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    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken

    by Mindy Boyd · Published: May 3, 2016 · Updated: Mar 5, 2025

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    ⏲️ 54 minutes mins
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    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. 

    Pin this recipe for later!
    Pinterest
    Five boneless skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer basket after they have been air fried.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Mindy’s Recipe Snapshot
    • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    • How to Make This Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
    • Variations
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Try these air fryer recipes next!
    • Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken
    Five Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken thighs on a white serving platter with several lime wedges.

    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. 

    The ingredients needed to make the Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken labeled with text.

    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.
    Five cooked Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken on a serving plate with lime wedges.

    How to Make This Honey Lime Chicken Recipe

    1. Trim large pieces of fat from the chicken.
    2. 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). 
    3. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. 
    4. 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.
    A collage of 4 images showing the marinade being made, the chicken soaking in it, and the chicken in the air fryer basket before and after being cooked.

    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.
    One piece of honey lime chicken that's been air fried with two lime wedges next to it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use boneless chicken breast instead of thighs? 

    Yes, these will take about 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

    Can I use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs?

    Yes, these will take about 24-26 minutes, or 12-13 minutes per side. 

    Can I use chicken tenders?

    Yes, these will take 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

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    Try these air fryer recipes next!

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    Did you love this recipe?

    We would love it if you’d leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!

    Feature image of several Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken thighs on a white plate with lime wedges.

    Air Fryer Honey Lime Chicken

    Mindy Boyd
    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.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print – Email Required Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 14 minutes mins
    Optional Marinating Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 54 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5 thighs

    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
    Get Recipe Ingredients

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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. 

    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.
    Did you make this recipe? We would love it if you would leave us a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
     
    Nutritional information is approximate. 
     
    See tips, notes, and suggestions in the post above.
     
    Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!

    Nutrition Facts

    Serving: 1thigh | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 217mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was with a comment below.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dee says

      October 07, 2016 at 1:27 pm

      I absolutely love this Mindy!! Looks amazing. Love the photo!

      Reply
      • Mindy Boyd says

        October 07, 2016 at 4:34 pm

        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!

        Reply
    2. Karly says

      August 25, 2016 at 8:54 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Mindy Boyd says

        August 25, 2016 at 11:23 am

        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.

        Reply
    3. Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says

      May 10, 2016 at 4:53 am

      I don’t marinate chicken enough. This looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Mindy Boyd says

        May 10, 2016 at 1:35 pm

        Me either! Thanks

        Reply
    4. Vandana Mathur says

      May 07, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      Looks delicious. I intend to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Mindy Boyd says

        May 07, 2016 at 5:12 pm

        Your welcome, it is simple and delicious.

        Reply
    5. Lisa Dsilva says

      May 07, 2016 at 8:12 am

      What a lovely recipe! The chicken looks juicy, perfectly cooked and well-cooked ! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
      • Mindy Boyd says

        May 07, 2016 at 5:11 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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