Description
This easy Garlic Miso Chicken features juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze made with white miso paste, fresh garlic, ginger, honey, and soy sauce. Air-fried until beautifully caramelized, this flavorful Asian-inspired chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve over fluffy white rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons minced green onions
For Garnish:
- Fresh green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together white miso paste, rice vinegar, mirin, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and minced green onions until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the garlic miso marinade.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket if needed to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spoon the remaining marinade over the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and caramelized.
- Broil for Extra Color: For a deeper golden finish, broil for an additional 2 minutes using an air fryer broil setting or a broiler-safe pan. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Check Doneness: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes. Spoon over any fully cooked pan juices, garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and optional sesame seeds. Serve warm over steamed white rice.
Notes
- Best Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide the juiciest results, but chicken breasts can also be used with an adjusted cooking time.
- Miso Paste: White miso paste is recommended for its mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken for 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in a single layer to help it caramelize evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Food Safety: Never use uncooked leftover marinade as a finishing sauce unless it has been brought to a full boil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approx. 125 g raw)
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg