Spicy Sesame Chicken (VIDEO)

This Spicy Sesame Chicken recipe made in the air fryer and uses boneless chicken thighs are juicy, flavourful, and ridiculously easy to make! Packed with bold Asian-inspired flavours, this might be one of the tastiest air fryer chicken dishes you’ll ever try.

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Only 8 ingredients, this air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs will wow you. This Asian air fryer Great for meal planning for the week or impressing your guests. These air fryer chicken will be one of your favorites for years to come.

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.

You can use bone-in chicken thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are versatile. 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.

spicy sesame chicken — you can use bone-in, skinless, boneless - you choose!

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 - use regular or toasted sesame oil
Soy sauce - tamari of gluten free
Honey - any sweetener will work
Garlic - use fresh, it adds so much flavor
Green onions - omit if you don't have any
Sambal or chili crisp

air fryer skinless boneless chicken thighs

Equipment

Air Fryer
Optional: Oven, baking tray
Medium size mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board

How to make these air fryer chicken thighs

This air fryer chicken thighs 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.

spicy sesame chicken marinade ingredients — Combine marinade ingredients

spicy sesame marinade — Combine marinade ingredients

How to store and reheat

STORE - store the air fryer Asian chicken thighs 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 chicken in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What to serve with Spicy Sesame Chicken

Serve these air fryer chicken thighs with these amazing sides.

More air fryer recipes

Spicy Sesame Chicken - FAQs

How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

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.

What temperature do you cook chicken in the air fryer?

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.

Is sesame chicken spicy

Yes and no. You can easily adjust the level of spice in this recipe. I only put a little bit for a nice kick. Feel free to add more if you want it more spicy.

Carmen