If you’re craving a dish that combines crisp, tender chicken with perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts all tossed in a luscious, tangy-sweet glaze, you have to try this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together so quickly, making it a weeknight winner. The air fryer does all the magic, delivering a beautiful golden finish while keeping the flavors bright and fresh. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and show-stopping taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe plays an essential role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color to your plate. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly in the air fryer, staying juicy inside.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior on both chicken and Brussels sprouts.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, earthy aroma that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the seasoning blend perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The fundamental seasoning to elevate every bite.
- 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, halved: These little green gems bring a satisfying crunch and slight bitterness that pairs beautifully with the sweet chili glaze.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: The heart of the dish’s signature flavor — a irresistible mix of sweet heat.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and a touch of umami to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): A natural sweetener that can soften the spice and add a glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): For a toasty crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Bright, fresh herbaceous notes to lift the whole dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to give the chicken and Brussels sprouts that perfect crisp texture right away. Preheating helps everything cook evenly and speeds up the process.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning mix makes the chicken flavorful without overpowering the natural taste, which will shine through once the sauce is added.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken in your air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides get nicely browned. This step creates a juicy inside and a beautifully seared outside, setting the stage for the final dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
While the chicken cooks, trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. Toss with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for an easy but effective coating that will crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 5: Add Brussels Sprouts and Continue Cooking
After the initial 10 minutes, nestle the Brussels sprouts around the chicken in your air fryer basket. Cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts have that perfect crispy edge.
Step 6: Mix the Sauce
While everything finishes cooking, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. This glaze will bring a mouthwatering balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of heat that ties the dish together.
Step 7: Drizzle and Garnish
Remove the chicken and Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and generously drizzle them with the sweet chili sauce mixture. If you like, sprinkle on sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sesame seeds and fresh cilantro adds a wonderful crunch and fresh brightness that complements the sweetness and heat of the sauce beautifully. You can also add a squeeze of lime for an extra hint of zing.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice noodles or wrapped in butter lettuce leaves for easy hand-held bites. Presentation is all about making this delicious meal as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches following a busy day.
Freezing
While the Brussels sprouts may lose a bit of their crispy texture after freezing, the chicken with sauce freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep some crispness when reheating, warm the leftovers in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving. This helps revive the texture of both the chicken and sprouts.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, just cook them a few minutes longer to ensure they are fully done.
Is it necessary to use honey in the sauce?
Honey is optional and adds natural sweetness, but the sweet chili sauce already has sweetness, so you can skip it if you prefer a tangier sauce.
Can I make this recipe for more people?
Yes, just increase the ingredient quantities and cook in batches if your air fryer basket can’t hold everything at once for even cooking.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Choose a mild sweet chili sauce or reduce the amount used, and omit any added chili flakes or hot sauce for a gentler flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
Fresh parsley or green onions can be great substitutes to add a fresh, herbal note as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a quick favorite in my kitchen for good reason—it’s bold, comforting, and easy enough for any weeknight. Once you try the combination of juicy chicken, crispy vegetables, and that irresistible sweet chili glaze, I bet it will become one of your go-to meals too. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious bite!
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: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe delivers a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts seasoned and cooked to perfection in the air fryer alongside crispy Brussels sprouts, all tossed in a sweet and tangy chili sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking of the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, making sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to promote even browning and cooking.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: While the chicken cooks, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Add Brussels Sprouts: After the initial 10 minutes, arrange the Brussels sprouts around the chicken in the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts become crispy and golden.
- Make the Sweet Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey (if using) to create a balanced sweet and savory glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts from the air fryer. Drizzle the sweet chili sauce mixture over both, then garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can omit honey from the sauce for a less sweet option.
- Feel free to add other veggies like sliced bell peppers or carrots to air fry with the Brussels sprouts.
- Sprinkling sesame seeds and cilantro adds extra texture and fresh herbal notes but is optional.
- Turning the chicken halfway through cooking helps it brown evenly.
