Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

The moment you pull these Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs from the basket, the aroma is nothing short of intoxicating. The sweet, savory scent of soy sauce mingles with the rich, earthy garlic, making your kitchen smell like a cozy Korean BBQ joint. As you cut into the chicken, the skin has crisped up beautifully, while the meat inside is tender and juicy—thanks to the magic of the air fryer. The glaze coats each piece perfectly, giving it a glossy finish that sparkles as it catches the light.

The flavors are just the right balance of salty, savory, and sweet, with a hint of heat from the optional chili flakes. Each bite bursts with the depth of the soy sauce and the comforting warmth of garlic, making it hard to stop at just one. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone at the table fighting over the last piece. If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself dipping a little extra sauce onto your plate, just to savor every last drop.

What’s really great about this dish is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re serving it with a bowl of fluffy white rice, a simple side of steamed veggies, or even wrapping it up in a lettuce leaf for a low-carb twist, it’s sure to shine. And the best part? The air fryer does most of the work for you, so you can focus on enjoying the meal without the hassle of deep-frying. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and flavor, and once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to weeknight recipes!

Key Ingredients in Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that irresistible combination of flavors. Together, they bring out the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a touch of heat. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this flavorful dish:

• Chicken Thighs, Boneless and Skinless
  The star of the show, chicken thighs are incredibly juicy and tender, offering a rich, flavorful base that stands up perfectly to the bold sauce.
• Soy Sauce
  This umami-packed ingredient forms the savory backbone of the marinade, giving the chicken that deliciously deep, salty flavor.
• Honey
  The sweetness from the honey adds a beautiful contrast to the soy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Sesame Oil
  With its nutty and aromatic flavor, sesame oil adds a layer of richness to the glaze, giving it that signature Korean BBQ flavor.
• Garlic
  Minced garlic brings a pungent and savory depth to the sauce, adding that irresistible garlic goodness that complements the soy sauce and honey beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar
  The mild acidity of rice vinegar cuts through the sweetness and helps brighten up the overall flavor profile, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.
• Brown Sugar
  Brown sugar enhances the sweetness, creating a caramelized finish when cooked, and helps to balance the savory elements of the dish.
• Ginger
  Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty kick that elevates the flavor with a warm, peppery note, giving the sauce a bit of zing.
• Cornstarch
  This ingredient is key to creating a glossy, thickened glaze that coats the chicken perfectly, giving it that irresistible shine.
• Water
  Water helps to thin out the marinade just a touch, ensuring that all the ingredients blend together smoothly for an even coating.
• Chili Flakes (Optional)
  If you’re craving a little heat, chili flakes add a spicy kick that balances out the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds
  These tiny seeds bring a delightful crunch and a bit of extra nuttiness, plus they look gorgeous as a garnish, adding that finishing touch.
• Green Onions
  Chopped green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a burst of color, giving the dish a beautiful pop on the plate.

How to Make Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Serve with Steamed Rice:
  There’s something magical about pairing these flavorful chicken thighs with a bowl of fluffy, steaming white rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious glaze, making each bite even more satisfying. If you’re feeling fancy, try a little drizzle of sesame oil over the rice for an extra layer of flavor.
• Wrap It in Lettuce:
  For a low-carb twist, grab a few crisp lettuce leaves and use them to wrap the chicken thighs. Add a little extra sauce and some julienned carrots for crunch. It’s like your own homemade Korean BBQ, and trust me, it’s a fun way to enjoy this dish with friends or family!
• Pair with Roasted Veggies:
  The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken pair beautifully with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes. The caramelized edges of the veggies complement the sticky glaze on the chicken, making it a perfectly balanced, wholesome meal.

How to Store Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing these delicious chicken thighs is a breeze, and they’ll still taste amazing the next day! First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent excess moisture from building up inside the container, which can affect the texture. For the best results, place the chicken thighs in an airtight container, making sure they’re stored in a single layer to avoid any sogginess. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The glaze will stay rich and flavorful, and the chicken will remain tender, just like when it was first cooked.

If you want to extend the life of your chicken thighs a little longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the thighs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let the chicken thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the air fryer or a skillet to get that crispy exterior back. The flavor will still be just as amazing!

For quick reheating, you can also store the chicken in individual portions. This makes it super easy to pop out a single serving for lunch or dinner whenever you’re craving a quick meal. Just remember to give it a little extra time in the air fryer or on the stove to warm through, and you’ll have that perfect crispy exterior once again!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs that are bursting with flavor and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. From the crispy, golden skin to the savory-sweet glaze, this dish truly has it all. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze!

I hope you give this recipe a try, and trust me, once you do, it’s going to become one of your go-to meals. Whether you’re serving it with rice, veggies, or even a lettuce wrap, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

If you try it out or have any questions, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop me a comment below or reach out if you need any tips along the way. Your feedback always makes my day, and I’m here to help if you need any tweaks or advice. Enjoy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!

Print Recipe

Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 380

Description

Crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs coated in a rich, savory Korean soy garlic glaze. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness with a hint of spice, making this air-fried dish a flavor-packed, irresistible treat!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs on a clean cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and grated ginger.
3. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. If you want a bit of spice, add the chili flakes into the mixture and whisk them in.
5. Set the marinade aside and place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
6. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring the thighs are well-coated.
7. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate, or for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
8. After marinating, remove the chicken thighs from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
9. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together to form a smooth slurry.
10. Add the cornstarch mixture into the marinade and stir until well combined.
11. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
12. While the air fryer heats up, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
13. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
14. Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
15. Once the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the thighs from the air fryer.
16. Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate.
17. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the cooked chicken thighs.
18. Garnish the dish with the chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
19. Serve the air fryer Korean soy garlic chicken thighs hot, with your choice of side dish.

Note

• Patting the chicken thighs dry before marinating helps the marinade adhere better and promotes crisping during cooking.
• For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for the full 2 hours instead of the minimum 30 minutes.
• If you prefer a milder dish, omit or reduce the chili flakes.
• Ensure the chicken thighs are in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking and crisping.
• Serve with steamed rice or a vegetable side to complement the rich flavors of the chicken.

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