Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe
Introduction
Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs cooked in the air fryer deliver a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with minimal effort. This dish is quick to prepare and develops a delicious caramelized exterior. It’s a great option for a tasty weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal any day.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the sauce mixture. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken skin dry before marinating and avoid excess sauce pooling in the air fryer basket.
- Try adding a squeeze of lime juice or chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh twist.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce or use a mild chili sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the skin from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes per side in the air fryer, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating helps the chicken absorb the flavors of the sweet chili sauce and garlic, resulting in a more flavorful dish. However, if you’re short on time, coating and cooking immediately still yields tasty results.
PrintSweet Chili Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) Recipe
Delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This easy recipe features juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic, resulting in a caramelized and tender dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Coat each thigh evenly with the prepared sauce mixture, ensuring the skin and meat are thoroughly covered.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes.
- Flip and continue cooking: Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the skin is caramelized, crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness or heat by adding more or less sweet chili sauce or adding chili flakes to the marinade.
- If using skinless chicken thighs, cook time may be slightly reduced.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crisp skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for food safety.
- The marinade can be prepared a few hours ahead for deeper flavor absorption.
Keywords: Sweet Chili Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Easy Chicken Recipe, Asian Chicken, Quick Dinner, Crispy Chicken Thighs
