Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is bursting with bold flavors and crispy textures, look no further than this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. The perfect harmony of spicy chili ginger chicken paired with golden, caramelized Brussels sprouts makes this meal both comforting and truly exciting. In just 30 minutes, your air fryer will transform simple ingredients into a vibrant, sizzling dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious, making it a reliable weeknight favorite you will turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in delivering a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the rich chili oil infusing the chicken with fiery warmth to the fresh, bright Brussels sprouts that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a mouthwatering plate.

• 12 oz Brussels Sprouts, stemmed and halved: Choosing fresh, firm sprouts ensures a tender interior and a crispy exterior when air-fried.
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts crisp beautifully while locking in their natural flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds just the right kick of earthiness to the sprouts.
• 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, diced: Lean protein that absorbs the chili and spice mixture for juicy, tender bites.
• 1 Tablespoon Chili Oil: Brings vibrant, spicy depth to the chicken, making it irresistibly savory.
• 2 teaspoon Ground Ginger: Offers warmth and subtle zing, lifting the flavor profile beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the heat and sweetness perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder: Amp up the smoky, spicy notes for a full-bodied chili chicken experience.
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Balances the spices and unlocks the natural flavors in the chicken.
• 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce, plus more for serving: The star glaze that brings sweetness and tang, caramelizing to perfection on the chicken and Brussels sprouts.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming the stems off the Brussels sprouts and slicing them in half. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to evenly coat them. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture in the air fryer while keeping the insides tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts

Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes. This initial cook time gives the sprouts a chance to crisp up beautifully before adding the chicken, creating a nice contrast in texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Chili Chicken

While the Brussels sprouts cook, toss the diced chicken breast in chili oil until thoroughly coated. Then sprinkle the ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt over the chicken, mixing well to ensure every bite is bursting with spicy, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Air Fry Together

After the Brussels sprouts have cooked their first 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken directly into the air fryer basket. Gently stir everything together to combine. Continue air frying at 400ºF for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 160ºF to 165ºF. Stir halfway through this cooking time to get an even crisp on the Brussels sprouts and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Step 5: Add Sweet Chili Sauce and Finish Cooking

Pour the sweet chili sauce over the chicken and Brussels sprouts, then stir to coat everything in the sticky, sweet glaze. Air fry or broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize the sauce and lock in that irresistible shine and flavor. The result is a dish full of delicious layers—spicy, sweet, crispy, and tender all at once.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, scatter some toasted sesame seeds over the top. They add a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal. A few fresh lime wedges on the side give a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness and warms up the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe stars on its own but pairing it with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa rounds out the meal and soaks up all those flavorful juices. If you want something green, a simple cucumber salad offers a cool, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family dinner, serve it straight from the air fryer basket to keep things rustic and fun. Hosting friends? Arrange the chicken and Brussels sprouts on a large platter with the garnishes artfully scattered on top for an inviting presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling to room temperature, place any leftovers of this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it perfect for next-day enjoyment.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but to maintain the best texture, freeze the chicken and Brussels sprouts separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the chicken and Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350ºF for about 10-12 minutes. This method helps re-crisp the Brussels sprouts and prevents the chicken from drying out, retaining that delicious texture and bold flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

While fresh Brussels sprouts give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before seasoning and air frying to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe has a nice balance of spice and sweetness, but you can easily adjust the heat by using more or less chili oil and chili powder according to your taste.

Can I substitute chicken breast with another protein?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well for a juicier bite, and even shrimp or tofu can be great alternatives if you want a different twist on the recipe.

What if I don’t have a sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of honey and chili flakes or a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, but the classic sweet chili sauce really gives the recipe its signature flavor and glossy finish.

Do I need a specific type of air fryer for this recipe?

No special air fryer is required—any standard air fryer with a basket that fits all ingredients comfortably will work perfectly for this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners—quick, flavorful, and perfectly balanced in spice and sweetness. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of those dishes everyone asks for again and again. Trust me, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

Print