Description
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken: Crispy chicken coated in sticky sweet chili sauce, cooked to perfection in air fryer. A crowd-pleasing, easy recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons (24g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (1g) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (1g) onion powder
- ⅓ cup (80ml) sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with oil, making sure each piece is lightly coated. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch mixture creates that irresistible crispy exterior that makes **Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken** so special.
- Step 2: Preheat and Arrange Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for at least 3 minutes. This preheating step is essential for immediate searing, which helps seal in juices. Once preheated, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. You’ll likely need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the pieces halfway through cooking. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be crispy on the outside but still juicy inside. If your pieces are larger, you may need an extra minute or two.
- Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce While the chicken cooks, prepare your sweet chili glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk the mixture until well combined and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.
- Step 5: Glaze and Finish When the chicken is almost done, brush or drizzle half of the prepared sweet chili sauce over the chicken pieces. Return to the air fryer for 2 more minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly. Once done, transfer the sweet chili chicken to a serving bowl and toss with the remaining sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle your **Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken** with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. These fresh garnishes provide color contrast and bright flavors that complement the sweet-spicy glaze perfectly. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best experience.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg