Description

These Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and bold flavors. Coated in a sweet and savory soy garlic glaze, they’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, but just as delicious! The air fryer makes them extra crispy without the need for a lot of oil. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for crispiness)

For the Soy Garlic Glaze:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Garnish:

1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. This helps achieve a crispy texture when cooking.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Soy Garlic Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the glaze thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and toss it in the prepared soy garlic glaze until well-coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve warm with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use skin-on chicken thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for even crisping.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken crisps up evenly.
You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey and brown sugar to taste.
For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the glaze.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired