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- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - Seasoning mix: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 green onion, finely chopped - Sesame seeds The key to this dish is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken thighs bring great taste and moisture. I use sweet chili sauce for a spicy-sweet kick. The seasoning mix adds depth. Each coating ingredient plays a role in achieving that perfect crunch. Cornstarch helps create a crispy shell. Flour gives it structure, while baking powder adds lightness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. For garnish, I love using green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and a bit of crunch. In a large bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Mix in the dry ingredients: - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Stir the mixture well. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. This step helps give your chicken a tasty crunch. Next, dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg. Let any extra egg drip off. This will help the coating stick better. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy chicken. While it heats, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil. This adds to the crispiness. Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking. Your chicken is done when it turns golden brown and crispy. While the chicken cooks, mix your glaze. In a small bowl, combine: - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over the chicken. Toss gently to coat every piece. Now, plate your glazed chicken. For a lovely finish, garnish it with: - Finely chopped green onions - Sesame seeds Your air fryer crispy sweet chili chicken is ready to enjoy! To make your chicken crispy, preheating the air fryer is key. Set it to 400°F (200°C) before you cook. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get that golden look. Spraying the chicken with cooking oil also makes a big difference. A light coat gives the chicken a crispy crunch. Use a spray bottle for even coverage. Don't skip this step! Want more flavor? Try adding different seasonings. You can mix in some cayenne pepper for heat or even some ginger powder for a fresh taste. If you want a different glaze, consider using sriracha with your sweet chili sauce. This adds a nice kick! You can also try mixing in some honey or lime juice for extra sweetness and zest. Experiment and find what you love! {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for other proteins. Chicken breast works well too. It will still be juicy and tasty. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu or veggies. Tofu soaks up flavors nicely. Just cut it into the same bite-sized pieces. For vegetables, bell peppers and zucchini add great color and crunch. You can make your own sweet chili sauce at home. Mix sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes for a kick. If you like heat, add more chili flakes or use sriracha. This change can give your dish a personal touch. Different sauces can change the whole meal vibe. Pair your chicken with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Steamed veggies add color and nutrients. For meal prep, store chicken in containers. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze portions for later. Enjoy your tasty creation with friends or family! To keep your crispy sweet chili chicken fresh, store it right. First, make sure the chicken is cool. Place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it makes the chicken soft and soggy. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Cook chicken in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes. This time works best for bite-sized pieces. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it is best to thaw it first. Frozen chicken will need a longer cooking time. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. You can use honey mixed with sriracha for a quick substitute. Another option is to mix ketchup with red pepper flakes. Both will give you a sweet and spicy flavor. This recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. In this blog post, we explored how to make crispy air-fried chicken with sweet chili glaze. We covered main ingredients like chicken thighs and sweet chili sauce, along with the coating mix. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect crispiness, and variations for different proteins and sauces. In conclusion, this recipe is easy and fun. You can customize it to suit your taste. Try it out and enjoy a tasty meal that everyone will love.

Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned bite-sized chicken thighs are air-fried to perfection, creating a golden, crispy exterior that's caramelized in a sweet chili sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 egg, beaten

1 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.

    Dip the Chicken: Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off.

      Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

        Glaze the Chicken: While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce and sesame oil. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over it. Toss the chicken gently to coat it evenly.

          Serve: Plate the glazed chicken and garnish it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | Serves 4