air fryer asian glazed boneless chicken thighs

I still remember the first time I made air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs for Lila and Jack on a busy Wednesday evening. Mark used to love Asian flavors, especially anything with that perfect balance of sweet and savory. After he passed, I found myself recreating those comforting tastes he enjoyed so much.

The air fryer changed everything for meno more waiting for the oven to preheat or dealing with splattering oil on the stovetop. These Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs became an instant hit in our household. The kids devoured them, and my sister Grace couldn’t stop raving about how tender and flavorful they turned out. This recipe combines the convenience of air frying with the incredible taste of a sticky, glossy Asian glaze that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

These air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs deliver restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. First, the air fryer creates the most amazing crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy inside. Additionally, boneless chicken thighs stay tender and never dry out like chicken breasts sometimes do. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating that signature sticky coating you’d expect from your favorite takeout spot.

Moreover, this recipe requires minimal cleanupsomething every busy parent appreciates. You’ll only need one bowl for mixing and your air fryer basket. Furthermore, the ingredients are simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Consequently, you can whip up these air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs whenever a craving strikes.

The flavor profile hits all the right notes. Sweet honey balances tangy rice vinegar, while soy sauce adds that essential umami depth. Fresh ginger and garlic bring aromatic complexity that fills your entire kitchen with mouthwatering scents. Best of all, the recipe easily doubles or triples for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs takes just minutes. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs	1.5 pounds (about 6 thighs)
Soy sauce	1/4 cup
Honey	3 tablespoons
Rice vinegar	2 tablespoons
Sesame oil	1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Fresh ginger, grated	1 tablespoon
Cornstarch	2 teaspoons
Red pepper flakes	1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Green onions, sliced	2 (for garnish)
Sesame seeds	1 tablespoon (for garnish)

Substitutions & Variations

These air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs adapt beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. If you prefer a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Maple syrup or agave nectar work wonderfully instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.

Can’t find rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar makes an excellent substitute. For a spicier version of these Asian glazed chicken thighs in the air fryer, add sriracha or gochujang to the glaze. I sometimes use brown sugar instead of honey when that’s what I have availableit creates a deeper, molasses-like flavor.

If you want to add vegetables, toss broccoli florets or snap peas with a bit of oil and add them to the air fryer basket during the last 5 minutes. For an orange-glazed variation, add 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and a teaspoon of orange zest. You can also use bone-in, skin-on thighs, though they’ll need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs couldn’t be simpler. Follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This step ensures maximum crispiness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if using. The cornstarch helps thicken the glaze beautifully.

Step 3: Reserve about 1/3 cup of the glaze in a small saucepan for later. Place the chicken thighs in the remaining glaze and toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes. This step helps the air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs cook evenly from the start.

Step 5: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overlap themproper air circulation creates that perfect texture. Cook for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Meanwhile, heat the reserved glaze in the saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 7: After 10 minutes, flip the chicken thighs and brush with some of the thickened glaze. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Remove the air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs and brush generously with the remaining thickened glaze. Let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Step 9: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Making these air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs couldn’t be simpler. For another easy family dinner idea, check out texas toast pizza air fryer family dinner idea.

Pro Tips for Success

After making these air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee perfect results every time.

Always dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning. Moisture prevents proper browning and crispiness. Additionally, don’t skip preheating your air fryerit makes a noticeable difference in texture. If your air fryer runs hot, check the chicken a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Chicken thighs should reach 165°F internally but remain juicy even at slightly higher temperatures due to their higher fat content. Furthermore, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation around each piece.

The cornstarch in the glaze is crucialit helps the sauce cling to the chicken beautifully. If you want extra caramelization on your Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F for the final 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Let the chicken rest briefly before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Finally, double-glaze for maximum flavorbrush once during cooking and again right after removing from the air fryer.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs store remarkably well, making them perfect for meal prep. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For reheating, the air fryer works best. Preheat to 350°F and heat the chicken for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. This method restores some of the original crispiness. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, though the texture won’t be quite as good.

You can freeze these Asian glazed chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Wrap each thigh individually in plastic wrap, then place all wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The glaze may separate slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains excellent.

These air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs store remarkably well, making them perfect for meal prep. If you’re looking for another delicious dish, try the chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs pair wonderfully with so many sides. I typically serve them over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up that delicious glaze. Cauliflower rice works beautifully for a low-carb option.

Vegetable sides complement the rich flavors perfectly. Try steamed broccoli, stir-fried bok choy, or roasted asparagus. Additionally, a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides refreshing contrast. Lila loves when I make fried rice alongside these Asian glazed boneless chicken thighsthe combination feels like a complete Asian-inspired feast.

For a lighter meal, serve over mixed greens with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing. Lo mein noodles or rice noodles also make excellent partners. Don’t forget to drizzle any extra glaze over everything!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for air fryer Asian glazed chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they require different timing. Chicken breasts cook faster and dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes total, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F. However, boneless thighs remain juicier and more flavorful for this particular recipe.

Do I need to marinate the chicken thighs before air frying?

No, marinating isn’t necessary for these air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs. The glaze provides plenty of flavor even with just a quick coating. However, if you have time, marinating for 30 minutes to 2 hours intensifies the taste even more.

Why is my glaze not sticking to the chicken?

The glaze may not stick properly if the chicken wasn’t dried thoroughly before cooking. Additionally, make sure you’re using cornstarch in the glazeit acts as a thickening agent. Reducing the reserved glaze until syrupy also helps it adhere better.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake the Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also grill them over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. The air fryer provides the crispiest results, but other methods work well too.

How do I know when the chicken thighs are done?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165°F. The chicken will also look opaque throughout with clear juices. Overcooked chicken becomes dry, so checking the temperature prevents this issue.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Based on 6 servings:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	285
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	135mg
Sodium	720mg
Fiber	0g
Sugar	11g

These air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs have become a weekly staple in our home. The combination of convenience, flavor, and versatility makes them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Every time I make them, I think of Mark and how much he would’ve loved this quick, delicious meal.

The kids never complain when these appear on the dinner table, and honestly, neither does Grace when she stops by. I hope your family loves these air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs as much as mine does!

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Air fryer Asian glazed boneless chicken thighs are a popular dish that combines the convenience of air frying with the rich flavors of Asian cuisine. This method allows for a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a favorite among home cooks looking for quick and flavorful meals, as detailed in the Chicken article.