Enjoy crispy, tender Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Bites tossed in a tangy sweet chili sauce—perfect for appetizers or a quick meal.
Thai-inspired chicken bites cooked in an air fryer offer a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and ground pepper, then coated with cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
Air-fried to golden perfection, these bites are tossed in a tangy sauce combining tomato ketchup, Thai sweet chili sauce, sambal or sriracha, brown sugar, oyster sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch, delivering a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. This quick and easy dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course, bringing the vibrant tastes of Thai cuisine to your table with minimal effort
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: You can go from prep to plate in less time than it takes to preheat a traditional oven–perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sweet Chili Glaze: The sweet chili glaze coats the chicken beautifully, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether serving it as a main course with rice and veggies or as a party appetizer, it’s amazing!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its delightful combination of flavors and ease of preparation make Sweet Chili Chicken a sure hit for family dinners and social gatherings.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Flour: A light dusting of flour helps to create a crispy exterior on the chicken bites.
- Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent for the flour and breadcrumbs.
- Rice Vinegar
- Fish or Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce in the sweet chili glaze introduces a savory umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar and Sambal Oelek: Coats the air-fried chicken in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze that’s utterly addictive.
- Cornstarch and Water: Thickens the sauce.
- Seasonings: Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Sweet Paprika
How to Make Thai Chicken Bites Air Fryer Recipe
Step One: Cut chicken into 1 to 2-inch pieces, then dry them with a paper towel. Place the diced chicken breast into a bowl and add the salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step Two: In one bowl, add flour. In another, add eggs (beaten with a fork). In the last bowl, add bread crumbs. Dip your chicken into flour, egg wash, and then put the bread crumbs.
Step Three: As you coat your chicken, place them into a greased air fryer basket with cooking spray or use a reusable silicone liner. Spray the entire chicken with cooking spray, and set the temperature to 370 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 5-8 minutes. (the internal temperature of the chicken will need to be 165 degrees F before you remove your chicken)
Step Four: Depending on the air fryer you own, you may need to flip your chicken halfway during the cooking process. Mix the cooked chicken with the sauce right before serving.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Bites Recipe Tips
- Uniform Sizing: Cut chicken pieces into consistent sizes to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overlapping to promote proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Mid-Cook Shaking: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides of the chicken are evenly cooked and browned.
- Internal Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Sauce Application Timing: Toss the cooked chicken in sweet chili sauce just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the coating.
- Garnishing: Enhance presentation and flavor by garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the chicken from becoming soggy, separate the sauce if you have extra and store it in a separate container.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken bites in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Bites pair wonderfully with a variety of sides that balance their sweet and spicy flavors. For a fresh and light option, serve them with a crisp green salad featuring ingredients like cucumber, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, pair them with steamed rice or a fried rice dish for a satisfying meal. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, complement the flavors perfectly, while a cool, creamy dip such as ranch or blue cheese can help mellow out the heat. For an added crunch, serve alongside crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Bites Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that the sweet chili sauce you use is gluten-free. There are several brands available that cater to gluten-free diets.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy? For extra crispiness, spray the breaded chicken with a little more cooking spray before air frying. Make sure the chicken pieces are spaced out in a single layer in the air fryer basket for optimal crispness.
Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier bite, but they may require slightly different cooking times. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance? You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. This can help save time when preparing the meal.
What dipping sauce goes well with these chicken bites? Sweet chili chicken bites are great with a side of creamy ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a bit more heat.
How long do leftovers last? Leftover sweet chili chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the chicken in batches for even cooking.
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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
Description
Ingredients
Sweet Chili Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Sambal Oelek
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Serving: Sliced Green Onions, Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Cut your chicken into 1 to 2-inch pieces, then dry them with a paper towel.
- Place the diced chicken breast into a bowl, and add the salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In one bowl, add your flour, in another bowl add your eggs (beaten with a fork and in the last bowl, add your bread crumbs.
- Dip your chicken into flour, then egg wash and then the bread crumbs.
- As you coat your chicken, place them into a greased air fryer basket, with cooking spray, or use a reusable silicone liner.
- Spray the entire chicken with cooking spray, and set the temperature to 370 degrees F, air fryer setting for 5 to 8 minutes. (the internal temperature of chicken will need to be 165 degrees F before you remove your chicken))
- Depending on the air fryer you own, you may need to flip your chicken halfway during the cooking process.
- Mix the cooked chicken with the sauce, right before serving.
- Garnish with the sliced green onions and sesame seeds, right before serving.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Nutrition
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Candy W.
This recipe is fantastic! I made it for dinner last night and while I didn’t have Sambal Oelek (and wasn’t up for running to the store), I used Pad Thai Sauce (jar) and kicked up the heat a bit with Sriracha. The chicken was oh-so tender and the sauce was scrumptious. Rather than rice, I served with rice noodles mixed with roasted veggies. Love your website!!