Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savory with these Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs. This easy-to-make recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a rich soy garlic marinade, making it a delightful addition to your dinner rotation. Ready in no time, this dish is a gluten-free favorite that will impress your family and friends alike.

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-11-27T05:52:56.727Z

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

The Amazing Flavor Profile

Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a sensational blend of sweet and savory, making them perfect for any meal. The marinade, featuring soy sauce, honey, and freshly minced garlic, creates a complex flavor that tantalizes your taste buds. As the chicken thighs cook in the air fryer, they develop a delicious caramelized exterior while sealing in juices, resulting in succulent bites that are bursting with flavor.

The use of sesame oil and ginger adds depth to the marinade, enhancing the overall experience. Smoked and toasted sesame oil infuses a nutty aroma, while the ginger contributes a subtle spiciness that complements the sweeter elements perfectly. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an explosion of flavors that will have you craving more.

Gluten-Free Delight

In today's culinary landscape, finding gluten-free options can often be a challenge. Fortunately, this recipe caters to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste. By selecting gluten-free soy sauce, you ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dish without worry. This makes it an ideal choice for family gatherings or dinner parties with diverse dietary needs.

Moreover, the air fryer method means you can prepare these chicken thighs quickly while keeping them juicy and tender. No deep frying is needed, which reduces fat and calories, making this a healthier alternative without compromising flavor. It's a win-win for anyone looking to eat clean while enjoying a delicious meal.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a casual weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion, Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs fit the bill perfectly. Their eye-catching appearance and rich flavors make them a standout dish that will impress your family and friends. This recipe allows for easy scaling, so you can make just enough for a cozy family meal or a larger batch for parties.

The dish pairs beautifully with various sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a refreshing salad, making it a versatile choice for any menu. Its adaptability in meal planning also means you can serve leftovers as part of a delicious lunch or repurpose the chicken in tacos or wraps for a creative twist.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

For the Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Mix all marinade ingredients together and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Mix well.

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or a dish, add the marinade, and ensure they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

Air Fry the Chicken

Place marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve

Remove from the air fryer, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Tips for the Best Results

To achieve the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for as long as possible—ideally several hours or even overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in richer flavors. If you're short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will still deliver excellent results, but try not to skip this step.

Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking the chicken in batches will ensure that each piece cooks evenly and gets that desired crispy texture. It's important that the hot air circulates freely around the chicken, which is what guarantees that perfect crunch you’re looking for.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are cooked to perfection, consider serving them with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the extra sauce. Alternatively, pairing them with a fresh cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken. Just chop up some cucumbers, toss them with rice vinegar, a hint of sugar, and sesame seeds for a quick and delicious side.

If you're looking to elevate the presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the chicken before serving. Not only does it add a lovely visual touch, but it also contrasts nicely with the tender meat and enriches the flavor profile. For an additional garnish, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice can brighten the entire dish, enhancing the umami notes.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, but they may not be as juicy or crispy.

→ Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Overnight marination will enhance the flavor even more.

Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savory with these Air Fryer Korean Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs. This easy-to-make recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a rich soy garlic marinade, making it a delightful addition to your dinner rotation. Ready in no time, this dish is a gluten-free favorite that will impress your family and friends alike.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Marinade

  1. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  2. 2 tablespoons honey
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  5. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  6. 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

For the Chicken

  1. 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  2. Salt and pepper to taste
  3. Chopped green onions for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Mix well.

Step 02

Place chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or a dish, add the marinade, and ensure they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 03

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

Step 04

Place marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 05

Remove from the air fryer, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 15g