Air Fryer Garlic Soy Chicken
Why this recipe works
- Big savoury flavour: Soy sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame oil give the chicken a deep umami base before the glaze goes on.
- Balanced glaze: Honey brings sweetness while rice vinegar keeps the glaze bright rather than heavy.
- Fast weeknight method: A short marinade and air fryer cooking keep the total time comfortably under an hour.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Short marinade: The 20-minute marinade is enough to season boneless thighs without making the recipe feel slow.
- Serve while glossy: Brush the glaze over the chicken just before serving so it stays shiny and coats the hot pieces evenly.
Common mistakes
- Avoid crowding the basket: Arrange the chicken in a single layer where possible; overcrowding traps steam and reduces browning.
- Watch the glaze: Honey can catch quickly, so the glaze is best brushed on at the end rather than used throughout the full air-fryer cook.
Ingredient notes
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and suit the sticky glaze better than leaner cuts.
- Balance the sharpness: Rice vinegar gives the glaze brightness; white wine vinegar works as a similar substitute if needed.
Make-ahead tips
- Prep ahead: The garlic, ginger, spring onions and broccoli can be prepared in advance to make cooking quicker.
- Reheat carefully: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot, and refresh the broccoli briefly with steam.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix 60 ml of the light soy sauce with the garlic, ginger and toasted sesame oil. Add the chicken and toss well, then set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the jasmine rice according to the packet instructions. Cut the broccoli into florets and steam for 4 to 6 minutes until bright green and just tender.
- Air-fry the chicken at 200°C (390°F) for 12 to 14 minutes, turning once, until browned and sticky at the edges and cooked through. Arrange in a single layer if possible for the best colour.
- While the chicken finishes, warm the remaining light soy sauce with the honey and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over a low heat until fluid and glossy, about 1 minute. Take off the heat.
- Slice the spring onion. Brush the warm glaze over the hot chicken and toss gently to coat, then scatter over the spring onion and sesame seeds.
- Serve the chicken with the jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. Spoon any remaining glaze over the rice if you like.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a deeper, stickier finish, brush on half the glaze, air-fry for 1 minute more, then brush on the rest just before serving.
- If cooking for someone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the chicken is cooked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace Rice vinegar with White wine vinegar for a similar brightness in the glaze.
- Replace Honey with Maple syrup for a slightly less floral sweetness.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool quickly and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 4 to 6 minutes until piping hot; reheat rice until piping hot and steam the broccoli briefly to refresh.
Ratings & reviews
Liked this recipe? Share your feedback to support our cooking community.
Tried this recipe?
Choose 1–5 stars. A comment is optional.
Stay inspired
Discover new recipes, seasonal favourites and cooking inspiration every day. Follow JustRecipes on Pinterest and Spillt.
Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Chinese
-
Allergens:
Sesame Soybeans Wheat
Plan your meals and get a complete grocery list automatically.
Add to meal plannerEquipment you'll need
Got ingredients left?
Find recipes using ingredients from this recipe or what you already have at home.
Find recipes with these ingredients →Make this recipe easier next time
AdvertisementThese tools help you get better results with less effort.
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Non-slip base
- Stainless steel
- Not microwave safe
T-fal Specialty Nonstick Handy Pot with Glass Lid 3 Quart
- Easy food release
- Dishwasher safe
- Not induction compatible
OXO Good Grips Stainless Mixing Bowl Set
- Non-slip base
- Comfort grip
- Higher price
WMF Mini Saucepan 16 cm with Lid
- High-quality stainless steel
- Even heat distribution
- Higher price point
Enjoy cooking with JustRecipes?
Add JustRecipes as one of your preferred Google sources to discover our recipes more easily across Google Search.
Add JustRecipes to GoogleEvery recipe on JustRecipes follows the same structured editorial process. Learn how recipes are created, validated, translated, illustrated, and continuously improved across the platform. How we create recipes.
























