Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, savory glaze with bold Korean flavors. The soy-garlic sauce delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness, while the air fryer creates a crispy outside without deep-frying. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection—crispy on the outside and juicy inside—without the need for excess oil. The soy garlic glaze is irresistible, with a glossy finish and layers of sweet, savory, and umami notes. It’s a healthier twist on Korean fried chicken that’s still incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Brown sugar or honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Ground black pepper
• Neutral oil (for coating or spraying)
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper to make the marinade/sauce.
2. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve excess marinade) and pat dry lightly. Coat lightly with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
5. Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 8–10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Meanwhile, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 3–5 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
8. Brush or toss the cooked chicken thighs with the thickened sauce.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 10 minutes (+ marinating time)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30–60 minutes (depending on marination)
Serves: 4

Variations

• Spicy version: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Bone-in option: Use bone-in thighs; adjust cook time to 25–28 minutes.
• Lighter version: Skip the cornstarch for less crispiness but a lower-carb option.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Add veggies: Serve with air-fried broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it may lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, reduce cook time slightly to prevent drying out.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances flavor, but if short on time, let it sit for at least 15 minutes while the air fryer preheats.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, marinate the chicken overnight and air fry just before serving for best results.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add spice with gochujang or chili flakes if desired.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed rice, kimchi, sautéed greens, or a cucumber salad pair well.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the reserved marinade for a few minutes, stirring constantly until it reduces and thickens.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

What oil should I use?

A neutral oil like avocado or canola works best for spraying on the chicken.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the garlic soy flavor is mild and sweet, making it appealing to most kids.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect fusion of flavor and convenience. With their crispy edges, juicy interior, and sweet-savory glaze, they’re sure to impress without much effort. Whether served with rice, wrapped in lettuce, or packed into a bento box, this dish is a must-try for fans of Korean-inspired meals and air fryer cooking alike.

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