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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. Each one plays a key role in making this dish great. The chicken thighs bring juiciness and flavor. The Dijon mustard adds a sharp taste, while maple syrup gives a sweet touch. Olive oil helps blend the flavors, and apple cider vinegar adds a nice zing. Garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper round out the taste. Don't forget the fresh thyme! It brightens up the meal when you serve it. When you have everything ready, you can easily create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This mix blends sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Next, take your chicken thighs. Place them in a large resealable bag or mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each thigh gets coated well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let them sit for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken absorb all the tasty goodness. Now it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag or bowl. Let the extra marinade drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Flip the thighs halfway through. This helps them get crispy all around. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. Marinating chicken thighs adds depth and taste. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. However, for better flavor, try 1 to 2 hours. This gives the marinade time to soak in. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. The juices redistribute, making each bite flavorful. To achieve that perfect crispy skin, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This ensures even cooking. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in the basket. This placement maximizes crispiness. Avoid excess moisture by letting the marinade drip off before cooking. Too much liquid will prevent that golden, crunchy texture. If you follow these tips, you will enjoy deliciously crispy chicken thighs every time. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor of your Maple Dijon chicken thighs. If you like heat, add chili flakes to the marinade. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, then add more if you dare! For a fresh twist, try herbs like rosemary or oregano. These add depth and a lovely aroma. You can also swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a milder flavor. Experimenting is the key to a unique dish! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can oven-bake these chicken thighs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the marinated thighs on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes until they reach 165°F (74°C). This method still gives you great flavor. Grilling is another fun option, especially in summer. Heat your grill to medium. Cook the thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side. This will give you a smoky taste and grill marks that look fantastic. After enjoying your air fryer maple Dijon chicken thighs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and ensures freshness. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the chicken for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the skin crispy. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes. To get crispy chicken thighs, start with skin-on thighs. Pat the skin dry with paper towels. This helps remove moisture, which can make the skin soggy. Use a little olive oil on the skin before cooking. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to help them crisp evenly. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so check them after 20 minutes. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe. You might want to reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Pair these thighs with roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. A fresh salad with greens and a light vinaigrette works well too. For a heartier option, serve with mashed potatoes or rice. Each side adds flavor and makes your meal complete. This blog covered a tasty recipe for Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs. You learned about the ingredients, steps to marinate and cook, and tips for the best results. Remember, marinating adds flavor, and resting helps keep the chicken juicy. You also have ideas for variations and storing leftovers. Enjoy the crispiness from the air fryer or try baking or grilling. Now you can make a delicious meal that will impress!

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

Savor the deliciousness of Crispy Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs, a perfect dish for any occasion! This easy recipe combines tender chicken with a mouthwatering marinade of Dijon mustard and pure maple syrup, resulting in a crispy, flavorful treat. In just 40 minutes, you can impress your family and friends. Click to discover how to make this delightful dish and elevate your mealtime!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

    Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is evenly coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For intensified flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours.

      Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure an even cook.

        After marinating, carefully remove the chicken from the bag or bowl, letting any excess marinade drip off. Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, placing them skin-side up to maximize crispiness.

          Air fry the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

            Once cooked, transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This will help retain their juiciness.

              Serve the chicken garnished with fresh thyme sprigs to add a vibrant touch and enhance the dish's flavor profile.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a wooden platter with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a contrasting color.