Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Carmen Spillette · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 4 reviews

These insanely delicious Sweet Chili chicken thighs in air fryer bring a tasty combo of sticky, sweet, and spicy flavors. These air fryer chicken thighs are an easy meal to whip up any night. Air fry or bake in the oven - up to you.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (1)

Irresistible Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs is quick to prepare. Fantastic for a tasty lunch or a delicious dinner.

Try my infamous air fryer chicken recipes. Garlic Miso Chicken, Sesame Chicken, and my favorite easy Soy Sauce Chicken.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
  • How to make Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
  • Substitutions
  • Equipment
  • How to store and reheat
  • Top Tips for Success
  • FAQ
  • Related
  • What to serve with sweet chili chicken
  • Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
  • Food safety

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (2)
  • Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • Avocado oil
  • Lemon pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Sticky Sweet Chili Glaze:

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Air frying chicken thighs is my favorite way to prepare chicken. It is simple, always come juicy - never dry! Once you start air frying, you will never go back.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (3)

Prep the chicken thighs. Season and set aside.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (4)

Air fry skin side down.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (5)

Make the glaze

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (6)

Glaze and flip the chicken to get the skin crispy and caramelized.

Preparing the Chicken Thighs (oven or air fryer)

  • Start by preheating your oven or 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

  • In a small bowl, mix the avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating.

Air fry or Roast the chicken

  • Air fry: Air fry the chicken skin side down at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
  • Oven: Line the baking tray with parchment paper. Roast the chicken skin side down for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Flip and roast for 10 minutes until the skin is crispy.

Sticky Sweet Chili Glaze

Applying the Sticky Glaze

  • Baste the chicken a few times with the sticky sauce while roasting or air frying. You want the chicken to be caramelized.I basted the chicken at least 4 times to get a nice coat of the glaze.
  • Add more 10 minutes of cooking time to the chicken or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Broiling for Extra Crispiness (Optional - highly recommended)

  • For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning and ensure that the chicken skin becomes beautifully caramelized.

Serving

  • Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve your Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Thighs over a bed of jasmine rice or with your favorite side dishes.
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (7)

Substitutions

  • Avocado Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Lemon Pepper: Lemon zest and black pepper
  • Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic or garlic paste
  • Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt (available in grocery store)
  • Pepper: Black pepper or red pepper flakes

or the Sauce:

  • Sweet Chilli Sauce: Make a homemade version using honey, brown sugar or maple syrup, spicy sauce, fish sauce, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
  • Soy Sauce: Tamari, hoisin sauce, dipping sauce, or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice or rice vinegar for a tangy twist.

Equipment

How to store and reheat

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Allow Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken recipes to cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date.

Reheating:

  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until thoroughly heated.
  • Air fryer: This is how I prefer to reheat this dish.
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (8)

Top Tips for Success

  • For a crispy chicken: Make sure the chicken is patted dry with paper towel.
  • Caramelized chicken: Broil for an extra 2 minutes at the end to get the chicken extra sticky and caramelized.

FAQ

How long should I marinate the chicken thighs?


You do not need to marinate this chicken. A quick season, air fry then baste. It is so easy, you will love it!

What's the recommended internal temperature for perfectly cooked thighs?

Cook thighs to 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure succulence without overcooking.

How can I achieve a crispy finish on the chicken thighs?

To achieve crispy chicken thighs, pat the chicken thighs dry before cooking and broil at the last 2 minutes of cooking for a crispy and caramelized finish.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these other chicken recipes

  • Orange Ginger Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
  • Kalbi Chicken Legs in Air Fryer
  • Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Air Fryer
  • Best Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs with Avocado Sauce

What to serve with sweet chili chicken

These are my favorite side dishes to serve with Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

  • Lemon Butter Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (Chicken Kabobs)
  • The Best Asian Coleslaw with Easy Sesame Dressing
  • Tortang Talong Recipe (Filipino Eggplant Omelette)
  • Viral Easy Salmon Sushi Bake Cups

Print

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (17)

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

Print Recipe

These insanely delicious Sweet Chili chicken thighs in air fryer bring a tasty combo of sticky, sweet, and spicy flavors. These air fryer chicken thighs are an easy meal to whip up any night. Air fry or bake in the oven - up to you.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 chicken thighs 1x

Ingredients

Scale

6 bone in chicken thighs

1 tablespoon avocado oil

1 teaspoon lemon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

Sticky Glaze

½ cup sweet chili sauce

3 tablespoon of soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Thighs (oven or air fryer)

  • Start by preheating your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy chicken skin.

Step 2: Season the chicken

  • In a small bowl, mix the avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating.

Step 3: Air fry or Roast the chicken

  • Air fry: Air fry the chicken skin side down at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
  • Oven: Line the baking tray with parchment paper. Roast the chicken skin side down for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Flip and roast for 10 minutes until the skin is crispy.

Step 4: Sticky Sauce

Step 5: Applying the Sticky Glaze

  • Baste the chicken a few times with the sticky sauce while roasting or air frying. You want the chicken to be caramelized. I basted the chicken at least 4 times to get a nice coat of the glaze.
  • Add more 10 minutes of cooking time to the chicken or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Broiling for Extra Crispiness (Optional - highly recommended)

  • For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning and ensure that the chicken skin becomes beautifully caramelized.

Step 8: Serving

  • Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve your Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Thighs over a bed of jasmine rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • For a crispy chicken: Make sure the chicken is patted dry with paper towel.
  • Caramelized chicken: Broil for an extra 2 minutes at the end to get the chicken extra sticky and caramelized.
  • Author: Carmen Spillette
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: mains
  • Method: air fryer
  • Cuisine: asian

Food safety

  • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

More Air Fryer

  • Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
  • Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites only 4 ingredients!
  • Balsamic Air Fry Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipe
  • Honey Ginger Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Recipe)

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Jay Harris

    I love this recipe, might be the best chicken thighs I've made. Sticky and full of flavor.

    Reply

  2. Nany H

    All I can say is wow 👏 Even my kids loved this dish and they're tough to please lol. Made this 3 times in the last two weeks and it's our new household fav!!

    Reply

    • Carmen Spillette

      This makes me so happy!

      Reply

  3. Josh Boon

    10/10. I love Carmen's recipes because they're so easy and incredibly delicious. This is definitely one of my new favorites.

    Reply

    • Carmen Spillette

      This is so good to hear.

      Reply

  4. Amillia B

    Absolutely unbelievable!! So much flavor and my whole family loved it!!

    Reply

    • Carmen Spillette

      Thank you!

      Reply

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (2024)

FAQs

How do you not overcook chicken in an air fryer? ›

Place chicken in the air fryer basket, presentation side down, and cook for 8 minutes at 375°F. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking until the thickest part registers 155°F on an instant-read thermometer, typically about 6 to 8 minutes longer.

Why is my chicken rubbery in air fryer? ›

Why is my air fryer chicken breast tough? It is possible that it is overcooked. If you cook it for too long or at too high of heat, this will dry out your chicken breast quickly and then will result in a tough, chewy piece of chicken.

How do you make crispy skin in an air fryer? ›

Lay three or four chicken skins in a single layer, skin-side down, on the air fryer basket and program the air fryer to cook at 400°F for a total of 12 minutes. At the halfway point (i.e. 6 minutes), flip the chicken skins over so they are skin-side up. Air fry the chicken skins the remaining 6 minutes or until crispy.

What is the perfect temperature for chicken thighs? ›

For the ultimate juicy and tender chicken thigh experience, aim for an internal temp between 175 and 185 F. Any temperature higher than that can dry out or burn your meat, but the perfect 175° to 185° range will get you well above the minimum safe temperature and maximize the poultry's flavor potential.

What temperature should I cook chicken in the air fryer? ›

To Cook Frozen Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season as desired. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray then air fry the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Should I put foil in my air fryer for chicken? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Why is my chicken not getting crispy in the air fryer? ›

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

What is the trick to getting things extra crispy with an air fryer? ›

While we wish it were possible to fry without any oil, air fryers do need a little oil to make your food crispy (but you'll use a lot less than a traditional fryer). Toss your food with a small amount of oil (around a tablespoon or less) to coat it evenly, then add it to the air fryer basket.

Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer? ›

You can cook chicken tenderloins in the air fryer very easily by seasoning them with olive oil and herbs of your choice and then directly putting them in the air fryer preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Let them cook for 20 minutes, flipping over halfway through.

Do you need to flip chicken in an air fryer? ›

Cook at 360° for 9 minutes. Then flip the chicken breast over and cook for another 9 minutes. Larger chicken breasts need more cook time, and smaller ones need less time. Open the air fryer immediately so it doesn't continue cooking in the heat.

How long do thighs take in an air fryer? ›

Air fryer chicken thighs are super juicy with extra crispy skin, and they only take about 20 minutes to cook to perfection!

What ingredient makes chicken skin crispy? ›

Baking Powder: The Secret Weapon for Crispy Chicken Skin.

What is the secret to the air fryer? ›

It works by cooking your food using super-heated air that it circulates within its chamber. A fan inside the air fryer helps circulate the hot air and help the air fryer create a reaction called the Maillard Effect.

What is the best temperature to fry chicken thighs? ›

Make sure to heat the oil up to 350 degrees F. Add the chicken thighs in small batches. If you crowd the pan, it will cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in an uneven cooking result. Make sure to cook a few pieces at a time.

How long to heat up chicken thighs in air fryer? ›

Instructions
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C.
  2. Optionally, spray or brush the chicken with some olive oil for extra crispiness.
  3. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F/190°C. – For larger pieces: reheat for 8-10 minutes.
Feb 14, 2023

What temperature should fryer be for chicken? ›

The fat should be about one inch deep in the skillet, coming about halfway up the food. Get the fat good and hot before adding the chicken. The fried chicken oil temperature should be about 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Using tongs, carefully lower chicken pieces into the oil skin-side down.

What temperature and how long do i cook drumsticks in an air fryer? ›

Drumsticks take 18 to 20 minutes in the air fryer at 400 degrees F. Turn once halfway through. The chicken legs can be ready in the time it takes you to throw together a quick Arugula Salad or side of Sautéed Brussels Sprouts. Simple prep time and cooking time!

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