Savory and tender Chinese chicken thighs are ready to make in under 20 minutes! This addicting, easy air-fried soy sauce chicken is marinated in rich soy garlic and ginger sauce and air-fried to juicy perfection.
Enjoy this marinated soy sauce chicken that’s air-fried in under 30 minutes for a quick and easy meal!
This easy air fryer Chinese chicken can be served as an easy lunch or dinner over a bed of steamed rice and a side of vegetables. You can also easily marinate this air fryer chicken recipe in advance to meal prep for the week.
Soy sauce chicken is a popular Chinese dish made with chicken and soy sauce. The traditional soy sauce chicken typically slowly braises a whole chicken for hours. This allows the chicken to fully absorb the soy sauce and aromatic spices.
This easy air fryer soy sauce chicken uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs that only require 30 minutes of marinading time and 20 minutes of cooking time which yields a similar savory, aromatic, spiced flavors in half the time. You can easily make this air fryer chicken recipe in advance to save time.
Ingredients
You can find all the ingredients for this air fryer soy sauce chicken recipe at your local Asian grocery store or online.
Chicken Thighs: I used bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs but you can also use skin-on boneless chicken thighs. For boneless, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Ginger and Garlic: are the two main aromatic flavors that enhance Chinese chicken.
Soy Sauce: adds a salty, umami flavor.
Dark Soy Sauce: is a darker, thicker, sweeter version of regular soy sauce that contributes to the deep brown coloring.
Shaoxing Wine: is a Chinese rice cooking wine that adds a slightly sweet and briny flavor.
Sesame Oil: adds a nutty umami layer to the marinade.
Five Spice Powder: adds a sweet, warm, spiced, and earthy flavor.
Brown Sugar: sweetens and balances out the other rich savory flavors.
White Pepper: adds a milder earthy flavor than black pepper.
Green onion and toasted sesame seeds: for garnish
Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions
Soy sauce alternative: you can also use, low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauce.
Sweetener: instead of brown sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or regular sugar as a sweetener.
Garlic Powder: an alternative to fresh garlic.
Ginger powder: an alternative to fresh ginger.
Black pepper: an alternative to white pepper.
Additions
Oyster Sauce: for added umami flavor, add a tablespoon of oyster sauce.
Spice: for added heat, you can add chili oil, chili flakes, or freshly chopped chilis.
How to Make Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken
Here are the step-by-step photo instructions for this air fryer soy sauce chicken recipe. See the recipe card below for full measurements and detailed instructions.
In a small mixing bowl, mix the marinade ingredients. Mix until combined. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for later.
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken and the remaining marinade. Toss together until the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Then, line the basket with parchment paper or spray the basket with cooking oil. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before you are ready to cook to bring it to room temperature.
Place the chicken thigh skin down and cook for 10 minutes. Flip, baste with more sauce, and cook for 9-12 minutes or an internal meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
Garnish the air fryer soy sauce chicken with sesame seeds and green onion.
Expert Tips
Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more time the chicken has to absorb all the delicious soy marinade flavors.
Preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer will allow for an even cook throughout the chicken.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer. For evenly cooked chicken thighs, leave about an inch or two of space between each piece of chicken.
Baste the chicken with reserved sauce. When you flip the chicken, make sure to baste the chicken with the reserved sauce for a deeper and richer color and flavor.
Use a meat thermometer. Different air fryers will yield different results. The best way to check if the chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: microwave covered until warm or air fry at 350°F (176°C) for 3-5 minutes or until hot.
Freeze: you can marinate the chicken thighs in advance and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight before cooking in the air fryer.
Pairing Suggestions
This air fryer soy sauce chicken can be served for lunch or dinner paired with the following suggestions.
Can I make this Chinese chicken air fryer recipe in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, the cooked chicken will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
How do I air fry boneless chicken thighs?
Each air fryer brand heats up the chicken differently so it is best to monitor the chicken as it cooks. For boneless and skin-on chicken thighs, air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15-18 minutes. For boneless and skinless, the cooking time will be around 10-15 minutes.
Do I need to flip the chicken halfway?
Yes, flipping the chicken halfway ensures even cooking, and even browning. This also allows you the ability to baste the marinade on both sides of the chicken for the most flavorful bite.
Savory and tender Chinese chicken thighs are ready to make in under 20 minutes! This addicting, easy air fryer soy sauce chicken is marinated in rich soy garlic and ginger sauce and air-fried to juicy perfection.
Make marinade. In a small mixing bowl, add the minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five spice powder, brown sugar, and white pepper. Mix until combined. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for later.
Marinate the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken and the remaining marinade. Toss together until the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more flavor.
Prepare air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Then, line the basket with parchment paper or spray the basket with cooking oil. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before you are ready to cook to bring it to room temperature.
Air fry. Place the chicken thigh skin down and cook for 10 minutes. Flip, baste with more sauce, and cook for 9-12 minutes or an internal meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. If using boneless, the cooking time should be around 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve. Garnish the soy sauce chicken with sesame seeds and green onion and enjoy!
Notes
See the Expert tips section above for more guidance for the best results.
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