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Air Fryer Chicken Adobo

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Adobo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (skin-on chicken thighs); 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar); 1 head garlic (peeled and minced); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for misting); Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Air Fryer Chicken Adobo — Do you need a new go-to family dinner idea? Look no further than this delicious Air Fryer Chicken Adobo!

It’s an easy and flavorful dish that will surely please everyone in the house. Featuring juicy, succulent chicken cooked in a salty, savory combination of garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar, it’s full of classic Filipino flavors (and surprisingly simple, too.) Plus, using the air fryer makes this one-pot meal healthy—no oil or greasy pans required—so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. Read on for all the mouthwatering details!

What Is Chicken Adobo?

Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish known for its savory, slightly tangy, and flavorful taste. It’s often considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. The dish typically consists of chicken pieces, usually thighs and drumsticks, marinated and simmered in a sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.

Combining these ingredients results in a unique and delicious flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly tangy. Chicken Adobo is often served with rice and is a beloved staple in Filipino cuisine. It can be found in various regional variations throughout the Philippines, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of this classic dish.

Can You Cook Adobo Chicken In Air Fryer

While Chicken Adobo is traditionally made by simmering the chicken in a flavorful sauce on the stovetop, you can use an air fryer to achieve a different, crispy version of this beloved Filipino dish.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Adobo

Air Fryer Chicken Adobo is an incredibly flavorful, savory dish that always delivers a satisfying meal. It requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, and the results are outstanding! Forget long hours of stirring and simmering – just a few simple steps will help you whip up delicious adobo in little to no time. You can enjoy this humble Filipino classic with chicken thighs, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and bay leaves. Read on for all the details needed to prepare Air Fryer Chicken Adobo every time!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Pieces: Chicken thighs and drumsticks are typically used for Chicken Adobo, but you can use your preferred chicken cuts.
Adobo Marinade:
- Vinegar: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar is commonly used.
- Soy Sauce: Regular or low-sodium soy sauce adds saltiness and flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed, provide a strong aromatic element.
- Bay Leaves: Dried or fresh bay leaves impart a unique herbal flavor.
- Black Peppercorns: Whole black peppercorns add a peppery kick to the dish.

How To Cook Chicken Adobo In Air Fryer

Chicken adobo is an iconic Filipino dish and it’s a great way to bring some exciting flavors into your kitchen. Perfectly cooked chicken with a garlicky, tangy sauce is definitely something you would want in your weekly meal plan – and luckily, this recipe for air fryer chicken adobo will show you how to make it in less than 25 minutes! This simple but delicious meal requires just a few ingredients and the results are worth it – so don’t miss out on this traditional favorite that can easily be made in an air fryer.

Marinating the Chicken: marinating your chicken pieces in the Adobo marinade. In a bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.

Chicken adobo is an iconic Filipino dish and it’s a great way to bring some exciting flavors into your kitchen. Perfectly cooked chicken with a garlicky, tangy sauce is definitely something you would want in your weekly meal plan - and luckily, this recipe for air fryer chicken adobo will show you how to make it in less than 25 minutes! This simple but delicious meal requires just a few ingredients and the results are worth it - so don't miss out on this traditional favorite that can easily be made in an air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. You can reserve some of the marinade for later use.

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

Air Fry: Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. To achieve a crispy exterior, mist the chicken with cooking oil or use an oil sprayer. Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded, allowing air to circulate each piece. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Check for Doneness: As cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken pieces, it’s essential to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer once it is golden brown and has reached the desired internal temperature. You can serve it with the reduced Adobo sauce from the marinade as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over the chicken pieces for added flavor.

This method will give you a different texture than the traditional simmered Chicken Adobo, as the air fryer will create a crispy skin. However, it offers a unique and delicious twist on a classic Filipino dish.

Pro Tips For Making Air Fryer Adobo Chicken

Here are some pro tips to help you make delicious Air Fryer Adobo Chicken:

Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the Adobo sauce for at least 30 minutes or longer for the best flavor. Marinating overnight in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken deeply.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is crucial. It ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, producing a crispy exterior.
Mist with Oil: To achieve a crispy and golden skin on the chicken, mist the chicken pieces with cooking oil or use an oil sprayer before air frying. This helps in browning and crisping the skin.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer with space in between to allow for proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches.
Flip Halfway Through To ensure even cooking and crisping, flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time. This helps both sides of the chicken to get crispy.
Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This ensures that it’s fully cooked while remaining juicy.
Serve with Reduced Sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, consider reducing the reserved Adobo marinade in a saucepan until it thickens. You can use this as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over the chicken.
Experiment with Seasonings: While traditional Adobo has a distinct flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional seasonings and spices to suit your taste. Some people like adding a touch of sugar for sweetness or herbs and spices for complexity.

Following these pro tips, you can achieve a delightful and crispy twist on the classic Filipino Chicken Adobo using your air fryer. Enjoy the unique combination of flavors and textures!

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Adobo Chicken Thighs: Air frying Adobo Chicken Thighs is a fantastic variation of the classic Filipino Adobo. With their slightly higher fat content, the thighs become incredibly succulent in the air fryer. Marinate them in the traditional Adobo sauce, then air fry to perfection. You’ll achieve tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin that will satisfy your taste buds.

Adobo Chicken Wings Air Fryer: Adobo Chicken Wings in the air fryer bring together the irresistible flavors of Adobo and the delightful crispiness of wings. These wings are marinated in the Adobo sauce, which infuses them with rich, tangy flavors. When air-fried, they become incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful. It’s a finger-licking twist on the beloved Adobo recipe.

Filipino Air Fryer Wings: Filipino Air Fryer Wings take inspiration from the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine and the convenience of air frying. These wings are typically marinated in a savory and slightly tangy sauce, including soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. They become crispy and flavorful when air-fried, making them an excellent appetizer or snack for any occasion. The air fryer simplifies cooking while delivering a delightful Filipino taste experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Adobo Air Fryer

Can I make Chicken Adobo in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make Chicken Adobo in an air fryer. It offers a unique twist on the classic recipe by creating a crispy skin on the chicken while preserving the rich Adobo flavors.

Should I marinate the chicken before air frying?

Yes, marinating the chicken in the Adobo sauce is crucial for flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.

How long should I preheat the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer for about 5-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the chicken. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Do I need to flip the chicken while air frying?

Yes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time is recommended. This helps both sides to become crispy and evenly cooked.

What’s the internal temperature for cooked chicken?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Can I use the reserved Adobo marinade for sauce?

You can use the reserved Adobo marinade as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over the cooked chicken. Remember to simmer it in a saucepan to ensure it’s safe to consume.

Can I use other cuts of chicken besides thighs?

You can use other cuts like chicken drumsticks, wings, or even boneless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I customize the Adobo flavor?

Absolutely! While traditional Adobo has a distinct flavor, feel free to experiment with additional seasonings and spices to suit your taste. Some variations add sugar for sweetness or extra herbs and spices for complexity.

How do I avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket?

Avoid overcrowding by arranging the chicken pieces in a single layer with some space in between. Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation.

What can I serve with Chicken Adobo from the air fryer?

Chicken Adobo pairs well with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh side salad. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences.

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