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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 tablespoons honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish) If you don’t have all the ingredients, don't worry! You can swap some items. - Use low-sodium soy sauce for less salt. - Maple syrup works in place of honey. - Ground ginger is a quick swap for fresh ginger. - Try olive oil instead of sesame oil for a lighter taste. - Omit red pepper flakes if you like milder flavors. When choosing chicken thighs, look for these signs: - Skin should be smooth and shiny. - The meat should have a pink color, not grey. - Avoid any packages with liquid pooling. - Choose thighs that feel firm but not tough. - If possible, buy organic for better taste and health. Selecting the right ingredients makes a big difference in flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want heat. Whisk all the ingredients together until they blend well. This mix brings great flavor to the chicken. Take your chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. This step is key for juicy and tasty chicken. Before you start air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the extra drip off. Save some marinade for basting later. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes. After that, flip the chicken so the skin is up. Brush the top with some marinade you set aside. Cook for another 10-12 minutes until the skin is crispy and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful dish! To get that perfect, crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs well. Use paper towels to remove moisture. The drier the skin, the better it will crisp in the air fryer. Another tip is to cook the chicken thighs skin-side down first. This helps render out fat and makes the skin extra crisp. When you flip the chicken, brush it with marinade. This adds flavor and helps with browning. Basting is key for adding more depth to your dish. After the first cooking time, flip the chicken and brush it with the reserved marinade. This will keep the meat juicy and add a rich flavor on top. You can baste once or twice during cooking. Just make sure to use a clean brush every time. This keeps everything safe and tasty. For best results, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before cooking. Start with 15 minutes skin-side down. Then, flip and baste the chicken, cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you want extra crisp, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Just be sure not to overcook the chicken. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best taste, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Ensure Crispy Skin: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before air frying. This helps to achieve that desired crispy skin by removing excess moisture. Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken thighs. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish significantly. {{image_2}} You can spice things up with many flavors. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a sweet twist, sprinkle in some cinnamon. Each spice brings a unique touch to the dish. So, don’t be afraid to mix and match! While soy sauce and honey are great, you can explore other marinades. Try adding orange juice for a citrus kick. If you want a tangy taste, use rice vinegar. You can also mix in some herbs like thyme or rosemary. This gives the chicken new flavors and keeps it exciting. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs. Bone-in thighs are juicier and have more flavor. They take a bit longer to cook, but they’re worth it. Boneless thighs are quicker and easier to eat. Just adjust your cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through. Both options work well in the air fryer! To store leftover soy garlic chicken thighs, let them cool to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the thighs from any sauce to keep the skin crispy. When ready to eat, you can reheat the chicken in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps regain that crispy skin. If you prefer, you can also use a microwave. Heat on medium for about 1 to 2 minutes, but this may make the skin less crispy. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. These can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. To lower the salt in your chicken, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can also add a bit more honey to balance the flavors. Mixing in some water or chicken broth with the marinade helps too. These small changes keep the taste good while cutting back on salt. Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. They cook faster than thighs, so adjust the time. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes at 400°F. Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F for safety. The soy garlic flavor will still shine through. Serve these chicken thighs with steamed rice and sautéed veggies for a great meal. You can also add a fresh salad or some grilled corn. For a fun twist, try pairing it with stir-fried noodles. The flavors will blend well! Check the chicken’s internal temperature to know when it’s done. Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. This ensures your chicken is safe and tasty! In this article, we explored how to make delicious soy garlic chicken thighs. We discussed the key ingredients, smart substitutions, and tips for picking the best chicken. I walked you through easy steps for marinating and air frying. We examined ways to get that crispy skin and shared storage tips. Finally, I answered common questions to help you succeed in the kitchen. With these insights, you can create a flavorful meal that impresses everyone.

Crispy Air Fryer Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well mixed.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal or cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting.
  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, flip the chicken thighs to skin-side up. Brush the top with some of the reserved marinade. Continue air frying for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, crispy, soy garlic