Get ready for a flavor explosion with this incredibly easy Air fryer sweet chili chicken recipe! Imagine perfectly crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and subtly spicy glaze. Cooking chicken in the air fryer makes this dish fast and effortless, perfect for busy weeknights. You will love how quickly you can create a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken
This incredible Air fryer sweet chili chicken recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many great reasons. You’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.
- Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal: Prepare a gourmet-tasting dish in under 30 minutes, freeing up your evenings.
- Achieves Perfect Crispy Skin: The air fryer works magic, delivering wonderfully crisp skin every time without deep frying.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The balance of sweet and mild spice appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Healthier Alternative to Deep Frying: Enjoy all the crispiness with significantly less oil, making it a lighter choice.
- Versatile for Meal Prep or Gatherings: This recipe is fantastic for make-ahead meals or impressing guests at your next get-together.
Ingredients
Gathering a few simple ingredients is all it takes to make this delicious Air fryer sweet chili chicken. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor these basic items create.
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Notes & Substitutions
You have several options to customize your sweet chili chicken in air fryer based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chicken Thigh Options: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs yield the crispiest results and juiciest meat. You can use boneless, skinless thighs, but reduce cooking time significantly.
- Oil Alternatives: Olive oil or grapeseed oil work well if you don’t have avocado oil.
- Garlic Powder Swaps: For fresh flavor, use 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Sweet Chili Sauce Types: Store-bought sweet chili sauce is convenient. If you prefer, make your own for a customized spice level.
- Soy Sauce Substitutions: Tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. Coconut aminos also work for a soy-free option.
- Optional Additions: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavor. A pinch of ground ginger adds warmth, and a dash of sriracha provides extra heat.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this amazing crispy sweet chili air fryer chicken. The air fryer does most of the heavy lifting.
- Air fryer: Essential for achieving that perfect crisp (basket or oven style).
- Small mixing bowl: For whisking together the flavorful glaze.
- Pastry brush: Ideal for evenly coating the chicken with the sticky sauce.
- Meat thermometer: Highly recommended for ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your succulent Air fryer sweet chili chicken. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken.
- Step 1: Prep Chicken. Start by thoroughly patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures that you achieve an incredibly crispy chicken skin.
- Step 2: Season Chicken. In a large bowl, toss the patted-dry chicken thighs with the avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each thigh is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Step 3: Make Glaze. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce until well combined. This creates your delicious sticky glaze.
- Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) as the recipe suggests. Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
- Step 5: Initial Air Fry. Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they are skin-side down. Air fry for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Step 6: First Baste & Flip. After 15 minutes, open the air fryer. Baste the chicken generously with the sticky glaze you prepared, then flip each thigh over so the skin side is now facing up.
- Step 7: Second Air Fry & Baste. Return the chicken to the air fryer. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes. During this time, baste the chicken a few more times with the remaining glaze. You want to build up layers of that delicious, caramelized coating on your air-fried sweet chili chicken.
- Step 8: Check Doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer. - Step 9: Optional Crisp-up. For an extra crispy finish and beautiful caramelization, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Step 10: Rest & Serve. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy results. Serve your amazing Air fryer sweet chili chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or with your favorite vegetable side dishes.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your Air fryer sweet chili chicken is simple with these expert tips. Achieve the best results every single time.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Always pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry before seasoning. Starting skin-side down during the initial air fry also promotes maximum crispiness.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in a single layer without touching. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure hot air circulates evenly for even cooking and crispiness.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: A meat thermometer is your best friend! Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Achieve Sticky Glaze: Apply multiple layers of the sweet chili glaze by basting frequently during the second cooking phase. The optional broil at the end helps caramelize it beautifully.
- Adjusting Spice Level: To increase the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze. For a milder flavor, use a sweet chili sauce with less heat.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Air fryer sweet chili chicken recipe offers many ways to enjoy it. Get creative with serving and handling leftovers.
- Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas make great companions. A fresh cucumber salad also offers a refreshing contrast. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Storage Instructions: Store any leftover cooked air fryer chicken with sweet chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. This method best preserves the delicious crispiness.
- Freezing Guidelines: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken thighs in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Chicken Variations: You can adapt this recipe for boneless thighs, drumsticks, or wings. Adjust cooking times as needed; boneless cuts cook faster.
- Oven Method: No air fryer? No problem! Bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-35 minutes, flipping and basting with the glaze during the last 10-15 minutes, until cooked through and crispy.
Nutrition
Enjoying this flavorful Air fryer sweet chili chicken means you’re getting a great source of protein. This dish fits well into a balanced diet.
Below are the approximate nutritional values per serving, providing a good overview of the macronutrient breakdown. Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 4 g |
| Calories | 383 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 142 mg |
| Sodium | 478 mg |
| Potassium | 304 mg |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Vitamin A | 113 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.01 mg |
| Calcium | 13 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken thighs?
Marinating isn’t strictly necessary for this recipe, as the glaze is applied during cooking. However, you can marinate the seasoned chicken for 30 minutes to an hour for deeper flavor.
What’s the recommended internal temperature for perfectly cooked thighs?
Always cook chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures they are safe and juicy.
How can I achieve a crispy finish on the chicken thighs?
Patting the chicken dry, cooking skin-side down initially, and not overcrowding the air fryer basket are key. A quick broil at the end also enhances crispiness.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but they will cook faster. Reduce the initial cooking time by about 5-7 minutes and adjust accordingly until they reach 165°F.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level primarily depends on the sweet chili sauce you choose. Most store-bought varieties are mild to moderately spicy, but you can always add sriracha for more heat.
Conclusion
This Air fryer sweet chili chicken recipe delivers an unforgettable meal that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. You will love how simple it is to achieve crispy, juicy chicken with a perfectly sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a gourmet experience without the fuss. Give this fantastic recipe a try and share your amazing results with friends and family!
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
- Season the chicken thighs with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry the chicken skin side down at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce to create the sticky glaze.
- Baste the chicken several times with the sticky sauce during air frying until it becomes caramelized.
- Add 10 more minutes of cooking time or continue until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning and ensure caramelization.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs over jasmine rice or with your favorite vegetable side dishes.
Nutrition
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Basting multiple times helps build a delicious caramelized glaze.
- Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
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