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Air Fryer Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

This air fryer sticky sweet chili chicken thighs recipe is one of my favorite dinners to make when life gets busy. The chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a sticky sweet glaze that tastes like takeout. It’s an easy family meal that takes just a few ingredients and barely any effort. My three teens love this one, and I love how fast it comes together after a long day.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (you can use bone-in too)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it warm up while you get your chicken ready. It helps cook them more even and crispy.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub a little olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked inside.
  • In a small pan, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar. Warm it on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it gets a little thick.
  • Take the cooked chicken out of the air fryer and brush or toss it in the glaze until it’s sticky and shiny.
  • Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies for a full meal your family will love.

Notes

Tips

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the chicken will steam instead of crisp.
  • Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before brushing with glaze, so the sauce sticks better.
  • If you want it extra crispy, cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
  • Double the glaze recipe if your family loves sauce like mine does.
  • Great for meal prep — store leftovers and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
  • Garlic Lover’s Version: Toss in more garlic or a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Honey Garlic Twist: Replace the sweet chili sauce with honey and soy sauce for a simple honey garlic glaze.
  • Asian-Inspired: Add a dash of ginger or sesame oil for a deeper, savory taste.
  • Kid-Friendly: Leave out the spice and use teriyaki sauce instead — my youngest loves it that way.