These juicy garlic miso chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer are bursting with rich umami flavor, perfectly crispy skin, and tender meat. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is an easy and healthy dinner option that’ll be ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold, savory flavors from garlic and miso
- Crispy skin and tender, juicy meat—thanks to the air fryer
- Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes
- Healthy and low-carb—perfect for a quick weeknight meal
- Great for meal prep or a family-friendly dinner
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- Miso paste
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Rice vinegar
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the miso mixture, making sure they are fully covered.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite side, such as rice or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Spice: Incorporate a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lighter Version: Swap honey with a sugar-free sweetener to reduce the calories and carbs.
- Miso Alternatives: Use white or red miso depending on your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Air Fryer Adjustments: If using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cook for 15-20 minutes instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes! If using boneless thighs, the cooking time will be shorter—about 15-20 minutes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time to 18-20 minutes, and keep an eye on them.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is the honey necessary for this recipe?
Honey adds sweetness to balance the savory miso, but you can substitute with a sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb version.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge for more intense flavor.
Can I grill these chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can grill them over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and crispy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can check with a meat thermometer.
Can I use a different type of miso?
Yes! White, yellow, or red miso can be used depending on your preference for a milder or more intense flavor.
Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Absolutely! This miso marinade works well with chicken breasts, , or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it fresh when ready to serve.
Conclusion
These garlic miso chicken thighs are a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option, thanks to the air fryer. The combination of savory miso, garlic, and a touch of honey creates a deliciously balanced flavor, while the air fryer ensures crispy skin and juicy meat. Whether for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking routine!
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Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer)
These Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs cooked in the air fryer are the perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Infused with savory miso, garlic, and a touch of honey, they are packed with umami flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. A healthy, low-carb meal that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 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 to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the miso mixture, making sure they are fully covered.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite side, such as rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Add spice: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb infusion: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or cilantro to the marinade for extra flavor.
- Lighter version: Swap honey for a sugar-free sweetener for fewer carbs.
- Miso alternatives: Use white or red miso depending on your taste preference.
- Air fryer adjustments: For boneless thighs, cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
