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) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sweet-chili-sauce-chicken-thighs.jpg)
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) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ingredients-for-sweet-chili-chicken-3.jpg)
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- Avocado oil
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Sticky Sweet Chili Glaze:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Sesame oil
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) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/dry-rub-seasoning-for-chicken-thighs.jpg)
Prep the chicken thighs. Season and set aside.
![Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (4) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/how-to-air-fry-chicken-thighs.jpg)
Air fry skin side down.
![Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (5) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sweet-chili-glaze.jpg)
Make the glaze
![Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (6) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ingredients-for-sweet-chili-chicken-2.jpg)
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
- While the chicken is air fryer or roasting, prepare the sticky sauce.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
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) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/easy-sweet-chili-chicken-air-fry.jpg)
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) Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.eatwithcarmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sweet-chili-chicken-thighs.jpg)
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
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star
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.
- 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
- While the chicken is air fryer or roasting, prepare the sticky sauce.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster 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
More Air Fryer
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- Balsamic Air Fry Bone-In Chicken Breast Recipe
- Honey Ginger Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Recipe)
Reader Interactions
Comments
Jay Harris
I love this recipe, might be the best chicken thighs I've made. Sticky and full of flavor.
Reply
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
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
Amillia B
Absolutely unbelievable!! So much flavor and my whole family loved it!!
Reply
Carmen Spillette
Thank you!
Reply