If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors with irresistibly crispy skin, then this Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This recipe combines the rich depth of miso and garlic with the convenience and crispness the air fryer provides, delivering juicy chicken thighs that practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, these chicken thighs offer a flavor-packed punch that’s both simple and spectacular.

Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe plays a crucial role. They are straightforward, yet when combined, create a beautifully balanced marinade that infuses every bite with flavor and helps achieve that sought-after crispy skin and tender meat.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin crisps beautifully in the air fryer while the bone keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
Miso paste: Adds a deep umami richness that’s the foundation of the marinade’s savory profile.
Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and enhances the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
Honey: Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness and helps with browning during cooking.
Minced garlic: Infuses the marinade with warm, aromatic flavor that brightens the dish.
Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and lifts the flavors.
Olive oil: Helps meld the marinade ingredients together and crisps the chicken skin in the air fryer.

How to Make Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures your chicken cooks evenly and starts crisping the skin right away, which is key for achieving that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This vibrant marinade is where all the magic happens, infusing the chicken with layers of rich, balanced flavor.

Step 3: Coat the chicken thighs

Generously coat each chicken thigh with the marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. For the best flavor, it’s great if you can let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to a few hours in the fridge, but fresh out of the bowl works splendidly too.

Step 4: Cook the chicken

Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is a gorgeous golden brown and the meat is tender and juicy. The air fryer does such a great job creating that irresistible contrast between crispy skin and moist meat.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps every bite succulent and flavorful. Now you’re ready to enjoy your Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe!

How to Serve Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds add a lovely visual appeal and a delightful burst of texture. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a handful of microgreens can also add a fresh brightness that complements the rich chicken perfectly.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up every bit of the flavorful juice. Lightly sautéed or steamed vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, or roasted carrots bring color and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elevated presentation, serve the chicken thighs over a bed of soba noodles tossed in sesame oil and scallions, or alongside a vibrant cucumber salad for a refreshing textural contrast. Wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves with a drizzle of extra sauce is another fun and interactive serving idea perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping the skin crisp might be tricky after refrigeration, but the flavor remains incredible.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken thighs for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat while preserving that delightful crisp skin, pop the chicken back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, reheating in an oven works well too, just keep an eye to prevent drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs can work well. Cooking time will be shorter since there’s no bone, so check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

Not necessarily. While marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more, 15 to 30 minutes is enough to get a deliciously seasoned chicken for this recipe.

Can I use white miso instead of red miso?

Absolutely! White miso will give a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, which is a lovely variation if you prefer something less intense.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, but the air fryer provides the crispiest skin with less oil.

How do I prevent the skin from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil before placing the chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket so air can circulate freely for optimal crispiness.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe—it’s like a little flavor party on your plate. With straightforward ingredients and quick prep, it’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality excitement to your dinner table. Trust me, once you make it, this flavorful, juicy dish will become a beloved staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer Recipe

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4.1 from 38 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Garlic Miso Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful miso and garlic marinade, perfectly crisped in the air fryer. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, savory dish ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to come to temperature while you prepare the chicken.
Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the miso marinade, ensuring every piece is fully covered to maximize flavor absorption.
Air fry the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure an even golden crisp on both sides.
Serve: Once cooked through and crispy, serve the garlic miso chicken thighs hot alongside your favorite sides like steamed vegetables or warm rice for a complete meal.