Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor — that’s exactly what makes Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs so irresistible. Imagine perfectly golden chicken glazed with a sweet and savory soy-garlic sauce that clings to every bite. The magic lies in how the air fryer gives the chicken that signature crispness while keeping it tender inside, making it a healthier and easier alternative to deep frying.

Korean-inspired dishes have a way of balancing bold flavors effortlessly. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, honey, and a hint of sesame creates a beautiful harmony that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort — all thanks to your trusty air fryer.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
Chicken thighs (boneless, skin-on)	4 pieces (about 1 lb)	440 kcal
Soy sauce	3 tbsp	30 kcal
Honey	1 tbsp	64 kcal
Brown sugar	1 tbsp	50 kcal
Garlic (minced)	4 cloves	18 kcal
Ginger (grated)	1 tsp	5 kcal
Rice vinegar	1 tbsp	3 kcal
Sesame oil	1 tsp	40 kcal
Cornstarch	1 tbsp	30 kcal
Black pepper	½ tsp	3 kcal
Green onions (sliced, for garnish)	1 tbsp	5 kcal
Sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)	1 tsp	15 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk until well-blended. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes — or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip the pieces, and cook for another 8–10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.
4. Make the Sauce:
   While the chicken cooks, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is done, brush or toss it in the thickened soy-garlic sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Add some heat: Stir in a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to give your sauce a spicy kick.
• Go gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
• Try different cuts: You can substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or wings — just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Crispier texture: Pat the chicken dry before marinating and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Sweeter glaze: Add a touch more honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~190 kcal
Protein	22 g
Fat	8 g
Carbohydrates	9 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	7 g
Sodium	480 mg
Cholesterol	95 mg

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for a classic touch.
• A side of kimchi or pickled cucumbers to balance the richness.
• Air-fried veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for a lighter meal.
• Wrap it in lettuce leaves with rice and a drizzle of sauce for a fun, Korean-style bite!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind that breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily, so reduce the air fryer time by a few minutes and check for doneness around 8–10 minutes per side. The flavor of the soy garlic glaze works beautifully with any cut of chicken.

2. Do I need to marinate the chicken before air frying?

Marinating is highly recommended! It helps infuse the chicken with that signature Korean soy-garlic flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. A minimum of 30 minutes is good, but for deeper flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

3. Can I make the Korean soy garlic chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore the crispiness. The sauce can also be refrigerated separately and warmed before tossing with the chicken.

4. How do I make the soy garlic sauce thicker?

If your sauce feels too thin, simply add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) while simmering. Stir until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be glossy and cling nicely to the chicken.

5. Is this recipe spicy? Can I make it hotter?

The traditional Korean soy garlic flavor leans more sweet and savory than spicy. However, if you enjoy heat, you can add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs bring the perfect balance of crispiness, tenderness, and deep umami flavor right to your kitchen. The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels gourmet without the mess or oil of frying. Each bite delivers the signature Korean-style blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness that leaves you craving more.