If you love crispy chicken with juicy tender meat and bold flavor, these Crispy Chicken Thighs with Ginger Scallion Oil are going to be a weekly repeat meal. The chicken gets perfectly crisp in the air fryer while staying super moist inside, which makes this recipe easy, quick, and basically foolproof. The ginger scallion oil brings everything together with a bright, savory, aromatic pop that makes each bite taste fresh and satisfying. It is one of those recipes that feels simple but tastes like something special.

This dish is inspired by classic Chinese and Vietnamese ginger scallion sauces that are traditionally spooned over poached chicken or rice dishes. I wanted to make a version that has the comforting flavor of that sauce but paired with crispy, golden chicken thighs for texture and a little extra richness. The contrast of crunchy skin and juicy meat with the bright, zesty freshness of ginger and scallions is exactly what makes this meal so craveable. It hits warm, cozy, flavorful, and refreshing all at the same time.

Using the air fryer makes this recipe super accessible. You do not need to deep fry or preheat a full oven. You just season the chicken, pop it into the air fryer, and it becomes crispy and golden with almost no effort. It is fast, minimal cleanup, and the results are always reliable. If you are someone who loves easy weeknight meals that still feel like real food and not just “whatever is in the fridge,” this one is for you.

The ginger scallion oil is the star flavor here. You mince ginger and scallions finely, then pour into hot oil to release the aromas and create that signature savory fragrance. It tastes bright, salty, and slightly spicy from the fresh ginger. It also stores well, so you can make a jar and use it throughout the week on eggs, rice, noodles, tofu, fish, and vegetables. It is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate a simple meal.

This dish also looks gorgeous once plated. The golden crispy chicken next to the vibrant green scallions makes it feel restaurant level without needing fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It is practical enough for meal prepping, but also impressive enough to serve for a dinner at home with friends or family. It is comfort cooking that still feels fresh and wholesome.

Substitutions

• Use boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking
• Swap chicken with crispy tofu or air fried salmon for a lighter protein
• Add a splash of soy sauce for deeper umami
• Use avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil for the hot oil pour

What to Serve With It

This dish pairs well with so many sides because the flavors are balanced and flexible. You can serve it with jasmine or sushi rice for a simple comforting meal. It also works beautifully with garlic noodles, scallion oil noodles, or a cold sesame noodle salad. If you want something lighter, pair it with a cucumber salad or a side of sautéed greens. The chicken and ginger scallion oil make a great topping for grain bowls too, especially when combined with avocado, crispy shallots, or pickled vegetables.

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Crispy Chicken Thighs with Ginger Scallion Oil

Recipe by Julia Vuong

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainCuisine: Chinese, Thai

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 4 boneless skin on chicken thighs

• 2 2 egg whites

• 1.5 tbsp 1.5 oyster sauce

• 1.5 tsp 1.5 garlic salt

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 pepper

• 1/2 cup 1/2 cornstarch

• avocado oil spray

• 2 cups 2 cooked white rice

• Ginger Scallion Oil

• 1/3 cup 1/3 minced ginger

• 1/4 cup 1/4 sliced green onions

• 1/4 cup 1/4 vegetable oil

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 salt (adjust for taste)

• 1/4 tsp 1/4 white pepper (adjust for taste)

• 1 tsp 1 sesame oil

• Additional Sauces

• sweet chili sauce

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken
  Pat chicken thighs dry and remove the bone from the meat and skin with a pairing knife. In a bowl, whisk egg whites, oyster sauce, garlic salt, and pepper, then toss in chicken until coated. Add cornstarch to another plate and dredge the chicken so it’s evenly coated.
• Air Fry the Chicken
  Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray basket with oil, place chicken skin-side down, and air fry for 5 
  minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 7 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside.
• Make the Sauce
  While the chicken cooks, make the ginger scallion oil. Heat neutral oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced ginger directly into the oil. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and softened, not browned. Add in the sliced green onions. Season with salt to taste. Add sesame oil. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Slice and Serve
  Once the chicken is finished, let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the juices settle. Spoon the warm ginger scallion oil generously over the top of the crispy chicken. Add a drizzle of sweet chili sauce. Serve with a bowl of white rice.
• Enjoy!