Introduction
Introduce some sweet and spicy flavors into your weeknight dinner with these Spicy Maple Glazed Boneless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. They are juicy, tender, and perfectly complemented by the sticky glaze. This flavorful dish is easy to prepare and will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
800 grams boneless skinless chicken thighs
100 ml pure maple syrup
25 ml soy sauce
10 grams smoked paprika
5 grams garlic powder
3 grams onion powder
3 grams cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
10 grams cornstarch
50 ml water
5 grams fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Air fry the chicken for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spicy maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup and soy sauce. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
5. Bring the maple syrup mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, brush the maple glaze generously over each piece and return to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the glaze caramelize slightly.
7. Remove chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation of Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely in the air fryer. Season the thighs generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, ensuring every inch is coated for maximum flavor. The spices create a vibrant aroma that fills your kitchen.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). This step is essential to ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispy exterior.
Air Frying the Chicken
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Air fry them for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. This is important to ensure they are cooked through and develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Preparing the Spicy Maple Glaze
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spicy maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup and soy sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. This mixture will thicken the glaze beautifully.
Thickening the Sauce
Bring the maple syrup and soy sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky consistency. The sweet and spicy aroma will surely entice your senses.
Glazing the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and brush the thickened glaze generously over each piece. This ingredient adds a luscious, sticky coating and boosts the dish’s overall flavor profile. Return the glazed chicken to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing you to caramelize the glaze slightly for that perfect final touch.
Serving the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the level of cayenne pepper based on your preference for heat. You can add less for a milder dish or more for an extra kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or even chili powder for a different flavor profile. Honey can also be swapped in for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Cooking with Bone-in Thighs
If you prefer using bone-in chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may require a few extra minutes to reach the proper internal temperature.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave for best results.
Cook techniques
Patting Chicken Dry
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.
Seasoning Evenly
Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to enhance flavor throughout.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for optimal cooking conditions and to achieve that desired crispy texture.
Single Layer Cooking
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking.
Turning Chicken Halfway
Turn the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice golden color on both sides.
Making the Glaze
Combine maple syrup and soy sauce in a saucepan, then thicken the mixture with a cornstarch slurry to create a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken.
Brushing on the Glaze
Once the chicken is cooked, brush the maple glaze generously over each piece to enhance flavor and add sweetness before a final brief cooking in the air fryer.
Resting the Chicken
Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the air fryer to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy results.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in thighs typically require longer cooking times than boneless.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick.
What should I serve with the chicken thighs?
These chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
What type of maple syrup is best to use?
Pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor, as artificial syrups may have added flavors and sugars that can alter the taste.
Conclusion
The Spicy Maple Glazed Boneless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs bring a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors to your dinner table. This easy-to-make dish is not only juicy and tender but also packed with flavor from the sticky maple glaze. Perfect for weeknight meals, it’s a recipe that will surely satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.
Herb Butter Chicken Thighs
Swap the spicy glaze for a rich herb butter, combining butter, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and garlic. Brush it over the chicken thighs before air frying for a fragrant and savory taste.
Sweet Asian Chicken Skewers
Cut the chicken thighs into cubes, marinate them in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then skewer and air fry for a delicious bite-sized treat.
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs
Create a tangy honey mustard glaze using Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush it over the chicken before air frying for an exciting twist.
Citrus Soy Chicken
Marinate the chicken thighs in a mix of orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger for a refreshing citrus flavor. Air fry for a juicy result that pairs well with rice or a salad.
Spicy Barbecue Chicken Thighs
Use your favorite barbecue sauce, mixed with a dash of hot sauce, to create a sweet and spicy barbecue chicken thigh. Brush the sauce on during the last few minutes of air frying for a sticky finish.
