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Easy Chinese Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken Thighs (氣炸鍋豉油雞)

In the realm of quick and delicious meals, few dishes stand out quite like Chinese soy sauce chicken thighs. Traditionally simmered and marinated to perfection, this dish finds a new lease of life when prepared in an air fryer. The beauty of cooking with an air fryer lies not only in the speed but also in the ability to achieve that irresistible crispy skin while retaining juicy, tender meat. Here, we’ll guide you through an easy, flavour-packed recipe for Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken Thighs that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the marinade:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred for extra flavour)
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (for colour and richness)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (for sweetness)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional, for a hint of warmth)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Ziplock bag or container for marinating

Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Mix well until the honey is dissolved.

2. Add the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that lovely crispy skin.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Arrange the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).

2. Air fry: Cook the chicken thighs for 25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.

Step 4: Serve

• Once the chicken is beautifully crisp and golden, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken Thighs can be served with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. The leftover marinade can be simmered in a small saucepan for a few minutes to create a delicious dipping sauce.

Conclusion

This easy Chinese Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken Thighs recipe brings a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine to the modern kitchen. With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The rich flavour of the soy sauce, combined with the aromatic garlic and ginger, makes each bite a delight. Give this recipe a try, and discover how easy it is to create delicious Asian-inspired meals at home!