Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook—offering crispy, flavorful meals with less oil and quicker cook times. One standout combo that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy is Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts, made effortlessly in the air fryer.

📋 Table of Contents

1. Introduction

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2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

3. Ingredients

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4. Equipment Needed

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

6. Sweet Chili Sauce: Homemade or Store-Bought?

7. Flavor Variations

8. Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

9. Storing & Reheating Leftovers

10. Nutritional Information

11. What to Serve With Sweet Chili Chicken

12. Final Thoughts

🥢 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.

• Healthy – Lean protein and nutrient-rich veggies, air fried with very little oil.

• Bold Flavors – Sweet, spicy, garlicky glaze that clings to crispy edges.

• One-Basket Meal – Chicken and Brussels sprouts cook together for ultimate convenience.

• Versatile – Great for meal prep, dinner parties, or a healthy lunch.

🔧 Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)

• Mixing bowls

• Tongs or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Small saucepan (if making homemade sauce)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the Brussels sprouts.

Step 2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

1. Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.

2. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheat for 3–5 minutes for best results.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

1. Add the Brussels sprouts to one side of the air fryer basket.

2. Add the chicken to the other side in a single layer.

3. Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the sprouts should be crispy on the edges.

Pro Tip: If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken and Brussels sprouts in batches for even cooking.

Step 5: Glaze with Sweet Chili Sauce

1. Transfer the cooked chicken and sprouts to a clean mixing bowl.

2. Pour the sweet chili sauce over the top and toss until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

• Plate the sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts.

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime for extra zing.

🍯 Sweet Chili Sauce: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Store-Bought:

• Best For: Quick meals and convenience.

• Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, slightly spicy.

• Brands: Mae Ploy, Thai Kitchen, Trader Joe’s, or any Asian market brand.

Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce (Optional):

If you want to control the heat and sweetness, make your own:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice vinegar

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 teaspoons sambal oelek or chili flakes

• 2 minced garlic cloves

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

Directions:

1. Combine vinegar, sugar, water, sambal oelek, and garlic in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

3. Add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).

4. Let cool before using.

🌶️ Flavor Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add sriracha or chili oil to the sweet chili sauce.

• Sticky Teriyaki: Use teriyaki sauce instead of sweet chili for a more savory twist.

• Citrus Kick: Add orange zest and juice to the sauce for a fresh note.

• Peanut Sweet Chili: Mix a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty twist.

🧑‍🏫 Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

• Dry well after washing—moisture makes them steam instead of crisp.

• Cut evenly so they cook at the same rate.

• Flat side down gets the best caramelization.

• Don’t overcrowd—sprouts should be in a single layer for crisp edges.

🍽️ What to Serve With Sweet Chili Chicken

While this dish is great on its own, here are a few pairing ideas:

Starches:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice

• Garlic fried rice

• Rice noodles or soba noodles

Sides:

• Asian cucumber salad

• Pickled vegetables

• Edamame or miso soup

Drinks:

• Iced green tea

• Sparkling lime water

• Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is the ultimate weeknight win—healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. The air fryer does all the work, leaving you with juicy chicken, crispy sprouts, and a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze that ties it all together.