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Char Siu is one of my favorite dishes to make, and while it’s traditionally made with pork, this version swaps in chicken thighs for a quicker and perhaps slightly healthier twist. It’s an adaptation of my classic char siu pork recipe, but instead of roasting in the oven, we’re using the air fryer to keep things simple and efficient. The result is an incredibly tasty, flavorful chicken that’s caramelized on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something that feels special.

Key Components of the Marinade

Every good char siu starts with a deeply flavorful marinade, and this one is no exception. The first key ingredient is red fermented bean curd. For this recipe, we’ll be using two cubes plus a little bit of the liquid it’s packed in. This ingredient brings that unmistakable savory depth that defines Char Siu. It’s funky, salty, and slightly sweet all at once. Beyond flavor, it also gives the chicken a naturally rosy hue. If you prefer the bright red look common in old-school char siu, feel free to add a touch of red food coloring to really make it pop.

Jar of Fermented Red Bean Curd for Char Siu Chicken

Red Fermented Bean Curd Cubes and Sauce in a bowl

Next up is five-spice powder, another essential component. This classic Chinese blend usually includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Together, they create that warm, aromatic backbone that makes Char Siu so distinct. A little goes a long way here; too much and it can easily overpower the other ingredients, so we’ll use just enough to balance out the sweetness and umami of the marinade.

How to Make the Char Siu Chicken

Prepare the Chicken Thighs
I like using skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and crisp up beautifully. Start by deboning the thighs, then trim away any excess fat. Instead of pounding them out, I prefer to feather the chicken, slicing into the thicker parts so the meat cooks evenly without becoming thin or dry.

Raw Chicken Thighs used to make char siu chicken

Make the Marinade
In a bowl, combine all your marinade ingredients: red fermented bean curd, five-spice powder, garlic powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), white pepper, and a small amount of oil. Mix until smooth, then add the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to soak deeply into the meat. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 1 hour of marination.

Marinated Chicken Thighs for Char Siu Chicken

Air Fry the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375F. Lay the chicken thighs in a single layer and air fry for 9 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Depending on the thickness of the meat and your air fryer model, cooking times may vary. To ensure the chicken is cooked properly and is juicy, use a thermometer, and cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165F.

During the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken with a simple glaze of honey and water, then let it caramelize in the air fryer to get that glossy, sticky finish.