Discovering a dish that marries sweet and savory is like stumbling upon buried treasure. That’s exactly how I feel about Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs prepared in an air fryer. This recipe has become a beloved staple in my home, giving me that perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken and a sticky, luscious glaze that sings with flavor. I remember the first time I made it—it was a busy weeknight, and I was looking for something quick yet impressive. The air fryer came to my rescue, and this delightful dish emerged, making it feel like a special occasion without the fuss.
Why you’ll love this recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour, look no further. Picture this: tender chicken thighs kissed with a sticky glaze that combines sweet chili sauce’s sweetness with the umami richness of soy and oyster sauces. And let’s not forget the aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s enough to make anyone wander in and wonder what’s cooking!
This recipe is not just about the taste; it’s about the overall experience. The air fryer takes those chicken thighs and transforms them into a crispy masterpiece in record time. You’ll love how quickly you can get dinner on the table without sacrificing flavor or texture. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—feel free to serve it with rice, veggies, or whatever side suits your mood.
Gather these ingredients
Now, let’s talk about the goods. Here’s what you’ll need to unwrap this culinary delight:
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs: They provide juicy meat and crispy skin, perfect for soaking up the glaze. Boneless thighs also work if that’s your preference.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: A great oil for high-heat cooking that keeps the chicken skin beautifully crisp and adds a hint of richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Because let’s be real, garlic makes everything better! It adds depth without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
- ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper: Simple seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: This is the star of the show! Its sweetness blended with a mild heat is what makes this dish sing.
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce: Adds that salty, umami punch that complements the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: For an extra layer of flavor and a hint of earthiness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: This fragrant oil rounds out the sauce, giving it a nutty finish that elevates the dish.
Adjusting any of these ingredients is totally doable. If you’re out of oyster sauce, a dash of hoisin could work. And if you want it spicier, a little Sriracha goes a long way!
The cooking process explained
Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C). It’s like giving your chicken a warm-up before the main event.
- Pat the chicken dry: Grab a paper towel and gently dry those thighs. This crucial step ensures crispy skin, so don’t skip it!
- Season like a chef: Rub the chicken with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every inch is coated; it’s time to flavor town.
- Air fry those beauties: Place your chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket, and cook for 15 minutes. The sizzling sound is music to my ears!
- Make the sticky glaze: While the chicken is frying, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This sauce is magic; you’ll want to taste it right away!
- Baste to perfection: After 15 minutes, take a spoon and baste the chicken with your the sticky glaze. Do this a few times—at least three—for that caramelized coating we’re dreaming of.
- Cook a little longer: Toss the chicken back in for another 10 minutes—or until it hits that perfectly cooked internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For that final touch, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes. Keep a close watch; nobody wants burnt offerings!
- Let it rest: Once it’s out, let the chicken sit for a few minutes. It’s like a little spa retreat for the meat.
Best way to enjoy it
When it comes to serving, imagination is your best friend! I like to nestle these juicy thighs over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice, letting the grains soak up that luscious sauce. Alternatively, pair them with roasted veggies—the sweet glaze is a beautiful contrast to crisp, savory vegetables.
Feeling adventurous? Try plating with a tangy cucumber and carrot salad—a vibrant crunch that complements the sticky chicken perfectly. And don’t forget the chopsticks for that authentic approach!
How to store and freeze
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep your chicken fresh, store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat them in the air fryer for that crispiness we all love.
Want to save it for later? Freeze those thighs! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before sealing them in a freezer bag. They can hang out in your freezer for up to a month. Just remember to allow them to defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
To elevate your cooking experience, here are a few insider tips:
- Don’t rush the drying step! A dry surface means crispy skin—trust me on this one.
- Experiment with spices: Toss in some red pepper flakes if you want to heat things up or even some fresh ginger for a zesty twist.
- Basting is key: The more sauce you get on those thighs, the more flavorful they’ll be. Consider basting a fourth time if you can’t resist!
Creative Twists
Let’s get creative! Feel free to customize this dish to suit your tastes:
- Switch the protein: Try this glaze with pork tenderloin or even salmon—you won’t regret it!
- Add tropical flair: A dash of pineapple juice or mango puree can bring a delightful sweetness to the glaze.
- Herb it up: Fresh cilantro or scallions sprinkled on top before serving provide that extra boost of flavor and color.
Ingredients list
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Directions to follow
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the chicken with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry the chicken skin-side down at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Baste the chicken with the glaze three times during cooking.
- Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for an extra 2-3 minutes for a perfect crispy finish.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving over rice or veggies.
Common questions
- How long does this take to prepare? About 30-40 minutes from start to finish!
- Can I omit the oyster sauce? Of course! Just substitute with a little extra soy sauce for a similar flavor.
- What’s the best way to reheat the chicken? The air fryer is your best bet for keeping that crispy skin intact.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- What other sides go well with it? Steamed broccoli or a fresh salad are perfect accompaniments!
Cooking is an adventure, and I hope you take this recipe and make it your own. Each meal is an opportunity to create memories, so don’t hesitate to throw in your personal touch. Give this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs recipe a shot—I’m convinced it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. Experiment, share your successes, and let’s keep this cooking journey vibrant together!
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Description
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs is a delightful dish combining sweet chili sauce and umami-rich ingredients for a flavorful meal. Cooked in an air fryer, the chicken thighs become crispy and juicy, making it a quick yet impressive dinner option.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Cooking Procedure
-
Preheat the air fryer
Set it to 375°F (190°C). -
Pat the chicken dry
Use a paper towel to dry the chicken thighs.This helps achieve crispy skin. -
Season the chicken
Rub chicken with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Ensure even coating for flavor. -
Air fry the chicken
Place chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes.Listen for the sizzling sound. -
Prepare the glaze
In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.Taste the glaze for flavor. -
Baste the chicken
After 15 minutes, baste chicken with the glaze at least three times.This creates a caramelized coating. -
Finish cooking
Cook for additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).Broil for an extra 2-3 minutes for crispiness. -
Let the chicken rest
Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.Helps retain moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 680mg29%
- Potassium 370mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 16g6%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 24g48%
- Vitamin A 4 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 1 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 3 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 30 mg
- Vitamin B6 15 mg
- Folate 2 mcg
- Vitamin B12 8 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 20 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 2 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 20 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
