There’s something truly comforting about a plate of juicy, caramelized chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy chili glaze. This Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer recipe brings together bold flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick meal prep option.
Air frying has completely changed the game when it comes to cooking chicken. It delivers that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture without the need for excessive oil or deep-frying. Paired with the rich, tangy sweetness of the chili glaze, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish that wows at your next gathering, these air-fried chicken thighs will do the trick. Plus, the air fryer makes clean-up a breeze—so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
- Flavor-packed: The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes each bite absolutely irresistible.
- Crispy without deep-frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that beautiful crispy exterior without the extra oil.
- Perfect for meal prep: These chicken thighs store well and can be used in salads, rice bowls, or wraps throughout the week.
- Minimal ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step helps ensure that the seasoning sticks well and that the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over each piece, making sure to coat all sides.
Step 2: Preheat and Cook
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly from the start.
Once preheated, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and sesame oil. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is done cooking, transfer it to a bowl and pour the sweet chili glaze over it. Toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
For an extra sticky and caramelized finish, return the glazed chicken thighs to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 more minutes at 400°F (204°C). This step helps the glaze slightly thicken and adhere better to the chicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added texture. Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the chicken dry: Removing excess moisture ensures crispier skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give the chicken enough space to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This guarantees your chicken is cooked to perfection and stays juicy inside.
- Double the glaze: If you love extra sauce, consider making a little more to drizzle over your meal.
- Reheat like a pro: If you have leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Notes
- If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the sriracha in the glaze.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes! If using frozen chicken, add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. However, for best results, thaw the chicken first to allow the seasoning and glaze to absorb better.
What can I serve with sweet chili chicken thighs?
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even a refreshing cucumber salad.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I make this in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then, coat them in the glaze and broil for 2-3 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs, here are a few other air fryer recipes you might enjoy:
Conclusion
These Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cook time, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just a quick weeknight craving, this recipe will not disappoint.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
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Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Description
There’s something truly comforting about a plate of juicy, caramelized chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy chili glaze. This Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer recipe brings together bold flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick meal prep option.
Air frying has completely changed the game when it comes to cooking chicken. It delivers that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture without the need for excessive oil or deep-frying. Paired with the rich, tangy sweetness of the chili glaze, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish that wows at your next gathering, these air-fried chicken thighs will do the trick. Plus, the air fryer makes clean-up a breeze—so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step helps ensure that the seasoning sticks well and that the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over each piece, making sure to coat all sides.
Step 2: Preheat and Cook
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly from the start.
Once preheated, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and sesame oil. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is done cooking, transfer it to a bowl and pour the sweet chili glaze over it. Toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
For an extra sticky and caramelized finish, return the glazed chicken thighs to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 more minutes at 400°F (204°C). This step helps the glaze slightly thicken and adhere better to the chicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added texture. Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the sriracha in the glaze.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.