Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Crispy chicken thighs glazed with a sticky-sweet sauce that caramelizes to perfection create an irresistible dinner that's surprisingly simple to prepare. These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs deliver that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite, while the air fryer ensures juicy meat with crackling skin in less than 30 minutes. The contrast between the tender, succulent meat and the glossy, flavor-packed exterior makes this dish a standout for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but didn't want to sacrifice flavor. After testing several variations, this version became an instant favorite in our household. My teenage son, who's typically reluctant to try new dishes, now requests these "sticky chicken thighs" at least once a week, which is the ultimate stamp of approval.

Perfect Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay incredibly juicy—their higher fat content makes them perfect for air frying
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This Thai-inspired sauce provides the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat—look for it in the Asian section of your grocery store
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami that balances the sweetness—use low-sodium if you're watching salt intake
• Lemon Juice: The acidity brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the chicken
• Sesame Oil: Just a small amount adds a nutty undertone that completes the Asian flavor profile
• Lemon Pepper: This seasoning blend adds citrusy brightness to the chicken beneath the glaze
• Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point makes it ideal for air frying—olive oil works well too

Cooking Method

Prepare The Chicken:

Begin by patting 2 pounds of chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs) completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures crispy skin rather than steamed. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 1 teaspoon lemon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get some under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.

Air Fry The First Side:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15 minutes, which gives the meat time to start cooking through while rendering fat from the skin.

Create The Glaze:

While the chicken cooks, make the sticky sweet chili glaze by whisking together ½ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a bowl. This balanced combination creates that perfect sticky-sweet coating with hints of savory depth and brightness from the lemon. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.

Glaze And Flip:

After the initial cooking period, carefully flip the chicken thighs skin-side up. Using a brush, generously coat the exposed skin with the sweet chili glaze. Return to the air fryer for another 5-7 minutes. The skin will begin to caramelize and become irresistibly sticky. Baste again with more glaze and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is deeply caramelized.

Final Caramelization:

For that extra restaurant-quality finish, baste the chicken one final time and increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully during this step to prevent burning – you want deep caramelization without scorching the sugars in the sauce. This final blast of heat creates that beautiful sticky exterior that makes this dish special.

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My neighbor, who claims she "can't cook chicken without drying it out," tried this recipe after smelling it from her backyard. She was amazed at how foolproof the method was and how juicy the chicken remained. What surprised her most was how the glaze created that restaurant-quality finish she never thought she could achieve at home.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with sides that complement these flavorful chicken thighs. Steamed jasmine rice soaks up the extra glaze beautifully while providing a neutral canvas for the bold flavors. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers refreshing contrast to the rich, sticky chicken. For a more substantial spread, add roasted broccoli or bok choy, which stand up well to the sweet-savory sauce and add nutritional balance to the plate.

Creative Variations

Customize this versatile recipe to create exciting new flavor combinations. Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the glaze for a deeper, more complex heat that transforms the dish entirely. Create a citrus version by substituting orange juice and zest for the lemon, pairing perfectly with the sweet chili sauce for a bright, sunny profile. For an extra-crispy finish, try coating the chicken with a tablespoon of cornstarch before applying the initial seasoning – this creates an even more shatteringly crisp skin that holds up to the glaze.

Storage Solutions

Maintain flavor and texture with proper storage techniques. Refrigerate leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to three days. While the skin won't stay quite as crisp, the flavor actually deepens overnight. To reheat, the air fryer works beautifully – just 3-4 minutes at 350°F brings them back to life without drying out the meat. For a make-ahead option, prepare the chicken and glaze separately up to a day in advance, then assemble and cook when ready to serve. The glaze keeps well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

I've prepared chicken thighs countless ways over the years, but this sweet chili version has become my go-to when I want something that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. What makes it remarkable is how the air fryer perfectly renders the fat from the skin while keeping the meat incredibly juicy, and how the glaze transforms into a sticky, caramelized coating that's impossible to resist. Even on the busiest weeknights, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results that make dinner feel like an occasion rather than just another meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe, but they'll cook faster. Reduce the initial cooking time to about 10 minutes in the air fryer before you start basting with the glaze. The total cooking time will be around 20 minutes, but always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don't have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. For a shortcut, mix equal parts honey and sriracha sauce with a splash of vinegar.

→ How do I know when my chicken thighs are fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer - chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a thigh; the meat should be completely opaque with no pink, and the juices should run clear.

→ What sides go well with these chicken thighs?

These sweet chili chicken thighs pair beautifully with jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sticky sauce. For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, stir-fried bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice.

→ Can I make this in the oven if I don't have an air fryer?

Absolutely! As mentioned in the recipe, bake the chicken thighs in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes skin-side down, then flip and roast another 10 minutes until crispy. Follow the same glazing process, basting several times, and finish under the broiler for the caramelized effect.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild to medium, depending on the brand of sweet chili sauce you use. Most commercial sweet chili sauces offer a balance of sweetness and mild heat. If you prefer more spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon of sriracha to the glaze.