You know that moment when your kitchen smells like takeout but you actually cooked at home? This air fryer sweet chili chicken and Brussels hits that perfect sweet-spicy note that makes everyone think you ordered in. It’s been my go-to weeknight win because it tastes way fancier than the effort required.
Think crispy chicken thighs meet caramelized Brussels sprouts, all tossed in glossy sweet chili sauce. The air fryer does the heavy liftingno flipping, no babysitting, just toss everything in and let it work its magic. You get restaurant flavors using ingredients from any regular grocery store, and it’s all ready in under 30 minutes.
Started making this back in 2018 when I was testing air fryer recipes for the blog and my skeptical teenager actually asked for seconds. The game-changer? Adding the Brussels cut-side down first so they get those gorgeous crispy edges. After a decade of recipe testing, I’ve learned it’s those little details that make people trust your kitchen.
PrintAir Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Recipe
Enjoy a delicious Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels meal that is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. This Sweet Chili Chicken Brussels Sprouts dish is packed with flavor and ideal for meal prep. It offers a tasty and balanced Healthy Air Fryer Dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb or 450g
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey optional for extra sweetness
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 375°F or 190°C to preheat.
- Combine olive oil soy sauce sweet chili sauce rice vinegar garlic powder ginger and honey if using in a bowl.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper then evenly coat them with the sweet chili mixture.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 to 15 minutes turning once halfway through until internal temp reaches 165°F or 74°C.
- While chicken cooks toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil salt and pepper then air fry for 8 to 10 minutes shaking basket halfway until crispy and golden.
- Allow chicken to rest for several minutes before slicing.
- Serve chicken slices alongside crispy Brussels sprouts and drizzle with any leftover sweet chili sauce as desired.
Notes
- You can make extra sweet chili sauce and drizzle it over the dish for added flavor
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs or even pork tenderloin instead of chicken breasts
- You can customize the level of sweetness and spice by adjusting the amount of sweet chili sauce or adding more honey
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Will Win You Over
This recipe brings together everything I love about weeknight cookingbold flavors that don’t require a dozen ingredients and vegetables that actually taste exciting. The air fryer sweet chili chicken and Brussels creates this beautiful caramelized glaze that reminds me of those little Chinese takeout containers, but fresher and made with love.
What makes this special is how the Brussels sprouts achieve these gorgeous crispy edges while the chicken stays juicy. The sweet chili sauce does double duty, coating both proteins and veggies in that perfect balance of sweet heat that makes everyone at the table happyeven my Brussels sprouts skeptics.
Your Simple Ingredient Lineup
I keep coming back to this recipe because everything lives in my regular grocery rotation. The sweet chili sauce is the star hereit’s that glossy, slightly spicy condiment that transforms ordinary chicken into something restaurant-worthy.
- Chicken breasts: I prefer these for their quick cooking time, though the recipe notes mention that thighs work beautifully too.
- Brussels sprouts: Halved so they get maximum crispy surface area.
- Sweet chili sauce: The magic ingredient that ties everything together.
- Basic pantry heroes: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
| Ingredient | Easy Swap Options |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or firm tofu |
| Brussels sprouts | Broccoli florets, cauliflower, or baby potatoes |
| Rice vinegar | Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar |
| Honey | Maple syrup or brown sugar |
How This Healthy Air Fryer Dinner Comes Together
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicityeverything happens in your air fryer basket with minimal fuss. I start by mixing that gorgeous sweet chili glaze while the air fryer preheats, then coat the seasoned chicken breasts until they’re glistening.
The timing works perfectly: chicken gets a 12-15 minute head start, then the Brussels sprouts join the party for their 8-10 minute crispy transformation. While everything’s cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or prep a simple side salad.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the resting time after cookingit lets the chicken juices redistribute and makes slicing so much cleaner.
Your Step-by-Step Success Guide
| Step | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Prep & Mix | 5 minutes | Preheat air fryer, mix sauce, season chicken |
| Cook Chicken | 12-15 minutes | Air fry at 375°F, flip halfway |
| Add Brussels | 8-10 minutes | Season and add to basket, shake once |
| Rest & Serve | 3-5 minutes | Let chicken rest, then slice and plate |
The key to perfectly cooked sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts is getting that internal temperature right165°F for the chicken, and Brussels that give just a little when pierced but still have some bite. I always keep my instant-read thermometer handy for checking the chicken.
When Things Don’t Go Quite Right
Even with the most straightforward recipes, kitchen hiccups happen. If your chicken seems to be browning too quickly, just lower the temperature to 350°F and add a couple of extra minutes. The sweet chili sauce can caramelize fast, so keep an eye on those gorgeous golden edges.
- Brussels sprouts too soft? They needed less timenext batch, try 6-8 minutes instead.
- Chicken a bit dry? Chicken breasts can be finicky; try thighs next time or add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the marinade.
- Want more sauce? Double the sweet chili mixture and reserve half for drizzling at the end.
Make It Your Own
This air fryer Brussels sprouts chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable to whatever your family loves. I’ve added snap peas when I had them on hand, and my neighbor swears by tossing in some sliced bell peppers during the last few minutes.
For heat lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce transforms this into a spicier version. If you’re feeding kids, the honey really helps balance any heat, and you can always serve extra sweet chili sauce on the side for the adults.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This dish is gorgeous served over steamed rice or quinoa, but it’s equally satisfying on its own as a complete meal. I love how the leftover drippings from the air fryer basket create this glossy, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
| Storage Method | Timeline | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store chicken and Brussels together in an airtight container. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze in portions, thaw overnight before reheating. |
| Reheating | 5-7 minutes | Air fry at 350°F or microwave with a damp paper towel. |
Meal prep note: This recipe doubles beautifully if you want lunches sorted for the week. The flavors actually develop and get even better after a day in the fridge.
Expert Says
Air fryer sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts offer a fantastic balance of protein and fiber, essential for a nutritious meal. The air frying technique not only reduces fat content by minimizing oil usage but also enhances flavor retention, making each bite crispy and satisfying without excessive calories.
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The Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels took me a few attempts to get just right. I still remember the time the chicken turned out too dry and the Brussels ended up a bit soggy. After tweaking the timing and seasonings, I finally found that perfect balance of crispy and tender that brings my family together at mealtime.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels )
What is the best way to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
The best way to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is to halve them, toss them with a bit of oil and seasoning, and arrange them in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. This method ensures they turn out crispy and flavorful.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
You can use frozen chicken; however, it’s recommended to thaw it first for more even cooking and better flavor absorption. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook it straight from frozen, but increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long do I cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked in the air fryer for about 18-22 minutes at 380°F, depending on the thickness of the pieces. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer for safety; it’s perfect when it registers 165°F.
What sauces pair well with sweet chili chicken?
Sauces like soy sauce, teriyaki, or a garlic chili sauce pair exceptionally well with sweet chili chicken. For a unique twist, consider drizzling some sesame oil on top for extra flavor after cooking. Updating the sauce can enhance the dish and make it versatile for different tastes.
Can I make this a meal prep option?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving to bring back the crispness.
This air fryer sweet chili chicken and Brussels delivers everything I promisedcrispy edges, glossy sauce, and that perfect sweet-heat balance that makes weeknight dinners feel special. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s become one of those recipes I turn to when I want something that tastes like I spent hours cooking but didn’t actually require much fuss.
Try adding a handful of snap peas or bell pepper strips during the last few minutes for extra color and crunch. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. My mother-in-law taught me that trick about letting saucy dishes restsometimes the second day is even better than the first.
I’d love to see how this turns out in your kitchen! Share a photo if you make itthere’s something so satisfying about seeing these golden, glossy results. Did you grow up loving sweet and spicy flavors, or is this a newer adventure for your taste buds? Save this recipe for those nights when you want to surprise your family with something deliciously unexpected.
