Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that balances heat, sweet, and stick-to-your-fingers satisfaction, look no further than these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer. Each bite bursts with caramelized glaze and tender, juicy chicken—plus, it’s done in about 25 minutes thanks to the magic of the air fryer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer is in the simplicity—every ingredient brings craveable flavor and ensures your dinner looks and tastes like a special treat. Let’s break down what makes each piece so key!

• Bone-in chicken thighs: These stay extra juicy in the air fryer and are perfect for soaking up all that sticky sweet glaze.
• Avocado oil: A high-smoke point oil that encourages that irresistible, golden crispy skin (and doesn’t burn at air fryer temps).
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth—you get garlicky goodness without peeling or mincing.
• Salt & Pepper: The essential backbone for seasoning, pulling extra flavor from every bite.
• Sweet chili sauce: The star of your glaze, providing a balance of heat and sweetness with every brush.
• Soy sauce: Gives a salty, umami lift that brings the glaze to life and deepens its color.
• Oyster sauce: Adds body, complexity, and that “can’t-put-your-finger-on-it” savoriness.
• Sesame oil: Just a dash transforms the glaze with toasty, nutty undertones—don’t skip it!

Variations

What makes these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer so fun is how easy they are to make your own. Whether you need to swap out ingredients or want to adjust the flavor profile, there’s plenty of room to get creative without compromising the wow factor.

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Swap bone-in for boneless to cut down on cook time and create perfect bite-sized pieces for meal prep or lunchboxes.
• Spicier Glaze: Add a squirt of Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the glaze if you like an extra fiery finish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
• Honey-Lime Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy-sweet punch that brightens up every bite.

How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer & Prep the Chicken

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prep. Pat your bone-in chicken thighs very dry with a paper towel—a little extra effort here ensures the skin turns crackly and crisp! Rub the chicken all over with avocado oil, then season on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a base layer of flavor.

Step 2: Start Cooking (Skin Side Down First!)

Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t crowded. Air fry for 15 minutes to get that golden, rendered skin started and let the fat do its magic for juicy results later.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Chili Glaze

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This punchy, shiny glaze comes together in seconds and smells absolutely incredible—just wait for it to hit the hot chicken!

Step 4: Baste and Glaze for Max Flavor

After the first 15 minutes, flip the thighs so the skin faces up. Generously brush on the sticky glaze. Air fry for 10 more minutes, pausing 2-3 times to baste again. This repeated brushing not only infuses the chicken with bold flavor but also helps that sauce caramelize and coat in gorgeous, glossy layers.

Step 5: Optional—Crisp and Caramelize!

For the ultimate finish, broil the chicken in your oven for 2-3 minutes right at the end. This step is optional, but if you’re after that restaurant-style, lacquered skin, it’s totally worth the extra 3 minutes—just watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 6: Let Rest and Serve with Style

When the thighs hit 165°F (74°C) internally and look beautifully sticky-sweet, remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple minutes. This quick rest lets the juices settle and makes every bite more succulent. Arrange over rice or next to colorful veggies, and you’re ready to wow everyone at the table with your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer!

How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Garnishes

A scatter of sliced scallions or a shower of sesame seeds really makes your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer look restaurant-worthy. Fresh cilantro gives an herbal pop, and a squeeze of lime over the top makes the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

Serve these with fluffy jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even a simple mound of quinoa to soak up every drop of sauce. They’re also delicious alongside crisp roasted broccoli, baby bok choy, or a rainbow cabbage slaw for fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and piling it into lettuce cups for finger food, or topping a fresh noodle bowl with juicy glazed pieces. For a party platter, arrange on a board with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch especially good!

Freezing

These chicken thighs freeze beautifully. Cool them completely, then wrap each thigh individually or arrange in a single layer in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the crispiest skin, pop reheated thighs back into the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until sizzling and hot. You can also reheat in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer truly revives the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels special but is blissfully easy, Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer are ready to steal the show. Don’t be surprised if this sticky, bold, joyfully messy meal becomes a new family favorite—give it a try and get ready for sticky fingers and big smiles all around!

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