Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs

If you’re craving juicy, tender chicken thighs with a flavorful, sticky glaze that’s packed with all the savory, sweet, and tangy goodness of Asian flavors, then you’re in for a treat! These Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs are easy to make, and they cook up so quickly in your air fryer—meaning you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The crispy edges of the chicken paired with that irresistible glaze are nothing short of a match made in heaven. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs

Quick and Easy

If you love delicious, home-cooked meals but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. The air fryer makes these chicken thighs cook faster while keeping them incredibly juicy inside. Plus, it’s an easy recipe with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights!

Flavor Explosion

The glaze! Oh, the glaze. With soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a little bit of rice vinegar, this glaze is both sweet and savory with just the right amount of tang. The air fryer crisps up the chicken, making each bite a juicy and flavorful experience.

Healthier Alternative

Using the air fryer gives you that satisfying crispy texture without the extra oil, making this a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. You still get the crispy skin and tender meat, just with less fat.

Versatile

You can serve these Asian-glazed chicken thighs in so many ways! Whether it’s over a bed of rice, alongside some sautéed veggies, or in a lettuce wrap, the options are endless. It’s a dish that adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for.

Crowd-Pleasing

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s guaranteed to impress, this is it. The flavors are bold yet balanced, and everyone—from kids to adults—will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these irresistible Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs:

For the Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for this dish.
• Olive Oil: A little bit of oil helps the chicken get crispy in the air fryer.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.

For the Asian Glaze

• Soy Sauce: The base of the glaze, giving it that salty umami flavor.
• Honey: Adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic for that aromatic, savory punch.
• Ginger: A little fresh ginger gives the glaze a warm, spicy kick.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
• Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil gives the glaze a rich, nutty flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat (optional).

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the approximate breakdown for one serving of Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Sugar: 8g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Potassium: 320mg
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 10% DV
• Vitamin C: 2% DV

These chicken thighs are packed with protein, and the glaze adds a little sweetness and tang without being too heavy on calories.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!

Season the Chicken

Start by patting your boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy when cooked in the air fryer. Season both sides with salt and pepper, and drizzle a little olive oil over the top.

Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat.

Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is done cooking, brush the warm Asian glaze generously over each chicken thigh. For extra flavor, drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken just before serving.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken hot with your favorite side dishes. Over rice, with some steamed veggies, or even tucked into a lettuce wrap—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these chicken thighs!

How to Serve Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are incredibly versatile, so here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Over Steamed Rice

Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the delicious glaze. Add some sautéed veggies on the side to make it a complete meal.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

Stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas complement the chicken perfectly. The savory glaze ties everything together for a satisfying meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, try serving the glazed chicken in crisp lettuce wraps with some shredded carrots and cucumber. A little drizzle of extra glaze, and you’ve got yourself a refreshing and flavorful meal.

With Noodles

Serve the chicken alongside a bowl of noodles, whether it’s soba, ramen, or even rice noodles. Add a few veggies and some extra sauce, and you’ve got a hearty meal everyone will love.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

Want to kick up the heat? Add a teaspoon of chili paste or more red pepper flakes to the glaze for an extra spicy kick.

Marinate the Chicken

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the glaze for 30 minutes before cooking. This gives the chicken time to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Use Bone-In Thighs

If you prefer bone-in thighs, just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken thighs will take a little longer to cook—about 25-30 minutes—so be sure to check the internal temperature before serving.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer

To get that crispy, golden-brown exterior, make sure to leave some space between the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they might be a little less juicy than thighs. Adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken thighs?
A2: Definitely! Just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken thighs, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Q3: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before using it on the chicken.

Q4: Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce?
A4: Absolutely! Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, and it will work just as well in this recipe.

Q5: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the air fryer?
A5: Yes, you can cook the chicken thighs in a skillet over medium heat. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then brush with the glaze.

Q6: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A6: If you want a thicker glaze, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Q7: Can I freeze the chicken after it’s cooked?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven when ready to serve.

Q8: What sides go well with this dish?
A8: This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple salad. You could also serve it with some crispy Asian-style spring rolls for a complete meal.

Q9: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
A9: Yes! Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used in place of honey for a different kind of sweetness.

Q10: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A10: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will ensure it’s cooked perfectly and safe to eat.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs are the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken and an irresistible sticky glaze. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe will impress everyone. With the air fryer doing the work for you, you’ll enjoy crispy, golden chicken thighs with minimal effort. Plus, the flavors are out of this world! The sweet, salty, and tangy glaze will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!

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