Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Crispy, juicy, and packed with sweet-savory flavor, these Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a must-try! They’re air-fried to golden perfection, then coated in a sticky soy garlic glaze that delivers bold taste in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe brings Korean-inspired flavors right into your kitchen—without deep frying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Oil – The air fryer makes the skin ultra-crispy with less fat.
Sweet & Savory Glaze – A garlicky soy sauce glaze that’s finger-licking good.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats well and goes with just about anything.
Family Favorite – Kids and adults love this bold yet balanced flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (trimmed)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Korean Soy Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

For Garnish & Serving:

• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
• Kimchi or pickled vegetables (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken Thighs

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Rub the seasoning all over, making sure to get under the skin for more flavor.

Step 2: Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer
4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
6. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 8–10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 175°F and the skin is crispy.

Step 3: Make the Soy Garlic Sauce
7. While the chicken cooks, add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to a small saucepan.
8. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
9. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry.
10. Add the slurry to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens (about 1–2 minutes).
11. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce
12. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 2–3 minutes.
13. Toss the crispy thighs in the soy garlic sauce until evenly coated.
14. Alternatively, brush the sauce on top if you prefer to keep the skin extra crisp.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
15. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
16. Serve hot with steamed rice and optional kimchi or pickled vegetables on the side.

Tips for Perfect Korean Chicken Thighs
Dry the Chicken – Removing moisture from the skin helps achieve that crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd – Give the thighs space in the air fryer for even cooking.
Check Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Thicker Sauce – Add a touch more cornstarch if you want an extra sticky glaze.
Customize – Want it spicy? Add 1 tsp gochujang or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Rice – A classic base that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
Kimchi – Adds tangy, spicy contrast to the sweet-savory chicken.
Cucumber Salad – Fresh, cooling, and great for balance.
Lettuce Wraps – Use romaine or butter lettuce leaves to wrap chicken and rice.
Egg Fried Rice – Another tasty way to make it a complete meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Sauce can be stored separately if preferred for crispier reheats.

Reheating:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts (skin may soften).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless thighs?
   Yes, reduce cook time to 14–16 minutes total and flip halfway through.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Cook and store the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat and toss when ready to serve.
3. What’s a good substitute for honey?
   Maple syrup or agave nectar works well.
4. Can I make it spicier?
   Yes! Stir in gochujang, Korean chili flakes, or sriracha to the sauce.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and drenched in a mouthwatering soy garlic glaze, this dish is pure comfort with a Korean twist. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe will earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Give it a try and share your photos or leave a review! Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Korean

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 720mg

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