If you love dishes that bring a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a crispy, caramelized finish, you are going to adore this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It transforms humble Brussels sprouts and tender chicken into a mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal packed with vibrant colors and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch paired with the tangy sweetness of sweet chili sauce that everybody will crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the bold flavors and wonderful textures of the dish. From the peppery Brussels sprouts to the aromatic ginger and spicy chili powder, every component adds dimension and excitement.
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved: Provides a slightly bitter, earthy crunch that pairs beautifully with sweet and spicy flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to crisp the Brussels sprouts perfectly in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the Brussels sprouts.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: Lean protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings for tender, flavorful bites.
- 1 tablespoon chili oil: Infuses the chicken with a spicy, smoky kick.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Brings warmth and a subtle zing to the seasoning blend.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory complexity to the chicken’s coating.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Deepens the spiciness and provides a touch of earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances seasoning for the chicken perfectly.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, plus more for serving: The star glaze that delivers tangy sweetness with a hint of chili heat, finishing the dish beautifully.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly and get that beautiful caramelized edge. Their natural shape makes for bite-sized pieces that crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings
Coat the Brussels sprouts in olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning helps bring out their natural sweetness and ensures each bite is perfectly flavorful.
Step 3: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes. This step starts the crisping process and develops deep, roasted notes that complement the chicken later on.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, toss the diced chicken with chili oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. This spice mix infuses the chicken with a lively, aromatic flavor that shines through after cooking.
Step 5: Cook Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Together
After the initial 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken to the air fryer basket with the Brussels sprouts. Cook for another 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, stirring halfway through. This ensures everything cooks evenly and the chicken reaches that juicy perfection of 160°F to 165°F internally.
Step 6: Add the Sweet Chili Sauce
Stir in the sweet chili sauce, coating all the components with that irresistible tangy glaze. Then, air fry or broil for 1 to 2 minutes longer to caramelize the sauce slightly, locking in those vibrant flavors and a glossy finish.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it piping hot for the best taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or freshly squeezed lime wedges not only enhances the dish visually but amplifies the taste with extra nuttiness and a refreshing citrusy kick that balances out the sweet chili sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, which soak up the extra sauce and add a satisfying, neutral base that complements the bold flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dish over a bed of crispy fried rice noodles or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a handheld meal bursting with flavor and texture. These variations add an exciting element to the classic dish your family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor so you can enjoy them later without sacrifice.
Freezing
If you’d like to save the dish longer, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes to crisp everything back up, or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the Brussels sprouts from getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before air frying to get that nice crispiness. Frozen sprouts may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have chili oil? What’s a good substitute?
If chili oil isn’t available, you can substitute with a mix of olive oil and a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to achieve a similar spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe in a regular oven?
Absolutely. Roast the Brussels sprouts at 425°F for about 15 minutes, then add the chicken and continue roasting until the chicken is cooked through, approximately another 15 minutes. The texture might not be quite as crisp as air frying but still delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a gentle heat primarily from chili oil and chili powder, balanced by the sweetness of the sauce. If you’d like it milder, reduce the chili powder or skip the chili oil.
What can I use if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can mix honey or maple syrup with a little sriracha or hot sauce as a quick homemade substitute. The idea is to balance sweetness with mild heat, so feel free to experiment with what you have!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals because it’s effortless, packed with flavor, and perfectly balanced in every bite. The air fryer brings the ideal crispness without any extra oil, making it a wholesome and satisfying dish. I can’t wait for you to give this a try and make it your own family favorite!
Print
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a flavorful, quick, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced chicken breast is seasoned with aromatic spices and chili oil, then air fried with crispy Brussels sprouts. Tossed in sweet chili sauce and lightly caramelized, this dish offers the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and requiring minimal cleanup, it pairs wonderfully with rice and garnishes like sesame seeds and lime wedges.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon (16g) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon (16g) chili oil
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce and Garnish
- ¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce, plus more for serving
- Optional: cooked rice, sesame seeds, lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends and halve the Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking and a tender interior.
- Toss with Seasoning: In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, coating them evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Air Fry Brussels Sprouts: Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes until they start to crisp and brown.
- Season the Chicken: While the Brussels sprouts cook, toss the diced chicken breast with chili oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt to evenly coat all pieces with flavorful spices.
- Add Chicken to Air Fryer: After the sprouts have cooked 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken on top or alongside in the air fryer basket.
- Cook Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Together: Continue cooking at 400°F for another 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F.
- Stir in Sweet Chili Sauce: Remove the basket briefly and mix in the ¼ cup sweet chili sauce with the chicken and Brussels sprouts to coat them well.
- Caramelize the Sauce: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 1-2 minutes more or optionally broil briefly to let the sauce caramelize and thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts hot, accompanied by rice, and garnished with sesame seeds, lime wedges, and extra sweet chili sauce if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness for safe and juicy results.
- Adjust chili powder and sweet chili sauce amounts to your desired level of spiciness and sweetness.
- Brussels sprouts should be fresh and firm for the best texture after air frying.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
