Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Deliciously sticky and sweet chili chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, glazed with a savory blend of sweet chili sauce, soy, oyster, and sesame oils for a caramelized finish.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Chicken
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 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
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for cooking.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin. Then season them evenly with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Initial air frying: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes at 375°F.
- Make the sticky glaze: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Baste chicken with glaze: Remove the chicken briefly to baste generously with the glaze. Return to the air fryer, repeating this basting process at least 3 times during cooking to build a thick, caramelized coating.
- Continue cooking: Air fry the chicken for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Crisp skin finish: For extra crispy, caramelized skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with jasmine rice or your favorite vegetable sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is key to achieving a crispy skin.
- Basting multiple times with the glaze creates a rich, sticky coating.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Keep an eye during broiling to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: sticky chicken thighs, sweet chili chicken, air fryer chicken, caramelized chicken, easy chicken recipe, Asian chicken glaze