Go Back
To make Air Fryer Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs, you will need: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon black pepper You can add a few optional ingredients to make your dish unique: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice) - Fresh cilantro (for garnish) The marinade is key to flavor. It includes: - Soy sauce for saltiness and depth - Honey for sweetness and glaze - Garlic for a sharp aroma - Ginger for warmth and zest - Sesame oil for a nutty finish - Rice vinegar for a touch of acidity - Black pepper for a hint of spice This combination creates a well-balanced marinade. It gives the chicken a wonderful taste. Adjust the optional ingredients to fit your style! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to make the marinade. In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mix should combine well. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them fully. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger taste, let it marinate up to 4 hours. While the chicken marinates, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy. Once your air fryer is hot, take out the chicken thighs. Let any extra marinade drip off before placing them skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to flip the thighs halfway through cooking. This helps the skin become golden and crispy. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. While the chicken cooks, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan on the stove. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce will add extra flavor when you serve the chicken. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before drizzling the thickened sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a lovely finish. To get that perfect crispy skin, follow these tips. First, dry the chicken thighs well before marinating. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Second, air fry at the right temperature. I find 375°F is just right. Lastly, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This helps both sides get crispy. Cooking times can vary based on the chicken cut. For bone-in thighs, cook for 25-30 minutes. This ensures the inside is juicy. If you use boneless thighs, cut the time down to 20-25 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety. You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. If you don’t have soy sauce, try tamari for a gluten-free option. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different flavor. Don’t have fresh ginger? Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger instead. These swaps still taste great! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken thighs for up to 4 hours to enhance the flavors. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be. Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is cooked safely while remaining juicy. Use the Drippings: To elevate the dish, reserve the marinade after boiling it down and drizzle it over the cooked chicken. This adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can even add fresh chopped chili for a spicier kick! {{image_2}} To make spicy soy garlic chicken thighs, add red pepper flakes. Use one teaspoon or more to heat things up. You can also add sriracha or chili paste for extra kick. The spicy notes will pair nicely with the soy and garlic. This variation is perfect for those who love bold flavors. For a sweet twist, try honey garlic chicken thighs. Increase the honey to 1/3 cup. This gives a nice balance between sweet and savory. You can also add a splash of orange juice for a citrus flair. It adds a lovely brightness to the dish. This version is great for those who prefer a milder taste. Herb-infused chicken thighs add freshness to your meal. You can mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil. Just chop them finely and add them to the marinade. This will give the chicken a lovely aroma and flavor. You can also use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available. Each herb brings its own unique twist to the dish. After cooking your Air Fryer Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs, let them cool. Place the thighs in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well. Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat them soon. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat, use the air fryer for the best texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken thighs in the basket. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Check if they are warm in the center. You can also use a microwave, but this can make the skin soft. If you want to freeze the chicken, first cool it completely. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, go up to 4 hours. This allows the meat to soak up all the tasty flavors from the marinade. Serve the chicken with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also add a fresh salad or some pickled veggies for crunch. These sides balance the savory taste of the chicken. Yes, you can bake the chicken in a traditional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Flip the chicken halfway for even cooking. This article covered how to make air fryer soy garlic chicken thighs. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize with variations like spicy or honey garlic. Proper storage and reheating methods ensure tasty leftovers. In conclusion, enjoy learning and experimenting with this easy recipe. You’ll impress friends and family with delicious results.

Air Fryer Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place them skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Reserve the marinade for later.
  • Air fry the chicken thighs at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
  • While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil on the stove. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the thickened marinade over the chicken thighs before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, easy recipe, soy garlic