Air‑Fryer Chicken Thighs in Apricot‑Orange Horseradish Sauce with Rainbow Salad

• apricot jam↗2 ст. л. tbsp
• orange↗1

  zest and juice

• horseradish↗2-3 ч. л. tsp

  to taste

• chicken thighs4

  with bone and skin

• olive oil spray↗
• pecan nuts↗30 г g
• multicolored radishes↗жменя handful

  (approximately 10 pieces), sliced

• carrot↗2 великі

  coarsely grated

• green onion↗4-6

  sliced

• pomegranate seeds↗50 г g

  (approximately ½ pomegranate)

• flat parsley↗2 ст. л. tbsp

  coarsely chopped

• extra virgin olive oil↗2 ст. л. tbsp
• orange juice↗4 ч. л. tsp
• honey↗2 ч. л. tsp
• apple cider vinegar↗2 ч. л. tsp

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a shallow glass bowl, combine the apricot jam, zest of one orange, 2 tbsp orange juice, horseradish, and a pinch of salt with black pepper. Taste and, if needed, add more spices or horseradish.

2. 2

   Add the chicken thighs, coat them with the marinade, stirring so both sides are well covered. Let marinate for at least 1 hour, or optionally overnight in the refrigerator.

3. 3

   For the salad, toast the pecan nuts in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 160 °C until fragrant and golden. Watch that they don’t burn. Cool, then coarsely chop.

4. 4

   In a large bowl combine the chopped pecans, multicolored radishes, grated carrot, sliced green onion, pomegranate seeds, and coarsely chopped parsley. Set aside.

5. 5

   Prepare the dressing: in a small bowl mix olive oil, orange juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside for serving.

6. 6

   Line the air fryer basket with foil brushed with oil. Arrange the chicken thighs skin‑side down in a single layer. If the basket is small, cook in batches. Set aside the remaining marinade.

7. 7

   Cook for 8 minutes at 180 °C, then flip the thighs, brush them with the remaining marinade and cook another 8–12 minutes until the meat is done and the skin is golden‑brown. Check doneness by piercing the thickest piece – the juice should be clear.

8. 8

   Drizzle the salad with the dressing, toss, and serve together with the chicken.