Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tocino Recipe

This easy air fryer chicken tocino recipe is a win! It's definitely one of the best air fryer chicken recipes I have ever made. Sweet, garlicky, tender, and juicy, homemade chicken tocino is the perfect all-day breakfast when paired with garlic rice and fried egg. A Filipino staple.

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If you have never had Filipino Chicken Tocino, then you're missing out!

Tocino is a popular Filipino breakfast dish made with marinated and cured pork or chicken. The term tocino means bacon in Spanish and typically uses pork. In the Philippines, pork tocino is the more common option, but chicken tocino is just as delicious. The sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors come from the key ingredients used in chicken tocino marinade, which typically includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and annatto powder.

Chicken Tocino is often eaten for breakfast, but you can enjoy it any time of the day. We personally prefer it for dinner.

Why you will love this recipe

Even better than commercial tocino! Skip the store-bought, preservative-filled tocino and make a more flavorful and healthier option at home with all-natural ingredients.
Air fryer Chicken tocino ingredients are super simple and easy to find! You can buy them in your local grocery store or online.
A great meal for any time of the day! Serve it with garlic rice or your favorite fried rice and sunny-side-up eggs.
Using air fryer to cook this delicious chicken tocino makes it extra juicy and tender without all the added fat from deep-frying. And you'll have easier and faster clean up too!

Chicken Tocino Ingredients

Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this chicken tocino recipe. It tends to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast. Make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces.
Pineapple juice: Essential! Marinating chicken in pineapple juice helps tenderize the chicken meat and infuse it with a unique sweet and sour flavor.
Brown sugar: sweetens the chicken marinade, adding a subtle caramel flavor. You can substitute it for white sugar or even coconut sugar.
Garlic: Lots of freshly minced garlic is a must for making this chicken tocino recipe Filipino style! I don't recommend using garlic powder.
Soy sauce: I prefer using dark soy sauce, which is thicker, sweeter, and darker than regular. It adds a lot of flavor and color to the marinated chicken. But you can use light soy sauce or tamari.
Vinegar: Cane vinegar has a milder flavor and some sweetness that's perfect for the classic Filipino chicken tocino flavor. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work too.
Salt and black pepper: Season your chicken thigh fillet with salt and pepper!
Annatto powder: Highly recommended to get that authentic Filipino red color! Commercial tocino uses red food coloring instead, but you don't want that.

Equipment

Cutting board
Knife
Large bowl with lid
Air fryer
Small frying non-stick pan (optional)
Parchment paper (optional)

How to make Chicken Tocino

AIR FRY

Prep the marinade. Combine everything in a bowl with a lid.
Add the chicken to the marinade.
Marinate for 4 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
Line your air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Air fry at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, turning a few times to get a nice color.
Serve it and enjoy.

PAN FRY

Prep the marinade. Combine everything in a bowl with a lid.
Add the chicken to the marinade.
Marinate for 4 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
In a skillet, add the chicken tocino in a pan with a little bit of water, around 3 tablespoon of water. Cover with a lid and let it steam for 5 minutes or until the water has evaporated. Medium heat.
Uncover the pan and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized.
Serve with white rice and a fried egg.

Tips for the best homemade chicken tocino

I highly recommend using boneless chicken thighs for this recipe because they turn out juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
How to make chicken tocino extra flavorful? Let the chicken marinate overnight or at least 4 hours before cooking to absorb all the flavors.
Make it spicier by adding a teaspoon of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Ensure your air fryer is preheated before adding the slices of chicken so they can cook evenly without sticking to each other or the basket.

ingredients for tocino
vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, annatto powder, pepper — Ingredients for Chicken Tocino

ingredients for homemade tocino — Ingredients for Chicken Tocino

STORAGE TIPS

STORE - store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

REHEAT - reheat in a microwave or pan just enough to warm it through.

FREEZE EXTRA BATCHES - this recipe is great for making ahead. Double or triple the recipe and freeze it in a large ziplock bag for up to 6 months. All you have to do is thaw it in the fridge overnight and cook it the next day.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN TOCINO

Steamed white or brown rice
Garlic rice
Sunny-side-up egg
Cucumber and tomato slices
Atchara (pickled green papaya)
Banana ketchup as a dip

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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tocino - FAQ

What is chicken tocino made of?

Chicken tocino is made of chicken thighs, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, cane vinegar, annatto oil or red food coloring, and some seasonings. These ingredients give homemade chicken tocino its signature reddish color and sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor.

What kind of meat is best for tocino making?

When it comes to making chicken tocino, boneless skinless chicken thighs are the best option. The higher fat content helps keep the chicken from drying out during cooking. If you're making pork tocino, you can use pork belly or pork shoulder.

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