• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home About Contact

The Cooking Jar

Cooking made easy

  • Recipe Index
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Casseroles
    • Dips and Sauces
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick and Easy
    • Sides and Salads
    • Soups and Stews
  • Ingredient
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pasta
    • Seafood
  • Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Oven
    • Sheet Pan
    • Slow Cooker
    • Stovetop
Home About Contact
  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Casseroles
  • Dips
  • Main Dishes
  • Quick and Easy
  • Sides
  • Soups
Home » Method » Air Fryer

Air Fryer

Air Fryer Maple Chicken Thighs

Published: September 26, 2021   |   Updated: June 29, 2022   |   6 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

Pin1K
Share
Reddit
Email
1K Shares

These air fryer maple chicken thighs are the BEST thighs you can make, with maple caramelized crispy skins and flavorful, juicy meat. Dig in and enjoy!

A black plate full of crispy air fryer maple chicken thighs with some green beans.

One of the greatest things that came out of buying an air fryer was getting to enjoy ultra-crispy chicken wings and chicken thighs. When I say crispy, I mean CRISPY. Like hearing a distinctive crunch one room away while picking up the chicken with some kitchen tongs kind of crispy. Now I’ve made a few chicken thighs in the oven but the air fryer takes the oven-baked method, scoffs at it, and gives you next-level juicy chicken.

I know these are easily the best chicken thighs I’ve ever made. Bite into the crispy, deliciously caramelized maple-glazed skin and feel it crunch in your mouth. The marinade permeates into the meat as well so once you get past the skin, the tender and juicy thigh meat is infused with the savory, sweet, and tangy sauce. It’s pretty addicting and the best part is it’s so simple to make. So let’s get started.

Air fryer maple chicken thighs in an air fryer insert.

AIR FRYER MAPLE CHICKEN THIGHS RECIPE TIPS

Chicken thighs – I used bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs but you can go with boneless and/or skinless as well. Cooking times may change with boneless thighs, so check with a meat thermometer.

Air fryer- I have two types of air fryers. I use the 10 qt. oven-style air fryer for big meals with proteins on one tray and veggies on the other. For smaller meals, I use the egg-shaped air fryer.

Cooking time – Depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of your chicken thighs, cooking should take anywhere between 8-10 minutes per side.

Your best bet would be to check with a meat thermometer for your peace of mind. As for which side to start cooking on, I started with the thighs skin side down and had the skins crisp up during the second half of the cooking.

Marinating – I like to marinate my chicken for 30 minutes to give it time to absorb the sauce. If you’re short on time you can skip this step but it is highly recommended!

While marinating, make sure the thighs are entirely coated in the sauce by using either a mixing bowl, a Ziploc bag, or massaging it in with your hands. If you want to use up every last drop of marinade, you can also baste the leftover marinade on the thighs before air frying.

A black plate full of crispy air fryer maple chicken thighs.

Sesame oil – I use the Kadoya brand of sesame oil. You can also use the Hokkan brand which I had no trouble finding in my local grocery store. If you don’t feel like getting sesame oil but still want a smoky flavor, try 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. It won’t taste exactly the same but it works.

Soy sauce – You don’t need any more salt in this marinade because there’s enough sodium from the soy sauce. For the soy sauce, the brand I use is La Choy.

Maple syrup – You can use maple syrup or honey. I used the Maple Gold brand of maple syrup.

Garlic – You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder, whichever you have on hand, and whatever is easier for you. I find it easier to use a mini grater or garlic press when opting for fresh garlic.

Baking powder – Baking powder added to chicken with skins makes them crispier. It’s a technique I’ve used since I made oven-baked buffalo wings.

Garnish – Because brown food tends to look unappetizing, I used some freshly chopped parsley to bring a pop of color. It’s not part of the recipe but if you want to present your thighs the exact same way, use parsley.

A black plate full of crispy air fryer maple chicken thighs.

AIR FRYER VEGGIES

So far, I’ve only tested broccoli, zucchini and brussels sprouts at 400°F/5 minutes in the air fryer. I think green beans and asparagus would take about the same amount of time. Here are a few quick ideas on how to prep your veggies for the air fryer:

Garlic Parmesan Broccoli: Toss them with some olive oil, pepper, seasoning salt and shaker Parmesan cheese.

Zucchini: Add some olive oil, salt and pepper and a dash of sugar. I’ve also tossed it with olive oil and Johnny’s garlic spread.

Brussels sprouts: I like to add some olive oil, garlic powder and garlic salt, then toss them in a balsamic reduction.

Green beans: Add some olive oil. smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste for some smoky green beans.

Asparagus: Toss it with some olive oil, lemon slices or lemon juice, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.

And that’s about it. If you like some sauce with your chicken and don’t own an air fryer, try out this oven-baked maple-glazed chicken. Happy eats and enjoy!

MORE CHICKEN THIGH RECIPES TO TRY

  • Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Baked Honey Lemon Chicken
  • Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Did you make this recipe? Rate it!

♡ If you liked this recipe, giving it a star rating ★★★★★ in the comments below really helps! For more recipes, subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and  Pinterest.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Air fryer maple chicken thighs in an air fryer insert.

Air Fryer Maple Chicken Thighs


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: The Cooking Jar
  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

These air fryer maple chicken thighs are the BEST thighs you can make, with maple caramelized crispy skins and flavorful, juicy meat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in/boneless, skin on)
 
Sauce:
 
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup/honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Combine the sauce ingredients and mix well.
  2. Marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and air fry for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer reads 165 F.
  4. Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes then dish and serve hot.
  5. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe assumes you have an air fryer with a preheat option. If you do not, run your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F to preheat it evenly before adding in the chicken and following the recommended recipe time.
  • Scroll up to RECIPE TIPS for more useful tips, suggestions and ingredient substitutions.
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 16

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or share a photo of the recipe on Instagram by tagging @cookingjar

posted in: Air Fryer, Chicken, Main Dishes, Quick and Easy

Previous
Chipotle Chili Mac and Cheese
Next
Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Share your thoughts and rate the recipe!
    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Linda Yeazel says

    January 14, 2023

    First time using an airfryer and these were amazing! I didn’t have sesame oil and they still had amazing flavor!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      January 17, 2023

      Glad to hear it! These are our go-to chicken thigh recipes in the air fryer, it comes out crispy every time 😀

      Reply
  2. Myka says

    December 17, 2021

    Could I substitute butter for the oil and coconut aminos for the soy sauce?

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      December 17, 2021

      You can definitely do that, just melt the butter. Let me know how it turned out for you!

      Reply
  3. Shari Giarraputo says

    September 26, 2021

    Do you think that I could use chicken tenders? Obviously I wouldn’t cut the time. I will definitely try using the thighs, but I have a picky husband and only likes tenders or breast. Lol maybe I can just use the sauce. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      September 26, 2021

      Tenders will cook quicker than a chicken breast/thigh. Since they are so delicate, I would suggest maybe trying it at 360 degrees for 12 minutes or so and flip them through halfway. You can definitely use the sauce for the tenders and chicken breasts, just don’t cook them as long as the thighs or they will dry out! For boneless, skinless chicken breasts I would try 18 minutes total at 360 degrees, flipping halfway through. These are all estimates as some air fryers run hotter than others and it depends on the size of your chicken too. Cook them longer if needed and use a meat thermometer or slice it in half to check for doneness. Good luck, Shari!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Grilled shrimp on plate.
Farah - Author of The Cooking Jar.

Here at The Cooking Jar you'll find recipes that focus on practical everyday food using everyday ingredients. Each recipe is tried and true from my kitchen to yours. Happy cooking!

More About Me
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

Kitchen Essentials - The Basics.

Warm Up This Winter

  • Meatball pasta bake in a white casserole dish.
    Meatball Pasta Bake
  • Slow cooker creamy tortellini soup in a white bowl.
    Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
  • Sour cream beef noodle casserole in a white casserole dish.
    Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
  • A bowl of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup topped with cracked black pepper.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Spinach and artichoke ravioli bake in a white casserole dish.
    Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
  • Shredded slow cooker chicken and gravy in a crock pot topped with chopped fresh parsley.
    Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
  • Featured On
  • Buzzfeed Logo.
  • the kitchn Logo.
  • delish Logo.
  • The Huffington Post Logo.
  • CountryLiving Logo.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

The Cooking Jar Logo

Recipes

  • Appetizers
  • Beef
  • Breakfast
  • Chicken
  • Casseroles
  • Dips and Sauces
  • Main Dishes
  • Pasta
  • Seafood
  • Sides and Salads
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soups and Stews
©2023, The Cooking Jar. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Nutrition Disclaimer
Back To Top
×
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

1K Shares
Pin1K
Share
Reddit
Email