Easy Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken (30 Minutes)

Easy Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken (30 Minutes)

Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and savory char siu glaze with sticky, slightly charred edges. This easy air fryer char siu chicken is ready in just 30 minutes, with the high heat caramelizing the glaze while the skin helps keep the chicken juicy.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 9

Total Time 24

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings

Calories per serving 428 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb skin-on bone-in chicken thighs

Chicken Marinade

⅓ cup red fermented bean curd
¼ cup hoisin sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice

Basting Sauce

1.5 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon red fermented bean curd

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine all the chicken marinade ingredients. Use a fork to mash the red fermented bean curd until mostly smooth. Set aside.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Debone each thigh by making small cuts around the bone with a sharp knife until it can be removed, keeping the skin intact. Add the chicken to the marinade and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
In a small bowl, combine the basting sauce ingredients. Mash the bean curd with a fork until mostly smooth. Set aside.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the marinated chicken skin-side up in a single layer without overlapping, working in batches if needed. Brush the skin generously with the basting sauce.
Air fry at 375°F for 9-10 minutes without flipping, until the glaze is caramelized with slightly charred edges and the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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