Air Fryer Asian BBQ Chicken (Char Siu Chicken) – Crispy, Sweet, and Healthier Than Takeout! 2025-05-20

Air Fryer Asian BBQ Chicken (Char Siu Chicken) – Crispy, Sweet, and Healthier Than Takeout! If you're craving a flavorful twist on your regular chicken dinner, this Air Fryer Asian BBQ Chicken, also known as Char Siu Chicken, is the perfect answer. This delicious dish delivers the iconic sweet, savory, and smoky taste of Chinese BBQ, but in a healthier, faster version thanks to your air fryer. What Is Char Siu Chicken? Char Siu is a traditional Cantonese barbecue style, famous for its glossy, reddish glaze and tender meat. While pork is the most common protein used, chicken offers a leaner, high-protein alternative that pairs beautifully with the marinade. The blend of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese five spice, and a splash of rice vinegar gives the chicken that authentic BBQ flavor with a hint of sweetness. Why Use an Air Fryer? Air fryers revolutionize the way we cook, using hot air circulation to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying. When you cook Char Siu Chicken in the air fryer, you get perfectly glazed, slightly charred edges that mimic the results of traditional BBQ but without the extra calories or mess. Ingredients You’ll Need: Boneless chicken thighs or breasts Hoisin sauce Soy sauce Honey or brown sugar Garlic and ginger Chinese five-spice Rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine Optional: red food coloring for traditional color Cooking Instructions: Marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Air fry the chicken for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with extra marinade.