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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 30 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Description

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a tangy sweet chili sauce. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with minimal oil and effort, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh salad.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Coating

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Garnish

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds


Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to blend all the flavors.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Stir to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for a few minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Coat chicken with cornstarch: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Toss them in the cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated. This will help create a crispy exterior when air fried.
  5. Cook the chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is crispy and golden.
  6. Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken with cornstarch.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • This recipe works well with either chicken thighs or breasts, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer for best texture instead of microwaving.