If you love dishes that are bursting with umami and crispy, satisfying textures, you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe. It marries the deep, savory notes of miso and soy with the gentle sweetness of honey and the punch of fresh garlic, resulting in chicken thighs that are juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, all made effortlessly in the air fryer. This recipe feels both comforting and exciting, making it an ideal midweek dinner or a weekend treat that’ll impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture without any fuss. From the richness of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the vibrant, tangy hit of rice vinegar, every component plays a key role in crafting a dish that’s balanced and deeply satisfying.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy meat and extra flavor thanks to the skin that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 2 tbsp miso paste: The star umami component that adds depth and a subtle savory sweetness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds saltiness and enhances the savory profile of the marinade.
- 1 tbsp honey: Balances the salty and savory flavors with a gentle sweetness that caramelizes nicely.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fresh punch of aroma and flavor that complements the miso wonderfully.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Introduces a hint of acidity to brighten the overall taste.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and assists in crisping the skin.
How to Make Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Begin by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately once placed inside, helping to develop a crisp, golden skin.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil until smooth. This combination creates the signature flavorful glaze that will coat the chicken and infuse it as it marinates.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thighs
Generously brush each chicken thigh with the marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is well covered. The skin and meat absorb the flavors best when coated thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, then flip the thighs so the skin is facing up, and continue cooking for another 10 to 13 minutes. You want the chicken to develop a rich golden color and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy perfection.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Once cooked through and beautifully crisp, remove the chicken thighs carefully from the air fryer. Let them rest briefly so the juices redistribute, resulting in tender meat that is a delight with every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely pop of color and an extra layer of texture that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
Side Dishes
Serve these savory chicken thighs alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the delicious drippings. Lightly sautéed or steamed vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli create a fresh, crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken thighs and serve them over a noodle bowl with a drizzle of extra sauce and some pickled vegetables. You can also pile them on top of a fresh salad for a satisfying lunch option that’s full of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re thoroughly cooled before freezing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
To keep the skin crispy upon reheating leftovers, use your air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method won’t dry out the chicken like microwaving often does.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
Is miso paste necessary for this recipe?
Miso paste is essential for that signature umami flavor and depth which makes this recipe so special. While you can substitute with alternatives, the flavor profile will be different.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, the marinade can be made up to a day ahead. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, let it sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
How spicy is this dish?
This Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe is not spicy; it focuses on savory and slightly sweet flavors. However, you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe is truly a weeknight winner and a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s straightforward enough for your busiest days but delicious enough to savor slowly. Try it out, and you might just find your new go-to chicken recipe!
Print
Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs recipe offers a flavorful and crispy chicken dish cooked in an air fryer. Marinated with a savory blend of miso paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil, the chicken thighs become juicy inside with a perfectly crisp skin outside, ready in just 30 minutes for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the miso marinade, making sure all surfaces are covered for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and continue cooking for another 10-13 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite sides such as steamed rice or vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before marinating to allow for better flavor absorption.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even crisping on both sides.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of your chicken thighs and your air fryer model.
- For extra crispiness, pat the skin dry before applying the marinade.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
