Description
Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor, these Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer are your answer to a quick weeknight dinner. Glazed in a sticky-sweet, slightly tangy chili sauce, this easy air fryer recipe brings takeout flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1–2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sweet Chili Glaze:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: 1 tsp oyster sauce for extra umami
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels for extra crispiness.
- In a bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub over chicken.
- Place thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes.
- While chicken cooks, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a bowl.
- Flip chicken and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Baste chicken with glaze and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a caramelized glaze finish.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy over jasmine rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before cooking ensures crispier skin.
- You can customize the glaze with chili flakes or use lime for a citrusy twist.
- Tamari or coconut aminos make this dish gluten-free.
- To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive crispiness.
