This Honey Yuzu Garlic Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze made with yuzu marmalade, garlic, miso, and soy sauce. Cooked in the air fryer, it’s an easy Japanese-inspired chicken recipe that’s perfect for weeknight meals.
Table of Contents
Why Jam Makes the Best Sticky Chicken Marinade
Using jam or marmalades in savory marinades might sound unconventional, but it’s one of my favorite tricks for easy, flavor-packed chicken. The natural sugars in jam help create that caramelized, sticky glaze you crave, while also balancing out salty and umami notes from ingredients like soy sauce or miso. In this recipe, honey yuzu marmalade brings a bright, citrusy kick that pairs perfectly with garlic and ginger—no need to make a separate sauce or reduce anything on the stove.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly – Chicken drumsticks are super affordable and packed with flavor.
- Meal prep–friendly – You can marinate ahead of time and cook in batches for easy weekday meals.
- Quick and easy – Made in the air fryer, so it cooks fast without heating up the whole kitchen.
- Versatile – Works with drumsticks, thighs, or wings—use whatever cut you have on hand.
- Big flavor, minimal effort – The yuzu, garlic, and miso glaze delivers a bold, sticky-savory finish without complicated steps.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this honey yuzu chicken.
- Chicken drumsticks – You can also use thighs or chicken breast too! Skin-on stay juicy and work well in the air fryer.
- Yuzu honey marmalade or jam – Look for this at Japanese or Korean grocery stores. Regular citrus marmalade works too, but yuzu gives it that unique floral brightness.
- White miso – Adds umami depth. You can swap with red miso, but the flavor will be stronger.
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sansho pepper or black pepper – Sansho gives it a slight numbing citrusy kick if you have it.
- Garlic & Ginger
- Perilla oil or sesame oil – Either works; both add nutty aroma.
- Sriracha (optional) – For a little heat.
How to Make Honey Yuzu Garlic Chicken
Here’s a quick overview of how to make this easy air fryer dinner:
- Marinate: Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl or bag. Add the chicken and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better for more flavor).
- Air fry (First Cook): Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
- Glaze + Cook Again: Brush with extra marinade and air fry for another 5 minutes.
- Flip + Finish: Flip the drumsticks, brush more marinade and air fry for 8 more minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Optional Char: Increase the heat to 400°F (200°C) and give it 2 more minutes for a slightly charred finish.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and enjoy hot!
VIDEO: Watch How to Make It
Lisa’s Recipe Tips
- Jam is your best friend – Yuzu marmalade isn’t just for sweetness—it’s the secret to that glossy, sticky glaze. The natural sugars caramelize in the air fryer for max flavor and shine.
- Baste and air fry again – After the initial cook, brush on more marinade before the final few minutes. This step helps build layers of flavor and ensures the chicken gets that lacquered look.
- Give them space – Don’t overcrowd the basket. Keeping the drumsticks in a single layer with room around them allows hot air to circulate properly so they crisp up and don’t steam.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this chicken with steamed rice and a side of pickles or a simple cucumber salad. It’s also great chopped up in a rice bowl with a soft-boiled egg and some greens. If you like a little spice, drizzle with hot sauce or add some togarashi before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Store in the fridge: Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for later: Wrap the chicken pieces tightly or place in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Microwave option: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed.
Recipe FAQ
Try Japanese or Korean grocery stores. Look for jars labeled “yuzu cha” or “yuzu citron tea.” If you can’t find it, orange marmalade with a splash of yuzu juice or lemon works in a pinch.
You can freeze the marinated raw chicken and cook it from thawed. For raw, thaw in the fridge before cooking. For cooked, microwave covered until heated through.
Yes! Bake at 375 F / 190 C and bake for a total of 30-35 minutes, flipping half way while brushing on the glaze.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Toriniku Daikon (Chicken and Daikon)
- Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
- Banbanji (Chicken with Sesame Sauce)
- Rice Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
- Chicken Bulgogi
Enjoy! If you make this Honey Yuzu Garlic Chicken recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below, and if you share it on social media, tag me on Instagram @Okonomikitchen. I can’t wait to see your creations!
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Honey Yuzu Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Honey Yuzu Garlic Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze made with yuzu marmalade, garlic, miso, and soy sauce. Cooked in the air fryer, it’s an easy Japanese-inspired chicken recipe that’s perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 6 drumsticks (1.5 lbs)
- 5–6 tbsp of yuzu honey marmalade or jam, depending on how sweet you like it
- 2 tbsp white miso
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sansho or black pepper
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tbsp perilla or sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sriracha, optional
- green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate: In a bowl or bag, combine yuzu marmalade, miso, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, oil, and sriracha (if using). Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- First Cook: Place drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes.
- Glaze + Cook Again: Brush with more marinade, then air fry for another 5 minutes.
- Flip + Finish: Flip the chicken and cook for another 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Char (Optional): Increase temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 2 minutes, or until slightly charred to your liking.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 10.5 g
- Sodium: 397 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13.2 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 4.4 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
Hi! Can this be made in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer? Thank you!
Yes it can! 375 F or 190 C, adding about 2-3 minutes per time in the oven. So 10 minutes instead of 8 to start and so on.