Craving something sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor? These Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs made in the air fryer are everything you love about crispy takeout-style chicken — but made healthier and faster at home. With juicy, tender chicken and a sticky glaze made from Asian sweet chili sauce, garlic, and soy, this dish delivers BIG flavor with minimal effort.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with an easy yet bold dish.
🛒 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sweet chili glaze:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening, optional)
To garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the chicken thighs
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Air fry the chicken
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Make the glaze
While the chicken is cooking, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sriracha (if using), and garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until it thickens slightly.
4. Glaze and finish
Once the chicken is done, brush generously with the sweet chili glaze. Return to the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes at 400°F to caramelize the glaze.
5. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Enjoy hot!
💡 Tips
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to get the crispiest result.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if necessary.
- Use bone-in thighs if preferred — just adjust cooking time by 5–7 minutes.
- For extra sticky glaze, double the sauce and brush on again after serving.
- Want extra heat? Add crushed red pepper or more sriracha to the glaze.
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
- Use chicken drumsticks or wings instead of thighs.
- Swap sweet chili sauce for gochujang or hoisin sauce for a twist.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add pineapple chunks in the final minutes of air frying for a tropical twist.
- Turn into a rice bowl by serving over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli.
❓ FAQs
Can I use skin-on chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce the oil since the skin will render extra fat.
Can I make this in the oven?
Absolutely — bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, then broil for a crispy finish after glazing.
Can I marinate the chicken first?
Sure! Let it sit in the chili glaze for 30 minutes to a few hours for deeper flavor — just reserve some sauce for brushing during cooking.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, these reheat beautifully and stay juicy. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve over jasmine or coconut rice
- Add steamed veggies like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy
- Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or Asian slaw
- Make it into lettuce wraps with rice noodles
- Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks!
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