If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to whip up, the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant dish perfectly balances the tender juiciness of chicken with the crispy, slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts, all coated in a luscious sweet chili sauce that delivers just the right kick. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or hosting friends for dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, combining to create a harmonious medley of tastes and textures. From the fresh, green crunch of Brussels sprouts to the fragrant spices that make the chicken sing, each component is simple yet essential for bringing out the best in the dish.
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved: These little green gems offer a hearty bite and caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon (16g) olive oil: Helps achieve a crisp texture and golden color on the sprouts.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of chicken and vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: The lean protein hero of this dish that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 1 tablespoon (16g) chili oil: Infuses the chicken with a smoky heat and depth.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Brings brightness and a hint of warmth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds rich, savory notes that make the chicken irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Elevates the spice level without overpowering the sweet chili sauce.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Perfectly seasons the chicken alongside the spices.
- ¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce, plus more for serving: The star sauce that ties everything together with its sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Begin by trimming the hard stems off the Brussels sprouts and slicing them in half. This helps them cook evenly and get that deliciously caramelized outer edge. Toss them in olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, making sure each piece is well coated for optimal flavor and crispness.
Step 2: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket, giving them enough room to crisp up without overcrowding. Air fry them for 10 minutes to develop a golden, slightly charred surface that packs texture and flavor.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, dice your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Coat the chicken evenly with chili oil, then sprinkle the ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt over it. Toss everything together until the chicken is completely coated in this aromatic and spicy seasoning blend.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Together
After the Brussels sprouts have had their initial 10-minute cook, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the air fryer basket alongside them. Air fry everything together at 400°F for another 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for the chicken to hit a safe internal temperature between 160°F and 165°F while keeping the sprouts crisp.
Step 5: Add Sweet Chili Sauce and Caramelize
Once the chicken and Brussels sprouts are perfectly cooked, stir in ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce to coat everything with that irresistible glaze. Then, air fry or broil the mixture for an extra 1 to 2 minutes. This quick caramelization step gives the sauce a sticky, shiny finish that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe hot out of the air fryer. Ladle the dish over steamed rice or quinoa if you’re feeling fancy, and don’t forget to offer some extra sweet chili sauce for dunking. This dish is as beautiful as it is tasty, perfect for any meal occasion.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can truly elevate this dish. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Adding lime wedges on the side offers a bright citrus punch that cuts through the sweetness, making each bite vibrant and refreshing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs brilliantly with simple sides like fluffy jasmine rice or a cool cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a creamy mashed cauliflower. These sides complement the bold flavors without competing with the star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in colorful bowls or on large platters to showcase the contrast between the golden chicken and the vibrant green Brussels sprouts. You can also layer the components over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh salad twist that’s light yet satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this recipe longer, it freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, use your air fryer or an oven to preserve the crispiness of the Brussels sprouts. Heat at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is faster but may result in softer veggies, so keep that in mind depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, frozen Brussels sprouts can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before air frying to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent crisping.
What can I substitute for chili oil if I don’t have any?
You can substitute chili oil with a mix of olive oil and a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to still get that spicy kick without the exact flavor of chili oil.
Is boneless skinless chicken breast the best option?
Boneless skinless chicken breast works great for this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays tender when diced small. You could also try chicken thighs for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time slightly.
How spicy is the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
This recipe offers a mild to moderate heat level, thanks to the sweet chili sauce and chili oil. If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase chili powder or add fresh sliced chilies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure the sweet chili sauce you use is labeled gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a flavorful, fuss-free meal that’s perfect any day of the week. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and easy prep make it a go-to recipe that will quickly become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a little excitement to your dinner table—you won’t regret it!
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: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe combines tender, spicy chicken with crispy Brussels sprouts coated in sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish is cooked entirely in the air fryer for convenience and a deliciously crispy texture.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved
Oils and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon (16g) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (16g) chili oil
- ¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce, plus more for serving
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for Brussels sprouts)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for chicken)
Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut each in half to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Season the Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts: Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes to start crisping them up.
- 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 until well coated.
- Add Chicken to Air Fryer: After the Brussels sprouts have cooked for 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken to the air fryer basket alongside the Brussels sprouts.
- Cook Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Together: Air fry both ingredients together at 400°F for another 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F (71°C-74°C) and the Brussels sprouts are tender and crispy.
- Add Sweet Chili Sauce: Remove the basket briefly and stir in ¼ cup sweet chili sauce to the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
- Caramelize the Sauce: Return the basket to the air fryer and air fry or broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sweet chili sauce and add a sticky glaze.
- Serve: Serve the sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts hot with optional sides like rice, sesame seeds, lime wedges, and extra sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is diced into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Shake or stir the ingredients halfway through cooking to promote even crisping and cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce depending on your sweetness preference.
- This recipe can be doubled but may require cooking in batches for even air frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness for safety.
