If you’re looking for a flavorful meal with minimal effort, my Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken is a must-try! Made with simple ingredients you likely already have, this dish features juicy boneless chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy blend of honey, fresh lime juice and zest, olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic.
The best part? Since they’re are air fried, you’ll have a delicious and healthy dinner ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
Mindy’s Recipe Snapshot
Method: This is an air fryer recipe.
Key Ingredients: Chicken, honey, lime, olive oil and soy sauce.
Ease: This is such an easy recipe!
Top Tip: If you have time let the chicken marinate for at least 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
This post was originally published in May 2016 and updated in March 2025 to convert it from a grilled recipe to an air fryer recipe. It also features fresh new photos.
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We love serving this Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken with a hearty side like rice or potatoes and a fresh veggie, think green beans or Brussels sprouts, for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
It’s also perfect for meal prep! Make a batch at the start of the week to enjoy for quick lunches or slice it up over a salad for a super easy dinner when you’re short on time.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken: I use boneless skinless chicken thighs because dark meat is extra flavorful. If you prefer skinless chicken breast, bone-in thighs or tenders, check the FAQs below for tips on using those instead.
- Honey: The sweet honey and tangy lime combo is a favorite! You can swap in maple syrup, but keep in mind it’s thinner than honey.
- Soy Sauce: I go for low-sodium soy sauce, but coconut aminos work well as a substitute.
- Olive Oil: Light-tasting or extra virgin both work great. Canola or vegetable oil are also good options.
- Lime: I use the zest of one lime. For the juice, you’ll typically need two small limes or one large lime to get the right amount.
- Garlic: We buy the pre-chopped garlic in a jar for convenience. If you’re using garlic powder, substitute 1/4 teaspoon per teaspoon of fresh garlic.
How to Make This Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
- Trim large pieces of fat from the chicken.
- In a large bowl combine the honey, lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic, add the chicken and allow to marinate a few minutes (up to 30 minutes if you have time).
- Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400° for 7 minutes, flip over and cook another 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is beginning to brown.
Recipe Notes:
- Chicken is done when a meat thermometer reads 165°.
- Total cook time may vary based on your specific air fryer model and the size of your chicken thighs.
Variations
- Salt and black pepper can be added.
- About a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon onion powder can be added for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer (this chicken tastes great cold, too!). TastingTable has a great article about how to reheat chicken in the air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these will take about 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Yes, these will take about 24-26 minutes, or 12-13 minutes per side.
Yes, these will take 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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Instructions
- Trim large pieces of fat from the chicken.
- In a large bowl combine the honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic, add the chicken and allow to marinate a few minutes (up to 30 minutes if you have time).
- Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400° for 7 minutes, flip over and cook another 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is beginning to brown.
I absolutely love this Mindy!! Looks amazing. Love the photo!
Sadly we will have to start cooking this indoors because it will be too cold. At least it still tastes great prepared that way, thanks!
If I could make a lifetime supply of this chicken I would! Perfect for salads, burritos, tacos, sandwiches or just on its own… this stuff is a jack of all trades! I can’t wait to try it out!
I know, right? We eat tons of chicken, and occasionally my daughter says, “Chicken again”? But I just keep on making it, she’ll thank me later.
I don’t marinate chicken enough. This looks delicious!
Me either! Thanks
Looks delicious. I intend to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Your welcome, it is simple and delicious.
What a lovely recipe! The chicken looks juicy, perfectly cooked and well-cooked ! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you!