Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer are a delightful and satisfying dish. The chicken becomes wonderfully tender, with a rich, sticky glaze that brings a gentle sweetness and just enough spice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy but easy to whip up.

Why This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Is Great

This dish is not only delicious but also super simple to prepare. With everyday ingredients, you can create a meal that the whole family will love. The air fryer makes cooking quick, so you don’t have to spend ages in the kitchen. Plus, it combines the crispy goodness we all enjoy with a flavorful sauce that elevates the chicken.

How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Making this dish is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Simply season the chicken, air fry, and baste with the flavorful sauce. The air fryer does the hard work for you, turning out crispy, golden chicken that’s hard to resist.

What You Need

8 bone-in chicken thighs
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ cup sweet chili sauce
3 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil

Step-by-Step

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy chicken skin.
Season the chicken thighs with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Air fry the chicken skin side down at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
Baste the chicken a few times with the sticky sauce while cooking. You want the chicken to caramelize, so I basted it at least 3 times to get a nice coat.
Add 10 more minutes of cooking time or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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 sides.

How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are fantastic served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. You might also like to pair them with steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch. They work great for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

How to Store Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy within 2 months. When reheating, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy texture.

Recipe Tips

Pat the chicken dry for best crispiness.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less chili sauce to the glaze.
Always check the internal temperature for doneness; aim for 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest after cooking for juicier meat.
For a quick meal, pair with pre-cooked rice.

Variations & Swaps

You can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sweet chili sauce for a different flavor.
For vegetarian options, try tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same sauces.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce the night before for extra flavor. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just place any leftovers in a freezer-safe bag. They should be good for up to 2 months. Make sure to label them for easy identification.

How do I reheat it without losing crispiness?
Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to keep the skin nice and crispy.

What can I serve alongside this dish?
Consider serving the chicken with rice, steamed veggies, or a simple salad. Coconut rice or fried rice also make great pairings.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though it will change the flavor a bit. You could also try hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter taste.