Mouthwatering, juicy, and flavourful Spicy Sesame Chicken air fryer boneless chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This is one of the easiest and most delicious chicken dishes I have ever made.
My best friend, the air fryer, makes dinner time quick and easy. If you don’t own an air fryer, this is the time to get one. It cuts cooking time in half and makes meal prepping and any meals an easy process.
These Spicy Sesame Chicken are amazing and so easy to make. I took the sauce I created for my Sesame Braised Cabbage and turned it into a marinade. The sauce is so delicious that I turned it into a marinade.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy, no need to marinade. Combine and cook.
- Using boneless chicken thighs will ensure a juicy chicken. To make your chicken healthier, remove the skin.
- Ready in only 20 minutes, TOTAL. Perfect for lazy days or busy nights.
- The sauce can be used in multiple ways. Stir fry sauce or marinades. Great for meal planning.
You can use bone-in chicken thighs
You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe. It is easier to cook with. No fuss. Add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time for a total of 30 minutes in the air fryer.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples. These air fryer chicken thighs ingredients may be in your refrigerator or pantry. See the recipe below for the exact measurements.
- Boneless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken thighs
- Oyster sauce – substitute: vegan oyster sauce (made with mushrooms)
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Sambal (Chili Garlic)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Optional: Oven, baking tray
- Medium size mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to make these air fryer boneless chicken thighs
This recipe is really easy to make. Combine, cook, and enjoy.
- Prep your marinade. Mince your garlic, and cut your green onions. Separate the white and the dark green part. Use the green part for garnish.
- Trim your boneless chicken thighs.
- Combine all the ingredients. Mix well.
- Line your air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper.
- Place your chicken skin side up on the tray.
- COOK: Air fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should be over 165 degrees.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
here are some tips to make sure you make the most incredible air fryer boneless chicken thighs that you will make over and over again.
- Feel free to marinate this for 30 minutes up to overnight however, if you don’t have the time, there is no need to marinate.
- Use fresh, not frozen, boneless chicken thighs. You can thaw out the chicken before adding the sauce.
- Adding or removing less sambal can make it spicier or less spicy.
- Use an instant meat thermometer.
- Rest your meat for 5 minutes after cooking.
- For quicker preparation, use bone-in chicken thighs. Add an extra 10 minutes of cooking time.
STORAGE AND REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS
STORE – store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
REHEAT – reheat in a microwave or the air fryer to get the skin nice and crispy again.
FREEZE – freeze the cooked boneless chicken thighs in the freezer for up to 3 months.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THESE AIR FRYER BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS
Serve these air fryer chicken thighs with these amazing sides.
More Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes
Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on whether you are using bone-in or boneless. Regardless, always use an instant meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees or higher.
If using boneless, approximately 15 minutes in the air fryer. If using bone-in, approximately 35 minutes, flipping halfway. Temperature is 350-400 degrees.
With my extensive experience in cooking boneless chicken thighs. The best temperature to cook the chicken is between 350 – 400 degrees. Always use an instant meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees or higher.
Spicy Sesame Chicken – Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
Mouthwatering, juicy, and flavourful boneless chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This is one of the easiest and most delicious chicken dishes I have ever made.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 1x
Ingredients
6 boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless)
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
3 cloves of minced garlic
2 stalks of green onions (White and green separated. Green part for garnish)
2 tbsp of sambal or chili oil
1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep your marinade. Mince your garlic, and cut your green onions. Separate the white and the dark green part. Use the green part for garnish.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Trim your boneless chicken thighs.
- Combine all the ingredients. Mix well.
- Line your air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper.
- Place your chicken skin side up on the tray.
- Air fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should be over 165 degrees.
Notes
- No air fryer? No problem.
Roast in the oven at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees or over. - If using bone-in chicken thighs, cook for an extra 10 minutes. The total air fry time is 30 minutes. Flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: mains
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: asian
Keywords: air fryer boneless chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs in air fryer, boneless skinless chicken thighs in air fryer, sesame chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs air fryer recipe, chicken thighs air fryer
Emily Twanmo
Excellent and easy recipe with a nice spicy bite. My prep time was significantly greater to trim the thighs of fat, but well worth it! I highly recommend you try this!
Carmen Spillette
Thank you for making it! Yes, trimmimg the chicken fat takes the longest for me too.
Nancy P.
Made this in my airfryer and it’s one of my favorite dishes I’ve ever made using it. My husband has requested it 3 times in the last week and he’s one of the pickiest eaters I’ve ever met 🤣.
Carmen Spillette
That is so sweet! Thank you.
Bruce
🔥
Carmen Spillette
Thank you Bruce
Daryn Williams
I never write reviews, but this spicy sesame chicken is one of the best chicken dishes I’ve ever tasted. I baked mine instead of using an air fryer, but it still turned out incredibly well.
Carmen Spillette
Thank you
Barb
This is a party in your mouth 🥳🥳🥳. Thanks Carmen, this was outstanding!
Carmen Spillette
Thank you
Jess Sampson
Made this for my family Sunday get together and it stole the show. So easy to make and the flavor is out of this world!
Carmen Spillette
Thank you
Edward
Love this!!!!!! ❤️
BJones
Really simple and flavorful. I used hot honey, amazing. Will definitely make again.
Carmen
thank you so much!
Amy Thomas
Incredible!! Can’t get enough of this dish and really easy to make.
Carmen
This is awesome to hear. Thank you!!!
Corey Moody
WOW! This was so incredibly good! I cannot wait to make this on repeat. Thank you for sharing it.
Carmen
That is music to my ears. Thank you!