Description
Sizzling sweet chili chicken thighs emerge as a culinary sensation, promising a flavor explosion straight from your air fryer. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat invite you to savor an irresistible Asian-inspired dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Garnish and Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispy skin and optimal seasoning adherence.
- Season chicken thighs thoroughly with salt and black pepper, massaging spices into the meat and skin.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F for precise temperature control and even cooking.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down in air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap for uniform heat circulation.
- Cook chicken for 12 minutes, then carefully flip thighs to skin-side up for additional 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Once chicken reaches optimal temperature, remove from air fryer and immediately brush generously with prepared sweet chili sauce.
- Transfer glazed chicken to serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes for vibrant flavor and visual appeal.
- Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and enhance overall taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure chicken skin is bone-dry to achieve super crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in incredible flavor and texture.
- Use paper towels to pat chicken thoroughly, removing excess moisture which prevents proper browning and crispiness in air fryer.
- Double-check internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without risking foodborne illness.
- For low-carb option, replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener to maintain delicious glaze without added sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg