Hoisin Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs are sticky and delicious. Best of all, these tender, juicy thighs are ready in just minutes.

A simple and easy hoisin marinade is all these need before adding to the air fryer for a quick dinner.

close up of Air Fryer Hoisin Thighs on a plate

Ingredients for Sticky Air Fryer Thighs

THE CHICKEN: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are extra juicy and quick to cook. They’re not as thick as chicken breasts so they don’t need as much time and since they’re dark meat, they stay moist and juicy.

THE SAUCE: Hoisin sauce is a Chinese sauce made from fermented soybean paste with a delicious sweet and salty flavor.  A splash of orange juice gives the sauce a sweet and fresh flavor. Add a little sriracha for a spicy kick.

VARIATIONS: Sliced green onion makes a great garnish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will give the dish a touch of heat.

ingredients to make Air Fryer Hoisin Thighs

PRO TIP: Lightly sauté the sesame seeds in a sauté pan until they are barely browned and then let them cool. The sesame seeds will be more flavorful and add a little extra crunch to the cooked chicken thighs.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs have to be one of the easiest recipes ever!

  1. Whisk sauce ingredients (per the recipe below) & toss chicken thighs with sauce until coated.
  2. Marinate 30 minutes or longer if time allows.
  3. Place in a single layer in a preheated air fryer and cook until tender.

Remove cooked chicken pieces from the air fryer & garnish with sesame seeds & sliced green onions.

No Air Fryer? No Problem

You can also use this recipe to make grilled chicken thighs or broil them in the oven about 4-6″ from the heat for 13-16 minutes flipping halfway through cooking.

process of adding Air Fryer Hoisin Thighs to the air fryer

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These pair well with rice or fried rice and fresh veggie. Favorite veggies include:

Leftovers?

Keep air fryer chicken thighs in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat them in the microwave or air fryer before serving again.

top view of cooked Air Fryer Hoisin Thighs

More Air Fryer Chicken

Did you make these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs? Leave us a rating and a comment below! 

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close up of Air Fryer Hoisin Thighs on a plate
5 from 22 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Hoisin Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Hoisin chicken thighs made in the air fryer are tender, juicy, and covered in a sticky-sweet sauce!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs about 6-8
  • cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice or pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion, optional for garnish

Instructions 

  • Combine hoisin, orange juice, sesame oil, and garlic in a bowl.
  • Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  • Place chicken in a single layer in the basket and cook 14-16 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.

Notes

Air Fryers can vary. Be sure to check the chicken a minute or two early until you are familiar with the cook time of your appliance.
You can use chicken breasts in this recipe but will need to increase cook time.
Hoisin is a thick sticky Chinese sauce with lots of great flavor. Teriyaki sauce can be substituted but it's not as thick and it will change the flavor of the recipe.
5 from 22 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 187 | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 379mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Dinner, Entree
Cuisine American, Asian
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cooked Air Fryer Hoisin Thighs in the air fryer and plated with a title
Air Fryer Hoisin Thighs in the air fryer with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Delicious AND Easy! The entire family enjoyed these. I served the chicken with stir-fried rice using LOTS of veggies.5 stars

  2. I got an air fryer a few months ago and have yet to find a way to “appreciate” it though I’ve tried a few recipes. This (Hoisin Chx Thighs) recipe sounds delicious but I feel it’s not worth the extra hassle with the air fryer. Can I make these another way
    With the same results?

    1. The additional cook methods are listed in the post:

      You can also use this recipe to make grilled chicken thighs or broil them in the oven about 4-6″ from the heat for 13-16 minutes flipping halfway through cooking.

      Enjoy the recipe!