
Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy
Let's create a dish that's both quick and delicious: Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin, marinated in a flavorful soy sauce mixture. It's perfect for a weeknight meal and requires minimal cleanup. I'm excited to share this easy and satisfying recipe with you.
Ingredient Essentials
- Boneless Chicken Thighs:
- Boneless chicken thighs provide a tender and juicy base.
- Ginger:
- Julienned ginger adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Garlic:
- Minced garlic adds a savory depth.
- Green Onions:
- Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Honey:
- Honey adds a touch of sweetness.
- Dark Soy Sauce:
- Dark soy sauce adds a rich, dark color and flavor.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce adds savory saltiness.
- Sesame Oil:
- Sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Chinese 5 Spice Powder:
- Chinese 5 Spice Powder adds a warm, complex flavor.
- Sambal Oelek (Optional):
- Sambal oelek adds a spicy kick.

Crafting Your Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken
- Marinade Preparation:
- Julienne ginger, mince garlic, and slice green onions, separating white and green parts.
- Combine ginger, garlic, white parts of green onions, honey, dark soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese 5 Spice Powder, and sambal oelek (if using) in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Chicken Marination:
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. (Or cook right away)
- Air Fryer Cooking:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- Garnish with green parts of green onions.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or your favorite sides.
You Must Know
- This recipe delivers crispy-skinned, juicy chicken with a flavorful soy sauce marinade.
- Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor, but you can cook it right away.
- The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly and evenly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
I love the crispy skin and the savory-sweet flavor of the chicken. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken with white rice, cauliflower fried rice, shiitake mushroom fried rice, garlic braised kale, or sesame cucumber salad.
Flavorful Variations
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or chili crisp to the marinade for a spicy kick. Use different spices like ginger powder or garlic powder. Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until heated through and crispy.

Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the spices and seasonings to your preference.
This Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken is a delicious and convenient meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful chicken dish as much as I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- → Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
- Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
- → Can I skip the sambal oelek?
- Yes, skip it for a milder flavor.
- → Can I bake this in the oven?
- Yes, oven instructions are included in the recipe.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- Rice, noodles, and steamed vegetables are excellent sides.