These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs, made in the air fryer, are a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, these chicken thighs become crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Ideal for those busy nights when you crave a flavorful meal in no time!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 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 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

3. In a small bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.

4. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, skin side down. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is crispy and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sticky glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

6. During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the chicken thighs with the glaze and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with jasmine rice or your favorite side dish.

Nutrients

Estimated values for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 18g

• Sodium: 720mg

• Fiber: 1g

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Chicken Thighs?

The air fryer has quickly become a popular kitchen appliance for its ability to produce crispy, golden results without the need for deep frying. This method is perfect for chicken thighs, which can often become greasy when fried in oil. Using the air fryer, you achieve a crispy skin on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside—just as you’d expect from well-cooked chicken thighs.

The air fryer also significantly reduces cooking time, making it a convenient tool for busy nights. With a preheated air fryer and just 25 minutes of cooking time, these sticky chicken thighs are ready to be served in no time. The hot circulating air ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, delivering a perfect balance of textures and flavors every time.

The Secret to Crispy Skin and Tender Meat

One of the standout features of these sticky sweet chili chicken thighs is the crispy skin. To achieve this, the key is in the preparation and cooking method. Before cooking, it’s important to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture from the skin, allowing it to crisp up nicely during the cooking process.

Next, the chicken thighs are coated with a flavorful rub made from avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken, while also contributing to the crispy texture. The lemon pepper adds a zesty touch, and the garlic powder brings out savory notes that complement the sweetness of the sticky glaze.

Once the chicken is coated, it goes into the preheated air fryer basket. The thighs are first cooked skin side down to ensure that the skin crisps up evenly. After about 15 minutes, the chicken is flipped and cooked for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring that it’s cooked through and crispy on both sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

The Sweet and Savory Sticky Glaze

What truly makes this dish stand out is the sticky glaze. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The sweet chili sauce brings a delightful sweetness with just the right amount of heat, while the soy sauce adds depth of flavor with a salty umami kick. The oyster sauce contributes richness and complexity, and the sesame oil provides a nutty, aromatic finish that ties everything together.

As the chicken nears the end of its cooking time, the glaze is brushed onto the chicken thighs. This allows the sauce to caramelize and thicken slightly, creating a glossy, sticky coating that clings to the crispy skin. The glaze intensifies the flavor of the chicken and adds a beautiful sheen that makes the dish even more appetizing.

Serving Suggestions

These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. They pair perfectly with jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious sticky glaze, creating a flavorful combination with each bite. The sweetness of the glaze contrasts nicely with the mild, fluffy rice, creating a balanced meal.

If you’re looking for additional sides, roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers complement the dish beautifully. You can also serve the chicken with a simple side salad or sautéed greens to add some freshness to balance out the rich flavors of the chicken.

For a bit of extra flair, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These add both texture and a pop of color, enhancing the dish’s presentation.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Nights

One of the best aspects of these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs is how quickly and easily they come together. The air fryer takes care of the cooking, so you don’t need to babysit the chicken or worry about it becoming overcooked or greasy. The combination of the rub and glaze ensures the chicken is full of flavor and moisture, making it a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

The preparation time is short, with only a few minutes required to season the chicken and prepare the glaze. While the chicken cooks, you can focus on prepping the sides, setting the table, or simply relaxing. This makes the dish perfect for those hectic evenings when you want a flavorful and filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits of Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs offer a balanced mix of protein and healthy fats, making them a great option for a filling meal. With 23g of protein per serving, they provide a good source of lean protein that helps keep you satisfied. The 18g of fat come primarily from the avocado oil, which provides monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.

While the dish is a little higher in sodium due to the soy sauce and oyster sauce, you can always adjust the amounts or opt for low-sodium versions to suit your dietary preferences. The sweet chili sauce brings 15g of carbohydrates per serving, making this a meal that’s satisfying without being overly heavy.

A Dish That Delivers on Flavor and Texture

In conclusion, these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in the sticky glaze, combined with the crispy skin and tender meat, makes these chicken thighs irresistible. The air fryer ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven, making it the perfect solution for busy nights.

Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or even a casual gathering, these chicken thighs are sure to be a hit. They’re delicious on their own or served with rice and vegetables, offering a complete and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. So the next time you’re craving something quick and tasty, fire up your air fryer and enjoy these sticky, sweet chili chicken thighs!