Description
These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are perfectly cooked in the air fryer, delivering a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a sticky, flavorful sweet chili glaze. Marinated with a delicious blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, this recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Add oil to marinade: Pour in the vegetable oil to the marinade and mix well to help the chicken retain moisture and develop a crispy exterior.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag securely.
- Massage to coat: Gently massage the marinade into the chicken through the bag to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the chicken: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Prepare for cooking: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off any excess to avoid sogginess.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow optimal air circulation.
- Cook first side: Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until the underside is golden and crispy.
- Flip and finish cooking: Turn the chicken thighs over and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and the texture to settle.
- Serve: Plate the sticky sweet chili chicken thighs with your favorite sides and enjoy a deliciously sticky and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors for a more delicious chicken.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to achieve the best crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
