Char Siu Chicken That Tastes Better Than Takeout

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.