Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, flavor-packed, and healthy—let me introduce you to Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. This dish brings together golden, caramelized Brussels sprouts and juicy bites of chicken, tossed in a luscious sweet chili glaze that strikes that magical balance between zingy, sticky, and savory. It’s everything you crave in an Asian-inspired meal without ever having to turn on your oven or stand over a stove. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, satisfying dish that’s as perfect for a busy Tuesday night as it is for impressing friends at your next casual dinner. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts, you’ll want it in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is all about simplicity—every ingredient has a role: lending crunch, color, richness, or a pop of zesty heat. Here’s what you need, and why you want it:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 pound): Choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a leaner bite—either way, cut them into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same pace.
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, trimmed and halved): These little cabbages get crispy on the edges and tender inside, soaking up the glaze beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything crisp up in the air fryer, while keeping the chicken moist and the sprouts golden.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both chicken and sprouts right from the start.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little bit for sharpness and depth.
- Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): The showstopper in the sauce—its sweetness and gentle heat make the whole dish sing.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami and a subtle saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of acid to brighten up the sauce and cut through the richness.
- Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who love another fiery layer—add more or less to your heat preference.
- Green onions & sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, nutty garnish that makes the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, trim and halve your Brussels sprouts and cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. Taking a few extra minutes here ensures every bite turns out perfectly cooked and evenly sauced.
Step 2: Season the Brussels Sprouts and Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, half the salt, and black pepper until they’re all gleaming and well coated. In a separate bowl, do the same with the chicken, tossing it with the remaining olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. This initial seasoning sets the foundation for crave-worthy, well-balanced bites.
Step 3: Air Fry in Layers
Add the seasoned Brussels sprouts to your air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary so nothing steams). Cook these first for about 10 minutes. Now, give the basket a good shake—then, either add the chicken directly on top or create a separate layer if your air fryer allows. Cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, shaking once halfway through. This dual approach makes both the chicken and the Brussels sprouts extra crisp and deeply flavorful.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Sweet Chili Sauce
While the magic happens in the air fryer, stir together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional Sriracha in a small bowl. This super-simple glaze will coat everything in a gorgeous, sticky, tangy flavor that’s totally irresistible.
Step 5: Toss, Garnish, and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are crisp-tender with lovely charred bits, transfer everything to a big mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over and toss to coat thoroughly. The finishing touches? Generous sprinkles of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color—then serve your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts hot and fresh.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
Give your dish that final flourish with a handful of thinly sliced green onions and a generous scattering of sesame seeds. Not only do these garnishes bring bright color and a toasty crunch, but they also make your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts feel truly special—almost too pretty to eat (almost!).
Side Dishes
This dish is a powerhouse on its own, but pairing it with something mild lets those bold flavors truly shine. Steamed jasmine rice is the obvious star, soaking up all that sauce, but cauliflower rice is terrific if you’re keeping things lighter. A crisp cucumber salad or a simple bowl of miso soup can round out your meal beautifully without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, pile everything onto a big platter and shower with garnishes. Or, for a modern twist, serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts over fluffy rice bowls, scatter with pickled veggies, and drizzle with a bit of extra sauce. If you’re entertaining, turn them into appetizer skewers by threading chicken and sprouts onto small sticks and serving with rice on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle and deepen as it sits, making leftovers a treat for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep ahead, portion the cooled chicken and Brussels sprouts into airtight, freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the sauce separately if you can, then toss everything together after reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F—this brings back the crisp edges without drying things out. Otherwise, a few minutes in the microwave will work in a pinch; just cover loosely to prevent splatters and reheat until everything’s hot and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts get the best crispy texture, but if frozen is all you have, thaw and dry them well before tossing with oil and seasonings. Keep in mind they may be less crispy, but still delicious!
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
You can swap in a mixture of honey, a splash of hot sauce, and a teaspoon of rice vinegar for a quick homemade version. The flavor will be a bit different, but still sweet, sticky, and vibrant.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just reach for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check the label on your sweet chili sauce. With those simple swaps, Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts can fit a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu cubes (pressed and well dried), and toss them with the same oil and seasoning. Crisp them up in the air fryer and coat with the sauce—it’s just as satisfying!
Should I cook the chicken and Brussels sprouts in batches?
If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, it’s best to cook them separately for maximum crispiness. Overcrowding can mean steaming instead of roasting, so take your time and you’ll be rewarded with perfect results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts for yourself. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and genuinely fun to make. I’m always amazed how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something so rewarding—and I’m confident you’ll feel the same! Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy Asian-inspired dish with this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe. Tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce served with crispy Brussels sprouts, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional)
For Garnish:
- Green onions and sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Cook Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes, then add chicken and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha.
- Combine: Toss cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- Use pre-cut Brussels sprouts to save time.
- Cook Brussels sprouts and chicken separately for extra crispiness.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
