Description
Delicious and easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful sweet chili sauce blend, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crispy and juicy finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
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 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Black pepper to taste
Coating
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat while the chicken marinates.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate crisping of the chicken pieces.
- Coat and arrange chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and lightly coat each piece with cornstarch, ensuring even coverage. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crispness on all sides.
- Check doneness and serve: Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispness.
- If needed, add a little cooking spray halfway during cooking to help with browning.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
