Air Fryer Sesame Garlic Chicken Thighs
Juicy bone in chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer until crispy, then coated in a sweet sesame garlic glaze. A quick dinner that tastes better than takeout and makes the whole family happy.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 bone in skin on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water slurry
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the chicken in the air fryer
- Place chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes. Flip them and cook another 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and the inside reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Make the sesame garlic sauce
- While the chicken cooks, whisk soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Let it simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Coat the chicken
- When the chicken is done, brush or toss it in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Tips
- Patting the chicken dry is the secret to crispy skin.
- Do not skip flipping the chicken halfway.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure chicken is fully cooked.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Variations
- Swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for extra spice.
- Try boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking.
- Use the same sauce on chicken wings or drumsticks for a fun twist.