If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and downright satisfying, the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is here to become your new go-to. This dish marries tender, juicy chicken with crispy Brussels sprouts, all coated in a sticky, sweet chili glaze that hits every note just right. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just love fuss-free, delicious meals, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, all cooked effortlessly in the air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe brings together flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s adding seasoning, crunch, or that irresistible sweet chili kick.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and a juicy bite every time.
- Olive oil: Helps to keep things moist and adds a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: Brings savory warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances depth of flavor effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Brussels sprouts: Halved for even crisping and a satisfying crunch.
- Sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient that delivers sweetness and a gentle heat.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and a subtle savory note to the glaze.
- Honey (optional): A touch of extra sweetness to balance the chili’s heat perfectly.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty crunch and beautiful garnish.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer and Chicken
First up, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking and just the right amount of crispiness for both the chicken and Brussels sprouts. While it’s warming up, season your chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning forms the flavorful base for the dish.
Step 2: Start Cooking the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken in your air fryer basket. Cook it for 10 minutes, remembering to flip halfway through so both sides get that perfect golden-brown finish. The air fryer does an amazing job locking in juices, so the chicken remains tender and moist.
Step 3: Prepare Brussels Sprouts
While your chicken is cooking, trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to season. This simple treatment helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 4: Cook Brussels Sprouts with Chicken
After the initial 10 minutes, nestle the Brussels sprouts around the chicken in the air fryer basket. Continue cooking everything together for another 10 to 12 minutes. You want the chicken to hit an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while the Brussels sprouts become delectably crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Create the Sweet Chili Sauce Mixture
While the final cooking stage is underway, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. This glossy sauce will add a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating once everything is cooked.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Remove the chicken and Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and drizzle them generously with your sweet chili sauce mixture. For an extra touch of texture and flavor, sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if using. Serve immediately to enjoy all the crispy, saucy goodness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
The sesame seeds and fresh cilantro are more than just decoration—they add a subtle crunch and a fresh herbal pop that contrast beautifully with the sweet chili glaze. Feel free to customize with sliced green onions or even a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Side Dishes
This dish stands perfectly on its own but pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even a simple noodle salad. The sauce’s sweet and spicy profile complements mild sides that help balance the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice or quinoa with Brussels sprouts artfully arranged on the side. Or stack the pieces for a casual sandwich or wrap, using extra sweet chili sauce and fresh greens. This recipe is versatile and looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken and Brussels sprouts in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that crisp freshness. Alternatively, use the microwave for convenience, but you may lose some of the crispy texture.
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 cooking. This prevents excess moisture, which can affect the crispiness you want from the air fryer.
Is it necessary to include honey in the sweet chili sauce mixture?
Honey is optional—it adds an extra layer of sweetness and thickness to the sauce. If you prefer a less sweet glaze or want to avoid added sugars, you can omit it without sacrificing flavor.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay even juicier during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can be a bit thicker or fattier.
How spicy is the sweet chili sauce?
Sweet chili sauce typically has a mild heat, more sweet than spicy. If you’re sensitive to spice, it’s a great way to enjoy a hint of chili flavor without overwhelming heat.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can still make this recipe in a conventional oven. Roast the chicken and Brussels sprouts at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavors remain fantastic.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a true flavor powerhouse that’s simple enough for any night of the week yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The crispy Brussels sprouts paired with juicy chicken and that sticky, tangy-sweet sauce create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite dinner idea.
Print
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe offers a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken breasts with crispy Brussels sprouts, all coated in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that packs a punch of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for Brussels sprouts)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for Brussels sprouts)
Sauce and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat thoroughly to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Cook Chicken in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through for uniform cooking and browning.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: While the chicken cooks, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to season and enhance crispiness.
- Add Brussels Sprouts to Air Fryer: After the initial 10 minutes, arrange the Brussels sprouts around the chicken in the air fryer basket and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts are nicely crisped and tender.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey (if using). Stir well to blend the flavors into a smooth sauce.
- Coat and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts from the air fryer, then drizzle generously with the sweet chili sauce mixture to coat them completely.
- Garnish and Present: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on preference.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted for the oven by baking at 400°F for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket when adding Brussels sprouts.
- Sesame seeds and cilantro add a fresh flavor and attractive appearance but can be omitted if unavailable.
