Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
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Irresistible Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs: A 25-Minute Sweet and Tangy Delight

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Introduction

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with our Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe! This dish combines the rich sweetness of maple syrup with the sharp, complex notes of Dijon mustard, all achieved with the convenience of air frying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet sophisticated weeknight dinner that will have your family asking for seconds.

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs on a white gold-rimmed ceramic plate with a sprig of fresh thyme and a small bowl of extra glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and elegant: Ready in just 25 minutes
  • Healthier option: Uses minimal oil while delivering maximum flavor
  • Versatile: Great on its own, with roasted vegetables, or atop a salad
  • Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing flavor that both kids and adults will enjoy

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional for garnish: fresh thyme leaves
Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Ingredients laid out on the white marble countertop

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Pro Tip: The Cosori Air Fryer ensures perfectly crispy skin while allowing the maple dijon glaze to caramelize beautifully, creating a harmony of textures and flavors!

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then brush them with olive oil and season lightly with additional salt and pepper.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  5. Cook for 10 minutes, then brush the chicken thighs generously with the maple dijon mixture.
  6. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Brush the chicken thighs with any remaining glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve with any extra glaze on the side.
Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Collage

Tips for Success

  • For maximum flavor, prepare the maple dijon glaze in advance and marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
  • If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze.

Variations

  • Spicy Maple Dijon: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a kick of heat.
  • Herb-Infused: Include 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary or sage in the glaze for an aromatic twist.
Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs and the spicy variation on white gold-rimmed plates

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 0.5g

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato mash for a complete, balanced meal. For an extra special presentation, use these elegant White and Gold Serving Platters.

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs plated with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato mash on a white and gold rimmed platter

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container like these Glass Food Storage Containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe, you might also like these recipes from our Air Fryer Chicken collection:

For more delicious air fryer chicken recipes, check out our Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Round-up Post or explore our Air Fryer Chicken Breast Round-up Post for a variety of air fryer chicken dishes.

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Conclusion

We hope this Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe becomes a new favorite in your household! It’s a perfect example of how air frying can create gourmet-inspired meals with minimal effort and time. Don’t forget to share your maple dijon creations with us on social media and let us know your favorite way to serve these delicious chicken thighs.

bite of Air Fryer Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs on a gold fork

Happy air frying!

This recipe is part of our Air Fryer Chicken series. Discover more air fryer chicken recipes in our [Link to Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post] or explore all our air fryer chicken collections in our [Link to Master Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post].

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