If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving, this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is absolutely calling your name. Imagine perfectly crisp Brussels sprouts bursting with a slight char, tender chunks of juicy chicken coated in a zesty, slightly sweet chili sauce that just sings on your taste buds. It’s a winning combination of heat, sweetness, and freshness that looks as good as it tastes—ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a delicious meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in making this dish pop with flavor and texture. From the savory depth of the spices to the brightness of the chili sauce, all are essential to bring this recipe to life.
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved: The star vegetable providing a perfect crispy contrast to the tender chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps get that golden, crispy texture on the sprouts without weighing them down.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors while balancing the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and warms the palate.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: Lean and tender protein that soaks up the sweet chili goodness beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon chili oil: Imparts a delicious smoky heat and richness to the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Adds a fresh, slightly spicy note to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A pantry staple that rounds out the flavor with aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Builds subtle layers of heat and earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: To season the chicken perfectly alongside the spices.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, plus more for serving: The glorious finishing touch that ties everything together with sweet heat and a sticky, luscious glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Begin by trimming the tough stem ends from the Brussels sprouts and cutting them in half to ensure they cook evenly. This simple prep step lays the foundation for those irresistibly crispy edges you’re after.
Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings
In a bowl, toss your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. The oil not only helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, but the salt and pepper unleash their natural flavor and add a savory balance to the dish.
Step 3: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), which is the perfect heat to achieve that crispy, caramelized finish. Add the seasoned sprouts to the air fryer basket and cook them for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
While the Brussels sprouts crisp up, toss the diced chicken breast in chili oil for an immediate hit of smoky heat and richness. Then add the ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt to coat every piece evenly with flavor. This step creates an aromatic, well-balanced seasoning for the chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Alongside Brussels Sprouts
After the Brussels sprouts have cooked 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken right into the air fryer basket. Continue cooking everything together at 400°F for another 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to stir or shake the basket halfway through so the chicken cooks evenly and the sprouts maintain their crispness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F for perfect doneness.
Step 6: Add Sweet Chili Sauce
Once the chicken and Brussels sprouts are cooked through, pour in ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce and stir to coat everything in this vibrant glaze. Then, air fry or broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This final step caramelizes the sauce, creating a sticky, glossy finish that looks and tastes irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your beautifully cooked Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe hot, straight from the air fryer basket, ideally accompanied by some fluffy rice, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and lime wedges to brighten each bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, nothing beats a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and nuttiness, plus freshly chopped green onions to add a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime over the top just before serving adds a bright, citrusy zing that instantly lifts the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter side, a crisp cucumber salad brings balance and coolness, while sticky fried rice or garlic noodles make for an indulgent, flavor-packed meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this recipe in colorful bowls topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. You can also layer it on lettuce cups for a low-carb option or transform it into a filling for wraps or tacos with some crunchy slaw on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even deeper overnight, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness to the Brussels sprouts and warm the chicken evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for achieving that crisp texture in this recipe, but if frozen is what you have, thaw and dry them well before tossing with oil and seasoning to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have chili oil?
Chili oil adds a lovely smoky heat but you can substitute it with a mix of olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a similar flavor punch.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicy and flavorful, just adjust cooking time slightly if needed as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chili oil and chili powder balanced by the sweetness of the chili sauce. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less chili oil or chili powder to your liking.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes, it scales very well. Just make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket to maintain crispness—cook in batches if needed for bigger quantities.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that combines simplicity with bold, comforting flavors and speedy cooking, you really can’t beat this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that I love sharing with friends who need a little dinner inspiration. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home just like it has in mine!
