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To make this dish, you need these main ingredients: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Salt and pepper to taste The marinade gives the chicken its tasty flavor. You will need: - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 tablespoon lime zest (from about 1 lime) - 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Garnishes add a wonderful touch. Consider using: - Fresh cilantro, chopped To start, gather your ingredients for the marinade. You need honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, mix these items together. Whisk them until smooth. This mixture will coat the chicken and add great flavor. Next, take your chicken thighs. Place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated with the mixture. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. While your chicken marinates, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off. Discard any leftover marinade for safety. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Make sure they are spaced out. Air fry the thighs for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have crispy skin. When done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for color and flavor. To get the best flavor, always marinate your chicken. Use a resealable bag or shallow dish. Mix honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, and paprika well. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but aim for 2 hours if you can. This time allows the flavors to seep into the meat, making it taste amazing. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) before cooking. This step helps the chicken cook evenly. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the basket with the skin side up. Avoid stacking them; give each piece space to cook. Air fry for 25-30 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway to ensure even cooking. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). For crispy skin, make sure the chicken is dry before cooking. Pat it down gently with paper towels after marinating. The dry skin crisps up better in the air fryer. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket. This keeps air flowing around the chicken, allowing the skin to get that perfect crunch. After cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step locks in the juiciness while keeping the skin crispy. {{image_4}} If you want to mix things up, try different flavors. You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer taste. Soy sauce adds a savory punch. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. For heat, include some chili flakes or hot sauce. These changes keep the dish exciting. While the air fryer gives a great crispy skin, you can also use an oven or grill. For the oven, preheat to 400°F (204°C). Place the thighs on a baking sheet and cook for 35-40 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. On the grill, cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. Always check the temperature for safety. Honey Lime Chicken Thighs pair well with many sides. Serve with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for added flavor. Garnish with more cilantro for a pop of color. These choices make your meal both tasty and beautiful. After enjoying your honey lime chicken thighs, let them cool. Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty for your next meal. For reheating, the air fryer works best. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket and heat for 8-10 minutes. This method keeps the skin crispy while warming the meat. You can also use a microwave, but the skin may lose its crunch. If you want to store the chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. You can tell chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. When the temperature hits 165°F, the chicken is safe to eat. The juices should run clear, not pink. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! They will cook faster than bone-in thighs, so adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs take about 20-25 minutes in the air fryer. Check their temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C). The honey lime flavor will still shine through with boneless thighs. Honey lime chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice complements the chicken well. - Quinoa: A healthy option that absorbs the honey lime flavor. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and nutrition. - Salad: A fresh salad can balance the rich flavors of the chicken. - Tortillas: Use them to make tacos with the chicken and toppings. Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a complete meal! You learned how to make Honey Lime Chicken Thighs with a simple marinade. I shared tips for marinating and cooking in an air fryer. You also explored variations and storage options. Enjoy the tasty results, whether you stick to the recipe or try new flavors. Remember, the key is marination for great taste. Keep experimenting and serving this dish in fun ways!

Honey Lime Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Delight your taste buds with this easy recipe for Honey Lime Chicken Thighs! This juicy, flavorful dish combines honey, lime, and spices for a unique twist that will become a family favorite. Perfectly air-fried to achieve a crispy skin and tender meat, this recipe is a must-try. Click through to explore the full cooking instructions and get ready to impress your guests with this delicious meal!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon lime zest (from about 1 lime)

2 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully blended and the mixture becomes a uniform marinade.

    Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated.

      Seal the bag securely or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes. For optimal flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

        Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) while the chicken marinates.

          Once marinated, take the chicken thighs out from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to ensure food safety.

            Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket with the skin-side facing up. Ensure they are not piled on top of each other to allow even cooking.

              Air fry the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

                Once cooked, carefully bring the chicken thighs out of the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps to maintain the juiciness of the chicken.

                  Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken for a pop of color and added flavor.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hour | Serves 4