This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is warm, friendly, and easy. It mixes sweet, sticky chili sauce with tender chicken, and crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. The flavors are bright, a little sweet, and a little spicy, and the air fryer makes them both quick and nicely crisp.
If you like simple air fryer dinners, try another easy idea, air fryer grilled cheese hot dogs for more quick meal inspiration. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, great for weeknights, and fun to share. You will want to make it again and again, and maybe lick the plate, no shame there.
how to prepare Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional, sesame seeds and sliced green onion for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let sit 5 to 10 minutes.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with a little oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Place Brussels sprouts in the basket in one layer. Cook 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces on top of the Brussels sprouts in one layer. Cook 10 to 12 more minutes, shake basket or stir halfway, until chicken is cooked and sprouts are crisp.
- If you want more glaze, toss the cooked chicken with a little extra sweet chili sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, serve hot.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
- Fast, cooks in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Uses one air fryer basket, so cleanup is quick.
- Bright sweet chili flavor that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Crisp sprouts and juicy chicken, great mix of textures.
- Healthy dinner option with protein and veggies.
tips for success
- Cut chicken into similar size pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t crowd the basket, shake or stir halfway for even browning.
- If your air fryer heats hot, lower temp to 380°F and add 2 to 4 minutes.
- Taste sauce before cooking, add a splash of soy or a pinch of salt if needed.
- Use dried garlic or fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor, add with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a full meal.
- Add a side of pickled cucumber or a simple salad to balance the sweet sauce.
- Wrap leftovers in a tortilla for a quick lunch wrap.
- Garnish with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of juice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry first, they crisp better if not wet.
Q: Can I make this with thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, thighs work well and stay juicy. Cut into even pieces.
Q: Is sweet chili sauce spicy?
A: It is mildly spicy and sweet, adjust by adding more soy or a little hot sauce if you want heat.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can, but cook in batches or use a larger air fryer, do not overcrowd the basket.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cool, place in an airtight container, and keep in the fridge up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This recipe is a quick, tasty weeknight winner that gives you crisp Brussels sprouts and sticky sweet chili chicken with very little fuss. For another version focused on roasted sprouts with sweet chili flavor, see this take on Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Easy Side Dish. If you want to compare a different method that still uses the air fryer for fast meals, check out this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts – Mason Woodruff write-up for more tips.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with a little oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Place Brussels sprouts in the basket in one layer. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces on top of the Brussels sprouts in one layer. Cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway, until chicken is cooked and sprouts are crisp.
- If you want more glaze, toss the cooked chicken with a little extra sweet chili sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, serve hot.
