Air Fryer Char Sui Chicken
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.
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2½-3 pounds chicken of your choice drumsticks, thighs or chicken wings
Marinade
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1½ tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together garlic salt, brown sugar, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, shaoxing wine, water Chinese five-spice powder and sesame oil. This is your marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slightly charred appearance on the edges. Cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model, so be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- 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.
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