Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
If you’re hunting for a recipe that’s bold, vibrant, and seriously satisfying, you can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. This dish brings together golden, tender chicken and crispy-edged Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy glaze—all done in less than 30 minutes! It’s one of those magic meals where healthy meets irresistible, streamlined for weeknights without skimping on flavor. The air fryer does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you free to enjoy the fleeting aroma of sweet chili and roasted veggies in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts plays a starring role, bringing their unique character to the party. Here’s all you’ll need to whip up this vibrant dinner—most of these are pantry basics, but together, they become something truly special for your taste buds!
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay ultra-juicy and soak up flavor better than breast meat; cut them into bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking.
- Brussels Sprouts: Halved and trimmed, Brussels sprouts crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and their earthy flavor balances the sweet chili sauce.
- Olive Oil: Just a couple tablespoons helps everything brown nicely and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The classic duo, essential for seasoning both the meat and veggies before cooking.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, savory depth that compliments the glaze without overpowering the dish.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: The signature glossy, sticky-sweet glaze—grab your favorite store-bought brand or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Soy Sauce: A splash gives umami and a subtle salty backbone to the final glaze.
- Rice Vinegar: Just a teaspoon brings a pop of tang and balances all the sweet and savory notes.
- Sesame Seeds & Chopped Green Onions (optional): For gorgeous garnish, a bit of crunch, and a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Prep and Season
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)—this gives you those golden, caramelized edges right from the start. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every piece is evenly coated; this not only enhances the flavor but also ensures beautiful crispness during cooking.
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the seasoned chicken and Brussels sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them—space is key for perfect crisping! You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your basket. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. The chicken should be cooked through and the veggies tender on the inside with a crispy, golden edge.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
While the chicken and sprouts cook, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This vibrant glaze is what transforms the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts from good to unforgettable—don’t skip it!
Step 4: Toss and Finish
Once everything is cooked, transfer the chicken and Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Pour the glaze over and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite is glossy and sticky with sweet chili goodness. Sample a piece (chef’s treat!) to guarantee the seasoning is spot-on.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the saucy chicken and Brussels sprouts onto plates, and if you love a little flash, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and fresh green onions. The result is a dish that looks as bright and inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, a shower of sesame seeds adds a hint of nutty crunch, while thinly sliced green onions lend a fresh pop of color and zingy bite. You could also add a scatter of chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime if you’re in the mood to play with flavors.
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is a meal in itself, but it’s superb over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice or nutty quinoa, which soak up every drop of that crave-worthy glaze. For extra greens, pair it with a simple cucumber salad or lightly sautéed snap peas.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your meal into a crowd-pleasing platter by arranging the sweet chili chicken and sprouts on a serving board, garnished with little piles of sesame seeds and herbs for DIY layering. For a fun twist, wrap the mixture in butter lettuce cups, or tuck it into warm tortillas for a fusion-style taco night. However you serve it, be ready for the compliments to roll in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts keeps well for up to 3 days, maintaining both its flavor and a bit of that signature crispiness.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze this dish. Spoon the cooled chicken and Brussels sprouts into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To revive leftover Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through and the edges crisp up once more. The microwave works too, but the texture is best when reheated with a bit of circulating air.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works just fine, though it may be a touch leaner. Keep a close eye on the cook time to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken; start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, swap sweet chili sauce for a spicier chili sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or drizzle with Sriracha before serving. It’s an easy tweak to make this meal as mild or bold as you like.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just be sure to cook in batches—overcrowding the air fryer prevents that signature crispiness. The sauce can be easily scaled up to accommodate bigger crowds or heartier appetites.
Are there gluten-free substitutions?
To make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts fully gluten-free, simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Most sweet chili sauces are naturally gluten-free, but check your label to be sure.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem. You can roast the chicken and Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan in a 425°F oven for about 20 minutes. They’ll caramelize nicely—just flip halfway through for even browning—then toss with the sauce as directed.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t fallen in love with Brussels sprouts yet, or if you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that shines each and every time, Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is your new go-to. Give it a try for your next meal—you’ll be amazed how simple and mouthwatering dinnertime can be. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces and crispy Brussels sprouts coated in a flavorful sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends!
Ingredients
Chicken and Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat Chicken and Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the chicken and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Combine and Coat: Transfer cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts to a large bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, cook the Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
- Adjust spice level by using hot chili sauce instead of sweet chili.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
