These Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are incredibly crispy and made in the Ninja Foodi air fryer for hassle-free cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, this game day appetizer is so delicious that they’ll disappear in no time!
Sticky, sweet, and with just the right kick of spice, these Sweet Chili Chicken Wings hit all the marks for the ultimate chicken wing recipe. Whether you choose to bake them in the oven or whip them up in an air fryer, these easy wings offer versatility. I use the Ninja Foodi air fryer, which gives them a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the meat wonderfully tender.
Fall is just around the corner (thank goodness, because I’m ready for a break from the heat), and that means football season is kicking off! These air fryer wings are ideal for game day gatherings, parties, or a quick, hassle-free dinner. Get ready to enjoy the crispiest chicken wings ever! And remember to grab some napkins—things are about to get deliciously messy!
If you have been looking for some great Air Fryer Chicken Wing Recipes, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Dry Rubbed Chicken Wings, and Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:
- Chicken Wings: Provides a juicy and tender meat base that crisps beautifully when cooked.
- Lemongrass: Infuses the wings with a light citrusy flavor.
- Fish Sauce: Adds depth and authenticity to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce: Offers a beautiful golden-brown hue when cooked.
- Brown Sugar: Helps caramelize the wings to perfection.
- Garlic: Aromatic touch that’s essential to the richness of the dish.
- Red Chili Peppers: Spicy kick, setting the signature heat level of Thai chili wings.
- Lime Zest and Juice: Cut through the richness and refresh the palate.
- Ginger: Introduces a warm, spicy undertone that complements the flavor profile.
- Coriander/Cilantro: Brings a fresh, earthy aroma and vibrant color to the wings.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle toasted note to the wings.
- Thai Basil (optional): For garnish or within the marinade.
How To Make Air Fryer Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Step One: Mix the chicken ingredients, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
Step Two: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. Brush the basket with little olive oil and put the chicken wings in it (7-8 per batch)—brush olive oil on the top of the wings. Set cook time for 10 minutes on one side, then turn the chicken wings and cook for another 7-8 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with other chicken wings.
Step Three: Next, mix all the sauce ingredients, Thai sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili flakes, black pepper, minced garlic, Hoisin Sauce, cornstarch, and water. Heat a pan and add the sauce. Mix until the sauce thickens and becomes a little sticky.
Step Four: Add the air-fried chicken wings and toss them to coat correctly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and red chili flakes (You can also use sesame seeds and green onions for garnishing).
Air Fryer Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Wings Recipe Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken wings in the sweet chili sauce for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on the model.
- Use Baking Powder: To enhance the crispiness, consider dusting the wings with a little baking powder before cooking. It helps create a crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Flip Halfway: Flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to promote even crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Chicken wings should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Toss with Extra Sauce: For a more intense flavor, toss the cooked wings with additional sweet chili sauce right before serving.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair the wings with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra sweet chili sauce for added flavor.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh touch.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauce.
Air Fryer Thai Chicken Wings Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. However, they will need to be cooked for a longer time. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce? If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, you can make a simple alternative by mixing honey or maple syrup with sriracha or another hot sauce to achieve a sweet and spicy flavor.
How do I make the wings extra crispy? To achieve extra crispiness, pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. You can also toss them in a bit of baking powder before air frying.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, but avoid overcrowding the air fryer. You may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Can I make these wings spicier? Absolutely! Add more sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade for increased heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.
What sides pair well with Thai chicken wings? Thai chicken wings pair well with a variety of sides, including fresh vegetable sticks, coleslaw, or a light salad. They also go great with rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
Can I use other parts of the chicken? While wings are traditional for this recipe, you can also use drumsticks or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the pieces.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
- Air Fryer Weight Watchers Sweet Potatoes
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Description
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients:
- pound of chicken wings
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder.
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed in 2 tablespoons of water
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Mix the chicken ingredients, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 180-degree C / 350-degrees F, air fryer setting.
- Brush the basket with little olive oil and put the chicken wings in it (7-8 per batch)—brush olive oil on the top of the wings.
- Cook for 10 minutes on one side, then turn the chicken wings and cook for another 7-8 minutes or golden brown. Repeat with other chicken wings.
- Next, mix all the sauce ingredients, Thai sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili flakes, black pepper, minced garlic, Hoisin Sauce, cornstarch, and water. Heat a pan and add the sauce.
- Mix until the sauce thickens and becomes a little sticky.
- Add the air-fried chicken wings and toss them to coat properly.
- Serve hot garnished with chopped cilantro and red chili flakes (You can also use sesame seeds and green onions for garnishing).
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- Dry the chicken wings using a paper towel to remove excess liquids.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for about 5 minutes before tossing them in the sauce. Doing so will help the chicken to stay crispy.
Nutrition
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