Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

If you love crispy, juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze, these Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a must-try! They’re coated in a delicious soy garlic sauce that’s perfectly sweet, salty, and garlicky. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—without all the extra oil!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Without Deep Frying – The air fryer gives you restaurant-quality crispiness with less oil.
• Packed with Flavor – A perfect balance of soy sauce, garlic, and sweetness.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Great for Meal Prep – Pairs well with rice, veggies, or noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (4 pieces) – Juicy and flavorful.
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp) – Helps create a crispy texture.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Adds extra depth of flavor.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp) – Enhances the Korean-style taste.

For the Soy Garlic Sauce:

• Soy Sauce (¼ cup) – The savory base of the sauce.
• Honey (2 tbsp) – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Bold and aromatic.
• Ginger (1 tsp, grated) – Adds warmth and spice.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Balances the flavors with a slight tang.
• Cornstarch Slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) – Thickens the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds & Green Onions (for garnish, optional) – Adds a fresh, nutty finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Tongs

How to Make Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sesame oil. Lightly coat with cornstarch for crispiness.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Soy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken cooks, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Toss the crispy chicken thighs in the soy garlic sauce until fully coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice or steamed veggies.

What to Serve with This Dish

• Steamed Rice – A classic pairing for absorbing the sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables – Adds freshness and crunch.
• Kimchi – A traditional Korean side for a spicy kick.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
• Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness – It helps create a crunchy coating.
• Flip Halfway Through – Ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer.
• Reheat – Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time to 10–12 minutes since breasts cook faster.

Can I make this sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add 1 teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors! The sticky, garlicky glaze makes them irresistible, and the air fryer keeps them light and healthy.

Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 750mg

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