Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

Juicy Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

Crispy and succulent air fryer asian-glazed boneless chicken thighs promise an explosion of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Marinating these tender morsels infuses them with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy goodness.

Perfectly cooked chicken emerges with a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that crackles under your fork.

Minimal effort translates into maximum deliciousness when you use this clever air fryer technique.

Savory seasonings mingle with a glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Each bite delivers a harmonious symphony of umami and zesty notes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Trust you’ll fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary chicken dish that comes together in minutes.

Why Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs Hit All The Notes

  • Speed Up Dinner: Quickly prepare a delicious Asian-inspired meal using an air fryer with minimal kitchen tools and steps.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet, tangy, and spicy marinade ingredients that create a mouth-watering glaze coating tender chicken thighs.
  • Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying reduces oil usage while delivering crispy exterior and juicy interior without excessive added fats.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Versatile recipe works perfectly for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings with friends, appealing to diverse taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs

Protein Base:
  • Boneless Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade flavors and creates a delicious main dish.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Vinegar: Combination creates a sweet and tangy base that enhances chicken flavor.
  • Minced Garlic, Grated Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the marinade.
  • Sriracha Sauce: Provides a spicy kick and additional layers of flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste.
  • Vegetable Oil: Prevents chicken from sticking to air fryer basket.
  • Sesame Seeds: Toasted garnish that adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a light, crisp finish to the dish.

How To Air Fry Boneless Chicken Thighs That Are Juicy And Glazed

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and whip together a tantalizing sauce using:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Sriracha sauce

Whisk these ingredients until they blend into a mouthwatering glaze that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Take chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Marinate and Infuse Flavors

Submerge chicken thighs completely in the prepared marinade. Make sure each piece is coated from top to bottom. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to work their magic and seep deep into the meat.

Step 4: Prepare Air Fryer

Set air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush the basket with vegetable oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, giving each piece some breathing room.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Air fry chicken for 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking. Look for an internal temperature of 165°F and a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Step 7: Create Glaze Reduction

While chicken cooks, pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes gloriously sticky.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

Once chicken is cooked, brush generously with the reduced marinade. This step adds an extra layer of flavor that will make your mouth water.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer glazed chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with:
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Step 10: Rest and Enjoy

Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. This crucial pause allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly tender and juicy.

Tips That Guarantee Perfect Asian-Glazed Chicken

  • Marinate Maximizer: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to guarantee deep, rich flavor absorption.
  • Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
  • Glaze Perfection: Reduce marinade slowly to create a thick, glossy coating that clings beautifully to chicken's surface.
  • No-Crowd Cooking: Arrange chicken pieces in single layer without overcrowding to ensure crispy, evenly cooked exterior.
  • Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains incredibly tender and moist.

Tasty Variations On These Asian-Style Chicken Thighs

  • Spicy Korean Chicken: Replace sriracha with gochujang paste for an authentic Korean heat profile, adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Citrus Herb Chicken: Swap rice vinegar with fresh orange juice, incorporate chopped rosemary and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor combination.
  • Coconut Curry Chicken: Blend coconut milk into marinade, mix in mild curry powder and turmeric for a rich, aromatic Southeast Asian version.
  • Maple Bourbon Chicken: Substitute honey with maple syrup, add bourbon whiskey for depth, include smoked paprika for a robust American barbecue style.

Perfect Pairings With Air Fryer Asian Chicken

  • Pair with Jasmine Rice Bed: Spread fluffy jasmine rice underneath the glazed chicken to soak up the delicious marinade and provide a soft, fragrant base for each bite.
  • Complement with Crisp Asian Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with julienned carrots, red cabbage, and a rice vinegar dressing to cut through the chicken's rich sweetness and add refreshing crunch.
  • Match with Chilled Sake or Asian Beer: Select a light, crisp sake or Japanese lager like Sapporo to balance the savory-sweet glaze and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Enhance with Quick Cucumber Pickles: Create quick pickled cucumbers with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to provide a zesty, cool counterpoint to the warm, glazed chicken.

How To Store Leftover Asian-Glazed Chicken Thighs

  • Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Store any unused marinade separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQs About Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs

  • What makes the marinade special?

The marinade combines soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that deeply infuse the chicken.

  • Why should I pat the chicken dry before marinating?

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning and marinade adhere better to the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

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Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs elevate home cooking with an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this air fryer dish a quick, delicious meal for spice enthusiasts craving restaurant-quality comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (garnish)

Glaze and Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp sriracha sauce

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha sauce in a medium bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season thoroughly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Submerge chicken thighs in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F and lightly brush the basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange in a single layer within the air fryer basket.
  6. Cook chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior appears golden and slightly crispy.
  7. While chicken cooks, transfer remaining marinade to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Once chicken is cooked, brush generously with reduced marinade glaze for additional flavor intensity.
  9. Transfer glazed chicken to serving plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  10. Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness.

Notes

  • Pat chicken thighs thoroughly dry to ensure a crispy exterior and better marinade adherence.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to guarantee even cooking and perfect golden-brown texture.
  • Let chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices, preventing dry meat and maintaining optimal tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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