Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken (2024)

Published: Mar 21, 2024, Last Modifed: Mar 21, 2024, Wendy See Affiliate Policy, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy links in footer

Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy in the center. Coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, it makes a great weeknight dinner.

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Air fryer soy sauce chicken is one of my go-to chicken air fryer recipes. Crispy skin that is loaded with incredible flavor, and as you cut into the chicken you are left with juicy chicken waiting to be devoured.
I used boneless chicken thighs for this recipe but you are welcome to use skinless chicken breasts, skin on breasts, or other cuts of chicken. The skin makes this a crispy chicken on the outside with juicy meat on the inside.

This air-fried chicken is the perfect Asian-inspired flavor to top a bowl of rice, and use for meal prep, topping salads, and more. A simple marinade that will transform any cut of chicken into juicy flavorful heaven.

This recipe is great for quick meals when you want something quick to serve up your family after a long day.

Consider trying mychicken ravioli,air fryer Doritos chicken, or even myblackberry chickenfor more easy chicken recipes. All are easy dinner ideas the whole family will enjoy. A winner winner chicken dinner inspired recipes that start with chicken.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Wendy’s Test Kitchen Tips
FAQs
Related
Pairing
Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken

Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the ingredients that you will need to make this recipe. You can find the full list in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

soy sauce
fish sauce
honey
minced garlic
Chinese five spice
white pepper
chicken thighs, with skin

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the instructions to make this recipe. You can find the full steps in the recipe card.

In a gallon bag, you will add the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, garlic, and spices. Massage the bag to mix up the sauce mixture.

Then add your chicken into the bag and seal it up. Massage the bag, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to marinade the chicken.

Preheat the air fryer as directed and prep your air fryer basket. Then place the chicken in a single layer, and air fry as directed.

Once the boneless thighs are fully cooked, allow them to rest on a plate for 10 minutes. Then serve.

Variations

Here are a few ways to change up this easy air fryer dinner recipe. Leave it as it is, or try one or more of these twists to the main course.

Spicy– add chili pepper flakes to the marinade to create a spicy chicken. You could also add in some jalapenos that are diced up as well.
Pineapple– Consider adding some pineapple juice to compliment the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. The juice has sugars so it will help aid in a crunchy savory skin with a hint of sweetness. You could add in pineapple as well to air fry for more flavor.
Citrus Infused– Add in some orange zest and orange juice or even lemon zest and lemon juice for a nice punch of citrus. It pairs well with the combination of soy sauce and other ingredients.

See this air fryer chicken quarters recipe for another tasty chicken air fryer recipe.

Equipment

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Reach for your air fryer for the cooking process. You will find that it is a good idea to use parchment paper or a cooking spray to spray on the tray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Tongs are great for flipping the chicken over as you air fry it. Then you will want a Ziploc bag or large bowl with a lid to store the marinade ingredients as you allow the chicken to soak in the flavors.

Storage

If you do not eat all the air fryer chicken thighs simply store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Then you can warm up the chicken pieces in the air fryer, microwave, or even in a skillet on the stovetop. Just don’t overheat the chicken as it will dry out the chicken. For tender juicy chicken meat reheat slowly and just until it is warmed through.

You can also freeze any chicken that is not used right away. Freeze for 2-3 months. Then thaw the chicken in the fridge the night before, or defrost straight from the freezer. The chicken reheats well and makes for easy healthy meals later on. Pair with rice, serve with a bed of lettuce, make into a tortilla wrap, etc.

Wendy’s Test Kitchen Tips

Make sure to allow time for the chicken to marinate to help flavor the chicken.
Take the time to preheat the oven for 5-10 minutes before you place the chicken in to cook.
Place the chicken in a single layer, as the chicken will cook evenly this way. If you place chicken thighs on top of each other, it can leave undercooked areas on the chicken.
You can garnish the green onions on top of the chicken and pair them with brown rice, white rice, or jasmine rice for easy meals.
Flip the chicken half way through the cooking time for a more even golden brown chicken skin.

FAQs

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Feel free to reach for a low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching the sodium in your dietary diet. The flavor will be a bit less intense if you opt for lower sodium.

Can I use frozen chicken?

You will find that using frozen chicken is not recommended as it will leave the outside of the chicken overcooked and the inside of the chicken undercooked.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs?

Any cut of chicken can be used for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time for the chicken depending on the size or cut of the chicken.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Parmesan
Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Soup
Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken:

Mexican Deviled Eggs
Banana Cornbread
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Bread Machine Cheese Bread

I hope you’ll like this recipe, and please, if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #mamasonabudget— Ilove to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

If you love this recipe, please leave a⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.