Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken

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Indulge in the aromatic flavors of Asian cuisine with this Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken recipe! Elevating the essence of a beloved classic, this dish combines succulent, marinated chicken with the magic of air frying. The result? Tender, juicy, and perfectly charred bites that capture the essence of Chinese barbecue. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe offers a seamless blend of simplicity and sophistication.

Here is another recipe where I use my air fryer to whip up an easy weeknight dinner and everyone enjoys this with a simple jasmine rice and some Chinese green vegetables and makes for a quick dinner that adults and kids will love. My kids love these Air Fryer Char Sui Chicken and will ask for more.

Why make this?

Homemade Goodness: Making Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken at home allows you to enjoy the flavors of a popular restaurant dish in the comfort of your own home. Homemade meals often have a personal touch and can be tailored to individual tastes.

Healthier Option: By using the air fryer instead of deep frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used in the cooking process. This results in a healthier dish that’s lower in calories and fat compared to the traditional deep-fried version.

Budget-Friendly: Cooking at home is often more cost-effective than dining out, especially if you’re preparing restaurant-style dishes. Buying ingredients in bulk and using them for multiple meals can save you money in the long run.

Why I love this recipe?

Flavorful Marinade: The marinade for this recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices gives the chicken a rich and delicious taste.

Tender and Juicy: Marinating the chicken helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors. Cooking it in the air fryer ensures that the chicken stays juicy on the inside while getting a slightly crispy and charred texture on the outside.

Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil compared to deep frying, making it a healthier cooking method. You can enjoy the crispy texture without the excessive oil and calories.

Ingredients, Substitution and Variations

Chicken (Drumsticks, thighs or chicken wings). This recipe works with any cut of chicken. With the different cuts you will need to adjust the time accordingly for the right cook time. For this recipe I used drumsticks as this was a low cost meal and I like to marinade enough chicken to air fry for two dinners.

Garlic salt. I use garlic salt for ease. You can substitute with finely chopped garlic.

Brown sugar. I like to use brown sugar but you can substitute with white or any type of sugar of your choice.

Oyster sauce. Oyster sauce gives the marinade a lovely umami flavor, If you don’t have oyster sauce you can substitute with fish sauce

Light soy sauce. The standard soy sauce that is commonly found in all Asian households. 

Hoisin sauce. This is a thick sauce and is commonly used in Chinese cuisine but is also used as a Dipping sauce. Hoisin sauce is the base for Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce for spring rolls.   

Shaoxing wine. Made by fermenting glutinous rice, water and wheat-based yeast. Its affordable and can be found in Asian Supermarkets. Substitute with dry sherry

Water. Helps mix all the ingredients better.

Chinese five spice powder. This powder is a combination of sweet, bitter, sur, salty and savory is a mixture of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel. You can find this at large supermarkets.

Sesame oil. Sesame oil gives it a smoky flavor but if you don’t’ have substitute with olive oil.

How to enjoy

Make Fried Rice: Use the Char Siu Chicken as an ingredient in fried rice. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry it with cooked rice, vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an easy and flavorful fried rice dish.

Serve with Steamed Rice: Char Siu Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice. The flavorful sauce from the chicken can be drizzled over the rice, creating a tasty combination. Make the perfect jasmine rice in a rice cooker here.

Noodles: Serve the Char Siu Chicken over cooked noodles, such as lo mein or egg noodles. Toss the noodles with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil, then top them with sliced Char Siu Chicken for a satisfying noodle dish.

Create Asian-Inspired Bowls: Make a grain bowl by serving the Char Siu Chicken over quinoa, brown rice, or another grain of your choice. Add steamed or roasted vegetables, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce for a wholesome and filling meal.

Success tips on making the best

Marinate Thoroughly: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.

Use Boneless, Skinless Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts. They also tend to stay moist during cooking, making them an ideal choice for this recipe.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, resulting in a better texture. Follow your air fryer’s instructions for preheating.

Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches.

How to Store

Refrigeration: If you have leftover Char Siu Chicken and plan to consume it within a few days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to the container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to store Char Siu Chicken for a longer period, freezing is a good option. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Properly frozen, Char Siu Chicken can last for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for Char Siu Chicken in the air fryer?

While chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay juicier, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Marinating the chicken breasts can help keep them moist and flavorful.

How long does it take to marinate the chicken?

It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate the meat. For optimal taste, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is recommended.

Can I freeze the Char Siu Chicken before cooking it in the air fryer?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for later use. Place the marinated chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before air frying.

If you enjoy this recipe check out my other air fryer recipes

Air Fryer Vietnamese Chicken Wings. This is the iconic Vietnamese Canh Ga Chien Nuoc Mam. Coated with a flavorful fish sauce dipping sauce and air fried so its nice and crispy.

 Air Fryer Char Sui Pork Chops.  Similar to this recipe but using pork chops. 

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