maple Glaze:** The sweet and savory maple glaze adds a delicious depth of flavor that everyone will love.
* **Healthier Option:** Air frying requires less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier alternative.
* **Versatile:** Serve these chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

* **Chicken Thighs:** 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use bone-in, skin-on thighs, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted).
* **Maple Syrup:** 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (the real stuff is best for flavor!).
* **Soy Sauce:** 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (this adds a savory umami element).
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds tang and depth of flavor).
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced (freshly minced is best!).
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but adds a lovely warmth).
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon (adds acidity to balance the sweetness).
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (helps the chicken crisp up in the air fryer).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste (season generously!).
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly air-fried maple glazed chicken thighs:

**Step 1: Prepare the Maple Glaze**

In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.

**Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs**

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken**

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

**Step 4: Glaze the Chicken**

During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken thighs generously with the maple glaze. Flip the chicken and brush the other side. Continue air frying until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.

**Step 5: Rest and Serve**

Once the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of frying it.
* **Pat the Chicken Dry:** Removing excess moisture from the chicken thighs before cooking is essential for achieving crispy skin.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Period:** Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs, as well as the model of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **For Bone-in, Skin-on Thighs:** Increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) for optimal tenderness. You may also need to render some of the fat from the skin before glazing.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
* **Customize the Glaze:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness of the maple glaze to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Honey Glaze:** Substitute honey for maple syrup for a similar, but slightly different, flavor profile.
* **Brown Sugar Glaze:** Use brown sugar instead of maple syrup for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
* **Spicy Glaze:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the maple glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Garlic Herb Glaze:** Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the glaze for an herbaceous flavor.
* **Chicken Breast:** While this recipe is specifically designed for chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts. Reduce the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs. Make sure to not overcook them.
* **Different Cuts of Chicken:** Drumsticks and wings can also be cooked using this method, the cooking time needs to be adjusted based on size and thickness.
* **Vegan Option:** Tofu or tempeh can be marinated in the maple glaze and air fried for a plant-based option.

## Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious maple glaze.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or sautéed green beans are a quick and easy side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A tangy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and acidity to the meal.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Serve with warm dinner rolls to mop up any remaining glaze.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make Ahead:** You can prepare the maple glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the chicken in the glaze for up to 24 hours for even more flavor.

**Storage:** Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.

**Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Air Fryer Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs**

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
* 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary).
4. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken thighs generously with the maple glaze. Flip and brush the other side. Continue air frying until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
6. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if desired).

## Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*(Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*

## Conclusion

These Air Fryer Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, making them the perfect weeknight dinner option. With their crispy exterior and juicy interior, these chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite. So, fire up your air fryer and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed!

## Call to Action

Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!