These Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs are a delightful and juicy dish, making them perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to impressive gatherings. The combination of savory soy sauce, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a hint of honey creates a mouthwatering glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, cooking in an air fryer ensures they come out tender and flavorful without the hassle of frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just minutes and cooks in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of Asian-inspired flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Healthy Option: Using an air fryer allows you to cut down on oil while still achieving crispy, delicious chicken thighs.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: Pair these chicken thighs with brown rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s satisfying and nutritious.
- Great for Meal Prep: These thighs can be marinated ahead of time, making them ideal for meal prepping or batch cooking.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small pot
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool is key for achieving crispy chicken thighs without excessive oil. It cooks food quickly while retaining moisture.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining the marinade and coating the chicken evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that the flavors are balanced just right in your marinade.
Ingredients
These Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs come out so juicy and delicious in the air fryer! Perfect with brown rice and steamed veggies on the side.
For the Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed (32 oz total)
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 scallion, green only sliced for garnish
How to Make Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, crushed garlic, Sriracha hot sauce, and grated ginger. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pour half of the marinade (1/4 cup) into a large bowl with the chicken thighs. Make sure all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off before placing them in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 14 minutes, turning halfway through until fully cooked.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While chicken is cooking, take the reserved marinade that was not used on raw meat. Place it in a small pot over medium-low heat. Cook until it reduces slightly and thickens; this should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked through, remove chicken thighs from the air fryer. Drizzle with your reduced sauce and garnish with sliced scallions before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs!
How to Serve Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs are not only delicious but also versatile in how they can be served. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to complement your meal.
With Brown Rice
- Brown rice is a healthy base that absorbs the flavors of the glaze perfectly.
On a Bed of Steamed Veggies
- Steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas add color and nutrients to your dish.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with chicken and veggies.
As Tacos
- Shred the cooked chicken and serve in soft tortillas with slaw and avocado.
With a Side Salad
- A light salad with sesame dressing can balance the richness of the chicken.
Over Quinoa
- Quinoa provides a protein-packed, gluten-free grain option that pairs well with the dish.
How to Perfect Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
To ensure your Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs come out just right, follow these tips for optimal results.
Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances flavor absorption.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary; crowded chicken won’t cook evenly.
Check Internal Temperature: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options.
Coconut Rice: The sweetness and creaminess of coconut rice pair beautifully with savory chicken.
Garlic Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds a crunchy texture and vibrant color to your plate.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings comforting flavors that complement the main dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements of the chicken glaze.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness.
Fried Rice: A classic option that combines leftover rice with vegetables and eggs for added flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Not marinating long enough: The longer you marinate, the more flavor your chicken will absorb. Aim for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for the best results.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many chicken thighs in the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy and hot.
- Skipping the preheating step: Preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving that perfect texture. Allow it to reach 400F before adding the chicken.
- Ignoring internal temperature: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: Opting for low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness and allows the other flavors to shine through.
- Neglecting the sauce reduction: Reducing the reserved marinade adds richness. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Place cooled chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Oven: Preheat to 350F and bake covered for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs.
How do I make Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs less spicy?
You can reduce or omit the Sriracha hot sauce from the marinade. This will still give you great flavor without too much heat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! While chicken breasts will work, they may not be as juicy as thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed since breasts cook faster.
What sides pair well with Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Serve with brown rice and steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal that complements the dish well.
How do I store leftovers of Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for later use.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them any night of the week with various sides, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize the marinade with your favorite spices or add more veggies for added nutrition!
Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs are your new go-to dish for a quick, flavorful meal that impresses without the fuss. These tender, juicy thighs are coated in a savory-sweet glaze made from soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and aromatic garlic and ginger. The air fryer cooks them to perfection, giving you crispy skin and succulent meat without the added oil. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe pairs well with brown rice or steamed vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and healthy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (32 oz total)
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 scallion (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Sriracha, and ginger.
- Marinate chicken thighs in half of the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer for about 14 minutes, turning halfway through until cooked through.
- While cooking, reduce the remaining marinade in a small pot until thickened.
- Serve chicken drizzled with reduced sauce and garnished with sliced scallions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (85g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
