Soy Sauce Chicken (Air Fryer Recipe)
This Soy Sauce Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken glazed with a sweet, savory, and aromatic soy-based sauce. Traditionally, soy sauce chicken is slow-braised, but with an air fryer, you can achieve the same succulent texture and glossy glaze in a fraction of the time! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an Asian-inspired meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor)
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including margination)
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
1 tbsp oil (for brushing)
For the Soy Sauce Marinade:
¼ cup dark soy sauce (for rich color & flavor)
¼ cup light soy sauce (for seasoning)
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder (or ground cinnamon + star anise)
¼ tsp white pepper
½ cup water
For Garnish (Optional):
Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, five-spice powder, white pepper, and water.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them.
Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry slightly (reserve the marinade for basting).
Lightly brush the chicken skin with oil to help it crisp up.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and cook at 375°F for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade and air fry for another 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Caramelize & Serve
Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze and crisp the skin.
Remove from the air fryer, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Pro Tips
Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
Pat the chicken dry before air frying to help crisp the skin.
Baste halfway through cooking for extra caramelized glaze.
Use chicken drumsticks or wings for a fun, snackable version.
What to Serve with Soy Sauce Chicken?
Steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice
Stir-fried bok choy or blanched Chinese greens
Pickled cucumbers for a tangy contrast
Soy sauce eggs or marinated tofu
This Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with umami goodness—all in under 30 minutes! Enjoy!