I’ll admit it—I have a soft spot for recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this one does exactly that. These air fryer sweet Thai chili chicken thighs come out sticky, savory, and just the right amount of spicy, with a golden caramelized glaze that makes them downright irresistible. They’re the kind of dish that feels like you put in way more work than you actually did.
What I really love is how versatile this recipe is. It works perfectly for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick but satisfying, yet it’s also impressive enough to serve when friends come over. The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy on the inside while crisping up the outside, and that sweet Thai chili sauce clings to every bite like magic.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken thighs: I prefer using bone-in, skin-on thighs because they stay extra juicy and the skin crisps beautifully in the air fryer. Boneless thighs work too if you’re looking for something a bit leaner and faster to cook.
Sweet Thai chili sauce: This sauce is the star of the recipe. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and has just the right hint of heat. You can use a store-bought version for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous, whip up a homemade batch.
Soy sauce: A splash of soy sauce balances out the sweetness with salty, umami richness. It also helps deepen the glaze as it cooks in the air fryer.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with that irresistible savory aroma that makes the dish smell as good as it tastes.
Ginger: A touch of ginger adds warmth and a gentle zing that complements the sweet-spicy chili sauce beautifully.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle adds a nutty depth of flavor that ties everything together. It’s powerful, so a little goes a long way.
Green onions: These are sprinkled on at the end for a burst of freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish look vibrant and inviting.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but they add a lovely little crunch and a finishing touch that makes the chicken look restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients List
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
- ½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet Thai chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This will be your flavorful glaze that coats the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and crisps up nicely.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if using bone-in thighs. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Glaze and garnish
Once the chicken is cooked, brush on a little extra sweet Thai chili sauce for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures the chicken gets crispy.
- For extra sticky glaze, brush additional sauce on the chicken during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Bone-in thighs will take slightly longer to cook than boneless, so adjust the time accordingly.
- If you like extra heat, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the marinade.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the juices redistribute and keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Lower the cooking time to about 16–18 minutes and check the internal temperature.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
Not at all. Even 30 minutes of marinating will give you plenty of flavor, but if you have the time, overnight marination will make the chicken even more delicious.
What should I serve with sweet Thai chili chicken thighs?
They pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, or even a fresh cucumber salad to balance out the richness.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.