This recipe for Asian-style air fryer chicken thighs is the perfect half-time snack that is both delicious and affordable. Imagine biting into juicy, tender chicken thighs that are infused with a rich, flavourful marinade, which caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a crispy exterior with every bite. The savoury aroma of garlic and ginger fills your kitchen as the chicken cooks, while the tangy zest of lime and the subtle heat from the chilli add a kick that tantalizes your taste buds. These chicken thighs are not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making them an ideal dish to share with friends and family during a game or as a flavourful weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe stand out is how simple yet effective the ingredients are in creating a truly mouth-watering dish. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and when cooked in the air fryer, they have a lower fat content than when traditionally fried, making them a healthier option without compromising on taste. The marinade, made from fresh garlic, ginger, lime, and a touch of chilli, works together to elevate the natural flavour of the chicken, providing both depth and complexity.
In addition to its great taste, this dish also has health benefits. Ginger and garlic are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while lime is a powerhouse of vitamin C, helping boost the immune system. The combination of these ingredients makes this recipe not only tasty but also nutritious. Whether you’re enjoying these chicken thighs as a quick snack or serving them as part of a full meal, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
PREP 10 minutes excluding marinating time
COOK 35 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and a mixing bowl
Ingredients for air fryer chicken thighs
5 chicken thighs
4 tablespoons of soya sauce
1 tablespoon of honey
A lime (you need the juice and zest)
1 clove of garlic, peeled and grated
A thumb sized piece of ginger, grated
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Half a red chilli finely chopped (save the rest for the garnish)
For the garnish:
A handful of fresh coriander
1 tablespoon of chopped nuts
Method
In a large mixing bowl, I combined the chicken thighs with 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, the juice and zest of one lime, 1 grated garlic clove, a generous teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and half a finely chopped red chilli. This marinade brings together a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours. Once everything was in the bowl, I gave it a really good mix to ensure the chicken was coated evenly.
I like to take it a step further and brush the marinade directly onto the chicken thighs. It helps the flavours get right into all the nooks and crannies and gives more even coverage. You can do this all in advance too. Just pop the chicken in the fridge and let it marinate for a few hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavourful and tender it becomes.
Once the chicken was ready to go, I placed the thighs into the air fryer basket, skin-side up. And then cooked them at 180°C for about 35 minutes. My chicken thighs were quite large, so keep in mind that cooking time might vary depending on the size of your pieces and the power of your air fryer. Always double-check that the chicken is cooked through before serving. So the juices should run clear and the internal temperature should be at least 75°C.
These air fried chicken thighs come out beautifully golden and sticky, with a flavour that hits all the right notes. Serve with rice, noodles, or a crunchy salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s a simple dish with big flavour – perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests without the fuss.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
1. Choose the Right Cut:
For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster.
2. Pound Evenly:
Before breading, pound your chicken pieces to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
3. Use a Three-Step Breading Process:
Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip the chicken in flour first (to help the egg stick), then coat in egg, and finally press into the breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
4. Season Everything:
Don’t forget to season your flour and breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favourite herbs and spices. This adds flavour throughout the chicken, not just on the surface.
5. Lightly Spray with Oil:
To achieve a golden, crispy crust, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil before air frying. This encourages even browning without excess fat.
6. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to around 190°C (375°F) for 2-3 minutes. This helps the chicken start crisping right away.
7. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:
Place chicken pieces in a single layer with space between each one. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking and soggy breading.
8. Flip Halfway:
Turn the chicken halfway through cooking (usually after 8-10 minutes) to crisp both sides evenly.
9. Check Internal Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) inside for safe consumption.
10. Rest Before Serving:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the coating crisp.
With these tips, your air fryer breaded chicken will come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside every time!
Similar recipes
If you love these air fryer chicken thighs then you might also like to try my air fryer chicken skewers or the air fryer chicken sandwich recipe.
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