Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bold, sweet heat and packed with irresistible texture, let me introduce my absolute favorite: Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. This dish is the kind of weeknight hero you’ll want on repeat—a medley of juicy chicken glazed with tangy-sweet chili sauce, cozying up next to caramelized, crispy Brussels sprouts. Minimal prep, fast cook time, maximum flavor payoff. Whether you’re serving this for a quick dinner or meal-prepping for the week, you’re about to fall in love with every bite of Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity! It relies on a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a starring role in creating that crave-able balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts—meaty and lean, they soak up all that delicious marinade for juicy perfection.
• Olive oil: Adds just the right amount of richness and helps everything crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Soy sauce: Delivers a salty depth and a punch of umami, making the flavors pop.
• Sweet chili sauce: The star of the show—it’s sweet, spicy, and sticky, giving the chicken its irresistible glaze.
• Rice vinegar: Offers a bright tang that balances the sweetness; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
• Garlic powder: Enhances everything with garlicky warmth, perfectly blending into the sauce.
• Ground ginger: Brings a gentle heat and aromatic zing, lifting the whole dish.
• Honey (optional): For those who love a little extra sweetness—it rounds out the spice and makes the glaze even silkier.
• Brussels sprouts: Halved and trimmed, these get crispy, caramelized edges while staying tender inside—a dream pairing with the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: The classics, essential for seasoning each layer just right.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Giving your air fryer a few minutes to get piping hot ensures that both the chicken and Brussels sprouts get that golden crispiness we’re after.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and honey (if you’re using it). Whisk until smooth. This marinade is what transforms plain chicken into sticky-sweet, flavor-packed magic!

Step 3: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in a bowl or a zip-top bag, then pour the sweet chili marinade over them. Make sure every bit of chicken is coated—use your hands or a pair of tongs to turn them in the sauce. Let them soak up that flavor while you prep the Brussels sprouts. Even 10 minutes in the marinade does wonders!

Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry them for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once about halfway through. You’re looking for the outside to be caramelized and the inside to reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). That sticky, roasted glaze is everything!

Step 5: Crisp Up the Brussels Sprouts

While the chicken cooks, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. When the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate to rest. Then add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to get every sprout caramelized and crispy on all sides.

Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest, Then Slice

After your chicken is cooked through, let it rest for about 3 minutes. This helps all those delicious juices stay inside when you slice—and means every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Plate and Serve with Extra Sauce

Slice the chicken and arrange it over or beside the crispy Brussels sprouts. Don’t forget to drizzle any extra sweet chili sauce from the air fryer basket over everything. That glossy drizzle ties it all together for a mouthwatering finish!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

Top your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, or even a few sliced green onions. Each garnish adds a fresh pop of flavor and a burst of color, making the final plate totally irresistible!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs so well with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even a quick noodle salad. A scoop of rice soaks up that extra sweet chili glaze and brings the meal together, but honestly, your favorite grain or a simple green salad would be delicious, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken and Brussels sprouts together in a big shared bowl for a casual family-style feel, or layer the Brussels sprouts on a platter and fan the sliced chicken over the top for a dinner party-worthy presentation. For meal prep, portion everything into containers—Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts holds up beautifully for grab-and-go lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors seem to get even better overnight, and it makes an easy reheat-and-eat lunch for later in the week!

Freezing

You can freeze Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts, but for best texture, freeze the chicken and Brussels sprouts separately. Wrap chicken tightly and freeze up to 2 months; the Brussels sprouts can be stored in a freezer-safe bag for the same amount of time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the chicken and Brussels sprouts back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, but the air fryer keeps things crispier.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well and tend to stay incredibly juicy. Just adjust the cooking time—thighs may need a couple more minutes in the air fryer depending on thickness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you need to keep it gluten-free, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and double-check your sweet chili sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

You can, but fresh Brussels sprouts will give you the crispiest results. If you use frozen, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before air frying to help them caramelize.

What other veggies can I add?

This recipe is very versatile! Try adding chunks of red bell pepper, broccoli, or snap peas to the air fryer with the Brussels sprouts for an extra boost of color and crunch.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

For extra heat, stir a teaspoon of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade, or drizzle a little extra hot sauce on top at the end to really wake up those tastebuds.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about making Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts at home—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and hardly any cleanup! Try it out and see for yourself why this dish is an instant favorite. I can’t wait for you to dive into those sweet, saucy bites!

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