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Air Fryer Soy and Ginger Chicken Thighs

These air-fryer soy and ginger chicken thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold, sweet-savory flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-style dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe works for boneless or bone-in chicken thighs and is a favorite in my house for feeding hungry teenagers fast!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 10 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 to 6 chicken thighs skinless
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger or more if you love it!
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar optional but adds freshness
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha optional for spice
  • Green onions chopped – for garnish
  • Sesame seeds – for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1 – Make the Sauce

  • Whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like heat.

Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken

  • Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the sauce. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra flavor.

Step 3 – Preheat the Air Fryer

  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for a few minutes.

Step 4 – Cook the Chicken

  • Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5 – Add Extra Sauce

  • Brush remaining sauce onto the chicken during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking for extra glaze and flavor.

Step 6 – Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Tips
  • Pat chicken dry before marinating to get extra crispy skin.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
  • Bone-in thighs are delicious but take slightly longer to cook.
  • Leftovers taste amazing reheated in the air fryer.
Variations
  • Toss in broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.
  • Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness.
  • Adjust ginger and garlic for stronger or milder flavor.
  • Skip chili flakes if cooking for younger kids.