Name: Air Fryer Honey Dijon Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained); 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup/agave); 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos); 1 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil); 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder); ½ tsp paprika (sweet or smoked); Salt & black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Air Fryer Honey Dijon is the perfect weeknight recipe that combines juicy chicken thighs with a delicious sticky-sweet glaze. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also allows for a delightful mix of flavors, with hints of pineapple that elevate the traditional honey Dijon taste. You will love how simple it is to make this dish in your air fryer, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat in just 25 minutes. Let’s dive into this amazing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Dijon

This Honey Dijon Air Fryer Recipe is a weeknight hero for several reasons:

Quick cooking time of just 25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensure tenderness and flavor.
Sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze enhances the dish’s flavor.
Pineapple adds a refreshing twist that balances the savory aspects.
Easy cleanup thanks to the air fryer, making it a convenient choice.
Versatile, pair it with various sides like rice or vegetables.
Gluten-free option using tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
Can easily be adapted to other proteins like salmon or tofu.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Dijon

Gather these items:

6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup/agave)
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
1 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
½ tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Dijon Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the honey Dijon glaze.
Step 2: Coat the chicken thighs in the glaze, ensuring they are well-covered. Add the pineapple chunks and mix gently.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Place the chicken thighs and pineapple in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
Step 5: Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Check that the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 7: Serve over jasmine rice or quinoa, and garnish with parsley or green onions.

Air Fryer Honey Dijon Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Glaze - Air Fryer Honey Dijon - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Honey Dijon

Keep these in mind:

For extra crispy chicken, pat the thighs dry before applying the glaze.
Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes if time permits for deeper flavors.
Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor; canned works well too.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for optimal cooking.
Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by varying the amount of honey or using maple syrup as an alternative.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Honey Dijon

Pair this dish with:

Fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze.
Steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy side.
A crisp salad to add freshness to your meal.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Honey Dijon

To store leftovers, place the chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This meal is great for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Honey Dijon

What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Honey Dijon?

The secret lies in marinating the chicken in the honey Dijon glaze for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Choosing quality ingredients like Dijon mustard and honey will significantly impact the taste. Don’t forget to ensure the air fryer is preheated for optimal crispiness!

Can I make Air Fryer Honey Dijon ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze and marinate the chicken thighs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Honey Dijon?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Variations of Air Fryer Honey Dijon You Can Try

Here are a few variations you can experiment with:

Substitute chicken thighs with Air Fryer Honey Dijon Salmon for a different protein option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the air fryer for a complete meal.
Try using a different glaze, such as a Honey Mustard Air Fryer Sauce for a tangier flavor.
Make it a vegetarian dish with Air Fryer Honey Dijon Tofu instead of chicken.

Air Fryer Honey Dijon Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Glaze - Air Fryer Honey Dijon - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Crockpot Butter Chicken for an easy meal option. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, our Mini Cranberry Cheesecakes are perfect for the holidays!

For more information on the health benefits of pineapple, you can visit Healthline.