Amid the hustle of daily life, there’s nothing quite like the magic of whipping up a home-cooked meal that brings everyone to the table. Today, I’m excited to share my Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe—a dish that harmonizes tender chicken with crispy Brussels sprouts, all glazed in a delicious sweet chili sauce. The best part? It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something vibrant and satisfying without the fuss. Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it’s also a delightful mix of savory and sweet, perfect for pleasing the entire family. Are you ready to discover a new favorite in your weeknight lineup? Let’s get started! Why You’ll Crave This Dish? Simplicity at its finest: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level. Savory-Sweet Balance: The combination of sweet chili sauce and tender chicken creates a delightful flavor explosion that’s irresistibly delicious. Quick Preparation: In only 35 minutes, you can serve a mouthwatering meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or quality. Versatile Pairing: Whether alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad, this dish fits seamlessly into any meal plan. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet and savory treat, making it a go-to for family dinners! Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Main protein source; tender and juicy when cooked just right. • Sweet chili sauce – Adds a lovely sweetness and mild heat; can be swapped with sriracha mixed with honey for a spicier twist. • Garlic powder – Introduces a savory depth; substitute with fresh garlic if you prefer a bolder flavor. • Onion powder – Enhances the savory profile; fresh diced onions can be used for a fresher taste. • Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors; adjust to your personal taste. For the Brussels Sprouts • Brussels sprouts – Provides a crunchy texture and earthy flavor; halved to ensure faster cooking. • Olive oil – Aids in cooking and enhances flavor; any vegetable oil can work as a replacement. For the Garnish (Optional) • Sesame seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and aesthetic appeal; feel free to substitute with your favorite seeds or herbs. • Green onions – Provide a fresh, aromatic touch; chopped herbs can also be a great alternative. Dive into this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe that beautifully balances savory and sweet notes, brightening your weeknight dinner! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated to enhance the flavors. This will lay the perfect foundation for your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and ensure that every bite is savory and delicious. Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts While the chicken is soaking up the seasoning, halve the Brussels sprouts for even cooking. In another bowl, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated. This step is crucial, as the oil helps achieve that lovely crispy texture in the air fryer, creating the ideal complement to your chicken. Step 3: Mix with Sweet Chili Sauce Transfer the seasoned chicken pieces into the same mixing bowl and pour half of the sweet chili sauce over them. Gently mix to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This step infuses the chicken with a sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is essential as it ensures that the chicken and Brussels sprouts begin cooking immediately upon entering the fryer, which helps achieve that crispy texture. Take a moment to enjoy the delicious aroma as the air fryer heats up! Step 5: Arrange the Ingredients Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken and Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness. If necessary, cook them in batches to maintain even cooking and texture for your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. Step 6: First Air Frying Session Air fry the chicken and Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a gentle shake to promote even cooking and browning. Keep an eye on them; you want the chicken to become golden and the Brussels sprouts to be tender yet crispy on the outside. Step 7: Add More Flavor After the initial 10 minutes, drizzle the remaining sweet chili sauce over the chicken and Brussels sprouts. This will create a luscious glaze as they cook further. Return the basket to the air fryer and air fry for an additional 8–10 minutes, allowing the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vibrant colors will indicate that your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts are nearly ready! Step 8: Serve and Garnish Once cooked through, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Serve your delicious chicken and Brussels sprouts hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and crunch. Enjoy this delightful dish that perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors, making your meal truly unforgettable. Expert Tips for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken • Uniform Size: Ensure Brussels sprouts are halved evenly for consistent cooking. This prevents some from being overdone while others remain raw. • Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange chicken and Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Overcrowding might lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness in your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken. • Use Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. • Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the chicken and Brussels sprouts, and adjust as needed for perfect results. • Experiment with Garnishes: Feel free to customize your dish with different seeds or chopped herbs for added flavor and visual appeal! Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Variations Feel free to give this dish your own twist and create a version that excites your taste buds! Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner alternative. They cook quickly and remain juicy when prepared correctly. Vegetable Medley: Add a colorful mix of bell peppers and snap peas for a vibrant texture and flavor. This will also boost the nutritional value of your meal! Spicy Kick: For those craving heat, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the sweet chili sauce. This adds a delightful warmth that enhances the overall experience. Honey Garlic: Blend honey with minced garlic for a sweeter and garlicky spin on the sauce. It’ll deliver a different type of depth and sweetness! Asian Inspired: Add soy sauce or sesame oil to the sweet chili for an umami twist. This takes your dish in a deliciously savory direction! Zesty Citrus: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the finished dish for a bright, zesty touch. It will elevate the flavor profile and make everything pop! Nutty Crunch: Toss in crushed peanuts or cashews as a final garnish. This adds an extra crunch and nutty flavor that beautifully complements the dish. Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh cilantro or basil before serving for a refreshing herbaceous note. These greens will brighten up your plate and add a lovely burst of freshness. Make Ahead Options These Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those flavors to deepen. Additionally, you can halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper the night before (for optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator). When it’s time to cook, simply preheat the air fryer, combine the marinated chicken with half of the sweet chili sauce, then follow the cooking instructions. This prep-ahead method ensures you enjoy delicious, homemade flavors without the last-minute rush! What to Serve with Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Create a truly unforgettable experience by complementing your meal with delicious side dishes that enhance the flavors of the chicken and Brussels sprouts. Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Its light, nutty taste acts as the perfect canvas for the sweet chili sauce, allowing every bite to shine. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing medley of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a healthy crunch, balancing the dish’s rich flavors. Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, glazed chicken, making each bite pop. Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery delight is perfect for soaking up any leftover sweet chili sauce from your chicken, elevating each mouthful. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables, roasted to perfection, adds an earthy depth that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet and savory elements. Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing and effervescent, this drink cleanses the palate and enhances the overall dining experience, keeping things light. Chocolate Mousse: End on a sweet note with a rich chocolate mousse; its smooth texture and luxurious flavor create a lovely contrast to the savory main dish. How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Fridge: Store the cooked Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and maintains freshness. Freezer: If you want to save leftovers longer, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: To enjoy the dish again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it retains its delicious crispiness. Avoid Moisture: When storing, make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing. This prevents excess moisture from making the chicken and Brussels sprouts soggy. Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe Brussels sprouts? Absolutely! When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for firm, tightly packed heads that are bright green in color. Avoid any that have yellowing leaves or dark spots all over, as these indicate aging. Smaller Brussels sprouts are often sweeter, so if you’re faced with a choice, go for those that are around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for the best flavor. How should I store leftovers from the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts? For storing leftovers, place your cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 3 days. Just ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make your meal soggy. Reheat in the air fryer to regain that delightful crispiness. Can I freeze Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts? How? Absolutely, you can freeze this dish! Begin by allowing the chicken and Brussels sprouts to cool entirely. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. What if my chicken is not cooking evenly in the air fryer? Very! If your chicken isn’t cooking evenly, it could be due to overcrowding in the basket. The hot air needs space to circulate, so it’s best to cook in batches if needed. Additionally, ensure that you give the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking time; this helps to promote even browning and cooking. If your chicken is still undercooked, simply give it a few more minutes while checking that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes! This recipe contains allergens like chicken and may have soy in commercially made sweet chili sauces. If preparing for someone with dietary restrictions, look for gluten-free sauces or check labels to avoid hidden allergens. If serving this to pets, be cautious as cooked proteins should not contain any seasoning, especially onions and garlic, which can be harmful to dogs. Always double-check ingredients for specific allergies to ensure everyone can enjoy this meal safely! Irresistibly Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Try this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts for a quick, family-friendly dinner that balances savory and sweet. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs1/2 cup sweet chili sauce or sriracha mixed with honey1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic1 teaspoon onion powder or fresh diced onion1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon pepperFor the Brussels Sprouts1 pound Brussels sprouts halved2 tablespoons olive oil or another vegetable oilFor the Garnish (Optional)1 tablespoon sesame seeds or substitute with your favorite seeds or herbs2 tablespoons green onions chopped Equipment Air Fryer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.Mix the chicken with half the sweet chili sauce in the same bowl.Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.Arrange the chicken and Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.Drizzle the remaining sweet chili sauce over the dish and air fry for an additional 8-10 minutes.Remove from the air fryer and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesMake sure to check the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
