Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs (Sweet & Savory Dinner) – Easy Weeknight Favorite

These air fryer sweet chili chicken thighs hit that perfect balance of sticky, sweet, and a little spicy. The thighs cook up juicy inside with caramelized edges outside, thanks to a quick marinade and the power of hot circulating air. It’s a simple recipe that feels special, and it’s weeknight-friendly.

Pair it with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad and you’ve got dinner that feels like takeout—without the price tag. Best part? Clean-up is minimal and the flavors are big.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Big flavor, minimal effort: A short marinade delivers bold, sweet heat and savory depth.
• Perfect texture: Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, while the sauce gets glossy and caramelized.
• Air fryer convenience: Cooks fast with less oil and easy clean-up.
• Flexible heat level: Adjust the spice by choosing your sweet chili sauce and adding optional sriracha.
• Meal-prep friendly: The leftovers reheat well for lunches and quick dinners.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (Thai-style)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra glaze)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili-garlic paste (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of neutral oil for the basket
• To finish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat dry the chicken: Use paper towels to dry the thighs well.

   Dry skin helps them crisp and caramelize.

2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sriracha (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate: Add chicken thighs to a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour in the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit at least 20–30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.

   Lightly oil or spray the basket to prevent sticking.

5. Arrange the chicken: Shake off excess marinade and place thighs skin-side down in a single layer. Reserve the leftover marinade.
6. Cook first side: Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. While it cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly and make it safe for basting.
7. Flip and baste: Flip chicken skin-side up.

   Brush with the boiled marinade. Air fry another 8–10 minutes, until the skin is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. For juicier thighs, aim for 175–185°F; thighs stay tender at higher temps.

8. Optional final glaze: Brush once more and cook 1–2 minutes to set the glaze.
9. Rest and serve: Let rest 5 minutes.

   Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with rice, steamed veggies, or a crunchy slaw.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.

  Add a splash of water and cover to keep it moist.

• Sauce refresh: If it looks dry after reheating, brush a teaspoon of sweet chili sauce on top.

Health Benefits

• Lean protein: Chicken thighs offer iron and B vitamins with satisfying protein that keeps you full.
• Less oil needed: Air frying achieves crisp edges with minimal added fat.
• Balanced flavors, easy to lighten: The sauce adds big flavor, and you can reduce sugar or use a lower-sugar sweet chili sauce.
• Customizable sodium: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps manage salt without losing savoriness.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Overcrowding the basket: Crowding steams the chicken. Cook in batches for crisp edges.
• Skipping the boil: If you plan to baste with leftover marinade, you must boil it to make it food-safe.
• Not drying the skin: Moisture prevents caramelization. Pat dry before marinating.
• Undercooking: Check temperature.

  Thighs taste best above 175°F for tenderness.

• Too much sugar at high heat: Extra honey can burn quickly. Watch the last few minutes and adjust time as needed.

Variations You Can Try

• Sticky orange chili: Add 1 tablespoon orange marmalade and a splash of fresh orange juice to the marinade.
• Garlic-lime: Skip honey, add extra garlic and the zest of 1 lime, plus more lime juice to finish.
• Pineapple twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple and a splash of pineapple juice for tropical sweetness.
• Herb boost: Add chopped cilantro or Thai basil after cooking.
• Boneless/skinless: Use boneless thighs; reduce cook time to about 8–10 minutes per side, checking early.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos and a verified gluten-free sweet chili sauce.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Use smaller breasts or cut large ones in half for even cooking.

Air fry at 370–380°F and start checking at 8–10 minutes per side. Pull at 160–165°F and rest.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

A short marinade helps flavor and caramelization, but if you’re short on time, toss the thighs in the sauce and cook. Baste midway and at the end to build flavor.

What if my air fryer smokes?

Excess fat can cause smoke.

Place a small piece of bread or a little water in the drawer beneath the basket (if your model allows), and trim extra skin. Avoid aerosol sprays that can damage the basket.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep the temperature at 380°F and watch during the last few minutes. If using extra honey, reduce the final minutes or lower to 370°F.

Can I make this ahead?

Marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead.

Cook just before serving for the best texture. Reheat gently and brush with a little extra sweet chili sauce if needed.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, garlic green beans, roasted broccoli, sesame slaw, or stir-fried vegetables all pair great with the sweet-savory glaze.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer sweet chili chicken thighs are the kind of dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. The marinade is pantry-friendly, the cook time is short, and the result is glossy, sticky, and satisfying.

Keep this one in your weeknight rotation, and tweak the heat and sweetness to match your taste. Serve it hot, sprinkle on some green onions, and enjoy that sweet-savory comfort with every bite.