Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors from a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze. This easy air fryer recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness without the need for deep frying. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Crispy and juicy: The air fryer creates the perfect texture with less oil
• Bold flavors: A sticky soy garlic glaze with a touch of sweetness
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
• Healthier than frying: Less oil but still incredibly flavorful

Ingredients for Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Tongs

How to Make Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add the chicken thighs and coat evenly. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat lightly.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

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

Step 3: Make the Soy Garlic Glaze

7. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
8. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
9. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
10. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

11. Toss the cooked chicken in the soy garlic glaze until fully coated.
12. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
13. Serve warm with steamed rice and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal
• Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled cucumbers
• Add a fresh salad with sesame dressing for extra crunch

Tips for the Best Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Use skin-on thighs for extra crispiness
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey and sugar
• For extra crispy chicken, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2 minutes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to keep the crispiness
• Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soft

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time to 10-12 minutes, as breasts cook faster.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes. Add 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the glaze for extra heat.

Can I cook this without an air fryer?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion: A Crispy, Flavorful Favorite

These Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and coated in a rich, flavorful glaze. It’s an easy, healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, and it’s packed with bold Korean flavors. Try it out and let us know how it turned out.

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g

Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite.

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