Description
Enjoy flavorful and juicy Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs made effortlessly in the air fryer. Tender chicken marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then air fried to golden perfection. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a deliciously crispy outside and tender inside — ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for brushing the air fryer basket)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help the skin crisp.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the marinade bowl and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavorful blend.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil or use cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and the chicken remain moist.
- Add Extra Flavor: Drizzle any leftover marinade from the bowl over the cooked chicken thighs to boost flavor and moisture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, nutty finish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crispy results.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the flavors.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but cook time may vary slightly.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
