Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipe

If you’re ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll love these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer. This recipe delivers the irresistible combination of crispy, caramelized chicken skin, juicy tender meat, and a gloriously sticky glaze bursting with sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Using the air fryer brings out the rich flavors while keeping cleanup simple. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these chicken thighs promise to be an instant favorite you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how a handful of pantry essentials come together to create a dish bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavor. Each ingredient brings its own delicious personality, from the comforting umami of soy sauce to the lively kick of sweet chili sauce.

• Chicken thighs (8 bone-in): Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for holding onto that incredible sticky glaze.
• Avocado oil (1 tbsp): This high-heat oil helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds deep garlicky undertones that wake up the flavor profile.
• Salt (½ tsp): Just enough to bring out the natural savoriness of the chicken.
• Pepper (½ tsp): For a touch of earthy heat that pairs perfectly with the chili glaze.
• Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): The real star here, it brings sweetness, tang, and spice to that sticky coating.
• Soy sauce (3 tbsp): Contributes richness and a deep umami balance to the glaze.
• Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a savory complexity and hints of the sea—don’t skip it!
• Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses a nutty aroma that takes the glaze to the next level.

How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

For the crispiest, most beautifully browned chicken, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Giving the fryer a head start ensures that the chicken absorbs less oil and develops that crave-worthy crispy skin right from the first minute.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Thighs

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Removing extra moisture is the secret to achieving deeply golden, crisp skin once the chicken hits the hot air fryer basket. Don’t skip this step—it truly makes a difference!

Step 3: Season Your Chicken

Rub the chicken all over with avocado oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to really work the spices in so every bite gets flavor-packed. This base layer sets the tone for all the sticky goodness to come.

Step 4: Air Fry Skin Side Down First

Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Starting skin side down renders the fat and helps the skin get delightfully crisp while the meat stays soft and juicy beneath.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Sticky Sweet Chili Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. This simple glaze is a powerhouse of sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors and will be brushed on throughout the cooking process to build that signature sticky finish.

Step 6: Baste and Build Flavor

After the initial cook, generously baste the chicken with your homemade sticky sauce, then continue air frying—pausing to baste again two or three more times. Each layer caramelizes, infusing the chicken with that glossy, irresistible finish unique to Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Add another 10 minutes of air frying time, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The repeated basting means every nook and cranny is coated in luscious glaze as the chicken cooks to perfection.

Step 8: For Extra Crispy Skin, Broil

If you love an even crispier, caramelized skin, pop the chicken under your broiler for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch closely—this step adds beautiful color and depth, but the sugars in the glaze can burn quickly if unattended!

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest a few minutes so the juices redistribute. This keeps the chicken wildly juicy and makes each bite even more tender. Time to get ready for those first sticky, sweet, savory bites!

How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Garnishes

Top your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer with an extra flourish—think freshly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even thinly sliced red chilies for a pop of color and gentle heat. These little touches make each plate look like something from your favorite modern restaurant.

Side Dishes

Serve these chicken thighs over a generous bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all the gorgeous glaze, or pair them with steamed broccoli, sautéed greens, or a crunchy Asian slaw. The flavors of sweet, heat, and umami are so versatile, you can’t go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, shred the chicken off the bone and stuff it into bao buns with pickled veggies, or serve over rice noodle bowls loaded with fresh herbs and crispy shallots. These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer are as crowd-pleasing for parties as they are for an easy weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer keep beautifully. Let the chicken cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The glaze will keep the meat moist and flavorful, so you’ll look forward to leftovers as much as the original dinner!

Freezing

To freeze, place fully cooled chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready for an easy, flavor-packed meal anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that just-cooked magic, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is hot and the skin crisps back up. You can also use a 350°F oven, covered with foil for the first half, then uncovered to crisp the skin. Microwaving is quick but won’t give the same texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs work great and will cook a bit faster, usually requiring 20–22 minutes in total. Just keep an eye to avoid overcooking, and baste as generously as you would with bone-in pieces.

How spicy is the sticky sweet chili sauce?

The sweetness of the chili sauce balances out the heat beautifully, so the dish offers more of a gentle zing than a fiery kick. For a milder version, you can opt for a sweet chili sauce labeled “mild,” or adjust quantities to suit your taste.

Is it necessary to use avocado oil?

Avocado oil is fantastic for high-heat cooking and a neutral flavor, but you can substitute with any neutral oil you love, like grapeseed or light olive oil. Just steer clear of robust oils like extra virgin olive oil, which can overpower the other flavors.

Can I double the glaze for extra sauciness?

Definitely! If you’re a sauce lover, double the glaze to have extra for drizzling over rice or vegetables. It’s also delicious as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or roasted veggies.

Do I need to flip the chicken during air frying?

It’s not strictly necessary since air fryers circulate heat well, but flipping ensures crispy skin on all sides and lets you baste with even more sticky sauce. For best results with these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer, flip after the first 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, easy, and utterly delicious, you owe it to yourself to try these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer. The blend of savory, sweet, and just the right amount of heat will make this recipe a weeknight staple and a special occasion surprise. Get ready to wow yourself and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table!

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