Description
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer are juicy, tender, and coated in a delicious sweet and spicy glaze. The air fryer creates beautifully caramelized chicken with crispy edges while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade & Sauce
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 20 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the chicken.
- Arrange Chicken in Basket: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and crisping.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides become crispy and caramelized.
- Apply Extra Sauce: During the last 2 to 3 minutes, brush the chicken generously with additional sweet chili sauce to enhance the glaze and flavor.
- Check Doneness: Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is nicely caramelized on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs; always check for internal temperature.
- For extra caramelization and flavor, brush more sweet chili sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- This recipe is dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
