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Air Fryer Miso Chicken Thighs

ByElien

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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner, these air fryer miso chicken thighs are the way to go! The miso marinade coats the juicy chicken, creating caramelized, crispy edges with a tender, flavorful inside.

Close-up of grilled air fryer miso chicken topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a patterned plate. The chicken is browned and appears juicy, garnished with a touch of green from the onions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Minimal prep and fast cooking time.
  • Packed with flavor: The miso marinade is salty, sweet, and umami-rich.
  • Perfect texture: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs – boneless or bone-in, skin on or off
  • White miso paste
  • Honey (or maple syrup)
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Grated fresh ginger
  • Sesame seeds, sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Brush the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
A glass bowl containing a thick, reddish-brown sauce being mixed with a whisk. The sauce has a textured appearance, suggesting it contains various ingredients. The background is a white surface.
Raw chicken pieces marinated with spices and sauce in a clear glass baking dish, placed on a white surface.
  1. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up. Air fry for around 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken has caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  2. Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Raw marinated chicken pieces with a glossy, seasoned surface placed in an air fryer basket, ready for cooking. The marinade adds a rich color and texture to the meat.
Close-up of golden-brown, grilled chicken pieces on a black, perforated grill surface, showcasing a crispy exterior with charred edges. The texture and appetizing color highlight the savory cooking style.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate around the chicken to ensure even cooking.
  • Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

These miso chicken thighs pair perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
  • Stir-fried vegetables
  • A crisp cucumber salad with sesame dressing

Variations

  • Boneless chicken thighs: Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
  • Spicy kick: Add 1 tsp of sriracha or chili paste to the marinade.
  • Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

Related recipes

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Miso Chicken Thighs

Grilled air fryer miso chicken thighs garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a decorative white plate.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skin off)
  • 2 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Brush the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side up. Air fry for 15-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. If boneless chicken thighs are used, it will take a few minutes less than bone-in thighs. Cook until caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

These miso chicken thighs pair perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
  • Stir-fried vegetables
  • A crisp cucumber salad with sesame dressing

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 365Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 166mgSodium 545mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 33g
© Elien Lewis

I'm Elien, a lover of all things cooking, baking, and butter! I am a self-taught baker, author, and foodie. You will find me spending most of my days either recipe testing in the kitchen, photographing food in my living room, or out in the garden. I'm so happy to have you here!

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