These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat made right in your air fryer! They are juicy on the inside and have a deliciously sticky glaze that you’ll love.
I always enjoy the sweet and spicy combo of this dish. Plus, it cooks up quickly—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! Just serve with rice or veggies, and you’re set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are preferred here for flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs can work, but may dry out quicker.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the dish, giving it that lovely sweet and spicy kick. If you can’t find it, a mix of equal parts ketchup and hot sauce can serve as a decent substitute.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is great for flavor. For lower sodium options, go for reduced-sodium soy sauce, or try coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative with a similar taste.
Honey: This adds a touch of extra sweetness. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave syrup can be used instead.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Skin Gets Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting that crispy skin is all about preparation and air circulation. Here’s what to do:
- Start by drying the chicken thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture will prevent crisping.
- Season the chicken with plenty of salt and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the skin render out fat and become crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The air needs to circulate around each piece. If you’re cooking multiple thighs, do it in batches.
- Flip halfway through cooking; this helps both sides to crisp up nicely.
Following these steps should give you that perfect crispy texture you’re looking for!
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Cooking in the air fryer will take around 25-30 minutes. Overall, you can have this delicious meal ready in about an hour, depending on marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation:
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy later. Season both sides of the thighs with salt and pepper to taste. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
2. Marinate:
In a medium bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (if you want it sweeter), minced garlic, and grated ginger (if you’re using it). Set aside a small amount of this mixture for later. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that the chicken is well coated with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can, even overnight for a deeper flavor.
3. Preheat Air Fryer:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step is essential to get that crispy skin!
4. Air Fry:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the bag and let the excess marinade drip off. Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety, and the skin should be crispy and caramelized.
5. Glaze:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade over the thighs. This creates a deliciously sticky glaze on top!
6. Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. If you’d like, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. Serve warm with rice or your favorite side dish!
Enjoy your flavorful and sticky sweet chili chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but reduce the cooking time! Boneless thighs usually take about 20-25 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute using a mix of ketchup and a bit of sugar or honey. Combine 1/4 cup ketchup with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or honey for a similar sweet heat profile!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight in the fridge intensifies the flavor. Just make sure it’s in a sealed container or bag to prevent any cross-contamination with other foods.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to ensure even heating!
