Name: Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; Sesame seeds; Sliced green onions

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If you’re after a weeknight dinner that’s vibrant, healthy, and downright irresistible, look no further than Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. This dish combines juicy chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts in a glossy, sticky-sweet chili glaze, all cooked up in under 30 minutes. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and manages to be both comforting and light. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become your go-to for a fast, crowd-pleasing meal.

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a starring role—bringing crispiness, tenderness, brightness, or that crave-worthy pop of sweet heat that makes Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts so addictive.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and juicy bites that soak up all the sauce.
Brussels Sprouts: When halved and air-fried, these veggies caramelize beautifully, adding crunch and earthiness.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps everything roast evenly and turn golden brown in the air fryer.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory note without overwhelming the other flavors.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in both the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch for a gentle kick and depth.
Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of the show—its sticky, tangy sweetness ties the whole dish together.
Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with umami richness.
Rice Vinegar: Lends brightness and a subtle tang that keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
Sesame Oil: Just a touch adds nutty aroma and depth to the glaze.
Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions (optional): For garnish, they add color, crunch, and a fresh finishing touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—this helps everything cook evenly and ensures each morsel gets perfectly coated in that dreamy sauce. Trim and halve your Brussels sprouts so they get maximum surface area for crisping. Toss them both in a big bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure every piece is glistening and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the chicken and Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the basket. (If you need to, cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd them—this is key for maximum crispiness.) Air fry for 14–16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are gorgeously browned and crispy at the edges.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Sweet Chili Sauce

While the air fryer works its magic, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This simple combo turns into a glossy, sweet-and-tangy glaze that elevates Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts from good to unforgettable.

Step 4: Toss and Finish

When everything is cooked and sizzling, transfer the chicken and Brussels sprouts into a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili sauce over the top and toss until every piece is coated in that sticky, aromatic glaze. The sauce will cling to the crispy edges, giving you the perfect balance of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For a final flourish, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds crunch, color, and a fresh pop that brightens the whole dish. Serve hot, ideally over a fluffy bed of rice or noodles to soak up every last drop of the sweet chili sauce.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions make a world of difference in both flavor and presentation. These simple garnishes add crunch, a pop of green, and just the right hint of nutty and fresh flavor to complement the sticky glaze on the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile—pile it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles for a satisfying base that soaks up the sauce. For an extra-healthy touch, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held meal. You can also skewer the chicken and Brussels sprouts before air frying for a party-friendly platter, or pack them into meal prep containers with rice for lunch all week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep everything fresh and flavorful. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making lunch the next day even more delicious.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. While the texture of Brussels sprouts may soften slightly after thawing, the flavors remain bold and satisfying. Freeze for up to two months for a ready-to-go meal in a pinch.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer or oven to revive the crispiness—just a few minutes at 350°F does the trick. You can also use the microwave if you’re short on time, though the veggies may be a bit softer. Either way, that sweet chili glaze will still be irresistible!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast is just as delicious. Just be careful not to overcook breast pieces, as they can dry out a bit faster.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

If you love a little extra heat, feel free to add a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sweet chili sauce before tossing. You can also use a spicy sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots would be wonderful additions to Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. Just keep in mind that different veggies may have slightly different cook times, so cut everything into similar sizes for even cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem! You can roast the chicken and Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan in a 400°F oven for about 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The results are still crispy and delicious, though the air fryer does make it extra speedy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Most sweet chili sauces are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure if you have a sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fast, flavorful dinner that feels a little special but is still totally doable on a busy weeknight, give Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts a try. It’s colorful, satisfying, and so much fun to make—and I promise, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation!

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe offers a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dinner that’s perfectly balanced with tender chicken, crispy Brussels sprouts, and a tangy sweet chili sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, delivering a deliciously crispy texture with minimal oil and effort. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Seasonings and Oils

2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Sweet Chili Sauce Mixture

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sesame oil

Garnish (Optional)

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and allow it to preheat fully, ensuring an even cooking temperature for the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
Toss Chicken and Brussels Sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly until all pieces are well coated with seasonings and oil.
Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Spread the chicken and Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If they do not fit comfortably in one layer, cook them in batches to ensure proper crisping.
Air Fry: Cook for 14 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning. The chicken should be cooked through with no pink inside, and the Brussels sprouts will be crispy and golden brown.
Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken and sprouts are cooking, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until fully combined and smooth.
Toss with Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sweet chili sauce over them and toss thoroughly to coat every bite evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish if using. Serve the dish hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

For extra crispy Brussels sprouts, air fry them alone for 2–3 minutes before adding the chicken pieces.
You can use either store-bought or homemade sweet chili sauce based on your preference.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper, depending on your soy sauce’s saltiness.
Make sure to cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired