Spicy & Sweet Grilled Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Spicy & Sweet Grilled Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Easy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe at Home
Enjoy the spicy grilled chicken thighs you love from restaurants, now made easily at home! When the price of delivery chicken feels too high, buying fresh chicken thighs and grilling them in the air fryer is a much more economical and satisfying option. With a little effort, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these grilled chicken thighs coated in a special spicy-sweet sauce are perfect as a side dish or a savory snack.
Main Ingredients- 1kg Chicken Thighs
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin, etc.)
- 20g Herb Salt
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp Steak Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Barbecue Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash 1kg of chicken thighs under running water. It’s important to rinse them meticulously to remove any blood or impurities.
Step 2
Drain the washed chicken thighs well using a sieve. Spread the drained chicken thighs evenly on a tray. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of cooking wine over them to remove any gamey odors and tenderize the meat.
Step 3
Evenly sprinkle 20g of herb salt over the chicken thighs that have been coated with cooking wine. The aromatic flavor of the herb salt will enhance the chicken’s taste.
Step 4
Brush 4 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the prepared chicken thighs. Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist and allows the sauce to adhere better.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of steak sauce, 3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, and 3 tablespoons of gochujang. Mix well and set aside. This special sauce offers a perfect harmony of spiciness, sweetness, and savory flavor.
Step 6
Spread one-third of the prepared sauce evenly over the olive oil-coated chicken thighs for the first marination. Letting it marinate for a while will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.
Step 7
Preheat your air fryer, then arrange the prepared chicken thighs attractively in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this helps ensure even cooking.
Step 8
Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 20 minutes for the first round. The exterior should start to turn golden brown.
Step 9
After the first cooking stage, carefully flip the chicken thighs over. This step ensures that both sides cook evenly.
Step 10
Once flipped, brush another third of the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken thighs. Re-applying the sauce will result in an even deeper flavor.
Step 11
Keeping the air fryer at 180°C (350°F), cook for another 15 minutes for the second round. The sauce will reduce slightly and develop a beautiful color.
Step 12
After the second cooking is complete, flip the chicken thighs one more time and carefully brush the remaining one-third of the sauce all over. This is the final step to add a delicious glaze.
Step 13
Finally, place the sauced chicken thighs back into the air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for an additional 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken thighs are perfectly grilled—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 14
Here is the appetizing appearance of the perfectly cooked grilled chicken thighs. The golden-brown color of the grilled chicken thighs is sure to make your mouth water.
Step 15
Serve the warm grilled chicken thighs attractively on individual plates according to your preference. Enjoy your hearty and delicious homemade grilled chicken thighs!
