If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with effortless cooking, the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is your new kitchen champion. This delicious combination delivers tender, spicy-sweet chicken alongside crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, all cooked quickly in the air fryer. It’s a vibrant, wholesome meal ideal for busy weeknights or sharing with friends, bringing a fantastic punch of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each item is chosen to amplify taste, add vibrant color, or enhance texture, making this dish a standout with minimal effort.
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved: Provides a nutty, slightly sweet crunch that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts caramelize to a golden perfection without drying out.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and peppery depth.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: The protein star, tender and quick to cook when cut small.
- 1 tablespoon chili oil: Brings vibrant heat and aromatic spice to the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Infuses warming spice and bright citrus notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a robust, savory layer without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Elevates the dish with smoky, mild heat.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: For perfectly seasoned chicken.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, plus more for serving: The luscious, sticky glaze that ties everything together with sweetness and a gentle kick.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts, cutting off the stems and halving them to ensure they cook evenly. The smaller halves will crisp up beautifully, offering a slightly sweet and crispy contrast to the tender chicken.
Step 2: Season and Toss with Oil
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning lets their natural flavor shine while coating them for even crisping in the air fryer. The oil also helps create those irresistible golden edges.
Step 3: Air Fry Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. This high temperature ensures the sprouts develop a flaky, roasted texture while maintaining a tender interior.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, toss the diced chicken with chili oil. Sprinkle in the ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt, mixing until every bite is generously coated with this vibrant spice blend. These spices give the chicken a warm, layered flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Combine and Continue Cooking
After the initial 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken directly to the air fryer basket with the partially cooked Brussels sprouts. Air fry for an additional 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature between 160°F and 165°F for perfect juiciness.
Step 6: Add Sweet Chili Sauce and Finish
Stir in ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce, coating the chicken and Brussels sprouts with this sticky, flavorful glaze. Return the air fryer to the heat for another 1 to 2 minutes or use the broiler to caramelize the sauce lightly—this step intensifies the sweet and spicy flavors while giving the dish a tantalizing shine.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for subtle crunch and nuttiness. A few fresh lime wedges bring a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. These small touches make the presentation pop and the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious sweet chili sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe in vibrant bowls for a casual family meal or on elegant platters for entertaining guests. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for extra color and flavor. You can also stuff the seasoned chicken and sprouts into warm pita pockets for a fun handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen slightly overnight, and leftover chicken and Brussels sprouts reheat beautifully without losing their texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimum taste and texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, a quick microwave session works well if you’re short on time, but you may lose some of that delightful crunch from the Brussels sprouts.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent them from crisping properly in the air fryer.
Is chicken breast the best option for this recipe?
Chicken breast works best for its lean texture and quick cooking time, but you can also try boneless thighs for extra juiciness, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F, though it may take a bit longer and won’t have quite the same crisp texture as the air fryer method.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
The dish offers a balanced warmth from the chili oil, chili powder, and sweet chili sauce, but you can adjust the spice level by using milder or hotter chili sauces to suit your taste buds.
Can I prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time?
Definitely! Mixing the chili oil, spices, and salt ahead of time can save prep time on cooking day and helps the flavors meld beautifully into the chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your weeknight meals with something both exciting and simple, the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is an absolute game changer. With its fantastic combination of spicy, sweet, and crunchy elements, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Grab your air fryer and give it a try—you’re going to love how effortless it is to create such a vibrant and satisfying dish!
Print
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A quick and flavorful air fryer recipe featuring tender diced chicken breast and crispy Brussels sprouts coated in a spicy sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish combines the smokiness of chili oil and spices with the sweetness of chili sauce, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a deliciously caramelized finish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon (16g) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon (16g) chili oil
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce
- ¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce, plus more for serving
Optional Garnishes
- Rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half to ensure even cooking.
- Toss Brussels Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a bowl and toss with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a crispy exterior on the Brussels sprouts.
- Air Fry Brussels Sprouts: Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer 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, then sprinkle with ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces.
- Combine Chicken and Brussels Sprouts: After the initial 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken to the air fryer basket with the Brussels sprouts.
- Continue Air Frying: Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F when done.
- Add Sweet Chili Sauce: Pour ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce over the chicken and Brussels sprouts, stirring to coat evenly.
- Caramelize Sauce: Air fry or briefly broil for 1-2 minutes to allow the sweet chili sauce to caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts hot, optionally with rice, sesame seeds, lime wedges, and extra sweet chili sauce on the side.
Notes
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are halved evenly for consistent cooking.
- Stir halfway through cooking when chicken is added to ensure even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Adjust sweet chili sauce quantity based on desired sweetness and spice level.
- Serving with rice and lime wedges complements the dish by balancing the flavors.
