Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer)

Sharing is caring!

If you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful, and juicy chicken dinner that comes together effortlessly, these Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs cooked in the air fryer are exactly what you need. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy glaze coats tender chicken thighs, delivering a mouthwatering bite every time. Plus, using the air fryer means you get crispy skin without the extra oil or mess of pan-frying. This dish is a fantastic weeknight dinner option, meal prep-friendly, and sure to please the whole family.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe stands out because it combines the convenience of the air fryer with a vibrant glaze that elevates simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality dish. The chicken remains juicy and tender inside, while the sweet chili sauce caramelizes beautifully on the outside, creating a sticky, irresistible coating.

What makes it even better? The recipe requires minimal ingredients and very little hands-on time, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making it an easy go-to for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle olive oil over the thighs and rub it in to coat them well.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir until the honey is fully incorporated and the glaze is smooth. This sauce will give the chicken a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a subtle kick.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 8 minutes. This initial cooking phase ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the skin starts to crisp.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking

Brush the sweet chili glaze generously over the skin of each chicken thigh. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for 3-5 more minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning due to the sugars in the glaze.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as steamed jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Expert Tips

• Dry the chicken thoroughly: Moisture on the skin can prevent crispiness, so make sure to pat it dry before seasoning.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Give each piece room so air can circulate properly for even cooking and crisp skin.
• Adjust the glaze sweetness: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the honey or use less sweet chili sauce.
• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs: They stay juicier and develop better flavor and texture than boneless or skinless.
• Check internal temperature: The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe consumption.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the glaze for extra heat.
• Garlic Lovers: Mince fresh garlic and add it to the glaze for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
• Herb Twist: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or basil over the chicken before serving to add herbal freshness.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Air Fryer Alternatives: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken thighs at 425°F (220°C) on a baking sheet lined with foil for about 30-35 minutes, glazing and broiling at the end.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes to help retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the skin soggy. Leftover chicken also makes a great addition to salads, wraps, or rice bowls.

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter (about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer). Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking as they can dry out faster than bone-in thighs.

Is sweet chili sauce spicy?

Sweet chili sauce typically has a mild heat level balanced by sweetness, making it accessible to most palates. If you prefer less heat, choose a milder brand or reduce the amount used in the glaze.

Can I make the glaze from scratch?

Absolutely! Combine chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and a touch of water or honey to create a homemade sweet chili sauce. Simmer until thickened for a fresh take on the glaze.

Do I need to flip the chicken during air frying?

Flipping helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides. For best results, flip halfway through the cooking time and apply the glaze towards the end to avoid burning.

Conclusion

These Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs made in the air fryer are a game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want a simple yet impressive meal. The combination of juicy, tender chicken and sticky, flavorful glaze hits all the right notes without complicated steps or ingredients. With the expert tips and customizable variations, you can tailor this recipe to suit your taste perfectly. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free dinner that everyone will love!

Sharing is caring!