Air Fryer Adobo Chicken Recipe

This chicken adobo recipe is my go-to because it brings together savory, tangy flavors with minimal fuss, while the air fryer makes sure the chicken is crispy and perfect every time. Plus, the aroma of garlic and bay leaves simmering in the marinade brings back nostalgic vibes from family dinners, making it feel like a warm, comforting hug on a plate.

My Adobo Chicken cooked in the Air Fryer is a dish I love, really, for how incredibly rich and full of flavor it is, and for how convenient it is to make. I use 2 lbs of chicken thighs, but you could use any cut of chicken (or pork, or rabbit).

The marinade—and the sauce that you toss the chicken with after cooking—combines several bold flavors: soy sauce, cane vinegar, lots of garlic, and bay leaves. Both the marinade and sauce are also super easy to make.

For a sauce with no oversweetening (a common adobo-associated complaint), I use only the cane vinegar (which is very slightly sweet) and the natural sweetness of the chicken. Toss the chicken with the sauce and serve it over rice.

You don’t want to miss the rice. It’s a wonderful high-protein meal with minimum added sugar.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs or drumsticks:
A plentiful source of protein and vital vitamins.

Soy sauce:
Adds flavor, low in calories.

Adds umami flavor, low in calories.

Vinegar:
Offers sharp flavor, helps to soften and break down meat.

Garlic:
Aromatic with antioxidants, they support heart health.

Bay leaves:
Enhance flavor with herbal accents.

Black peppercorns:
Warmth and spices aids in digestion.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vinegar (preferably cane or white vinegar)
• 1/2 cup water
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, stir together the soy sauce, vinegar, water, and minced garlic. Add the bay leaves, black peppercorns, and any sugar (if using). Mix well.

2. Add the marinade to the chicken thighs or drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) to preheat. The simplest way to preheat an air fryer is to use the same temperature and time settings you would use for the food you are cooking.

4. Take the chicken out of the marinade and dry it well. Use paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture on the chicken. Don’t throw away the marinade; you’ll use it again in a few steps.

5. Baste the chicken with vegetable oil and season it with salt so it tastes good.

6. Place the chicken parts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be certain they do not touch or overlap.

7. Prepare the chicken by cooking it for two to two and a half zeroes. Then, halfway through this segment of time, flip the chicken, which is already on the verge of being delicious, so that it can be even more delicious. This chicken is for real. It gets to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which makes it done, and it also has a skin that is “crispy and golden brown.”

8. As the chicken cooks, take the saved marinade and dump it into a small saucepan. Heat on High until it boils, then turn the burner down to Medium-High for 5 to 10 minutes. That’s enough time for it to become a bit thicker and for any chicken elements you might have missed when prepping the chicken to get completely cooked.

9. When it is finished, move the chicken to a serving plate and shower it with the concentrated marinade.

10. The chicken adobo is served hot, with extra bay leaves if desired, and enjoyed over rice.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Air fryer
7. Tongs
8. Paper towels
9. Small saucepan
10. Stove or cooktop
11. Serving plate

FAQ

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks?Certainly, chicken breast can be used; however, it is important to remember that thighs and drumsticks are the traditional choices, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful outcome.
• How long should I marinate the chicken?Let the chicken soak in the marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes. However, for results that are superior to the kind you get when you don’t marinate for long enough, marinate 2-4 hours or overnight. Use the refrigerator to keep the chicken safe while it’s in the marinade for such an extended period.
• Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white or cane vinegar?Indeed, apple cider vinegar can function as a substitute, but it imparts a flavor profile that is different from what you would get in a dish through the use of standard vinegar.
• How long should I cook the chicken in the air fryer?Prepare the chicken in the air fryer by setting it to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). Let the chicken cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, making sure to turn it halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be fully cooked and will have a nice crispy exterior.
• Can I skip the sugar?Certainly, the sugar is not mandatory and can be left out if you would rather have an adobo that isn’t as sweet.
• What can I serve with adobo chicken?Steamed rice is a good match for adobo chicken; add a side of vegetables or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete meal.
• Can I add potatoes or eggs to this recipe?Sliced potatoes or hard-boiled eggs can also be added to the marinade, and then cooked alongside the chicken, for extra flavor and texture.

Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using chicken thighs or drumsticks, you may use chicken breasts for a leaner alternative.
Tamari can be used in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version, or coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free alternative.
Rice vinegar can be used instead of vinegar for a milder taste, whereas apple cider vinegar can be used for a more complex flavor.
Garlic powder can take the place of garlic, using approximately 1/2 teaspoon for each clove.
Omitting sugar is possible; in this case, honey or coconut sugar can be used as substitutes to provide a different kind of sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer for More Flavor While marinating the chicken for at least an hour is sufficient, marinating overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeper, resulting in a more flavorful dish. If time permits, aim for an overnight marination.

2. Pat the Chicken Dry Ensuring the chicken is thoroughly dried before cooking is crucial for achieving a crispy skin. Use paper towels to absorb any excess moisture after taking the chicken out of the marinade.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer For optimal cooking, make sure your air fryer is fully preheated before adding the chicken. This ensures even cooking and helps in achieving the desired crispy texture more quickly.

4. Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s better to cook in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and crispy results.

5. Use the Reduced Marinade as a Sauce After boiling and reducing the marinade, it can be used as a delicious sauce to drizzle over the chicken before serving. This enhances the flavor and provides a nice glossy finish.