Name: Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. This vibrant dish brings together juicy, tender chicken thighs and gorgeously crisp Brussels sprouts, all tossed in a sticky-sweet and tangy sauce that clings to every bite. Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality roasted flavors in under 30 minutes—without turning on the oven. This is the kind of meal that’s equally at home on a busy Tuesday as it is on your dinner party table.

Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

A handful of simple, colorful ingredients are all you need to make the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. Each component works together to create that crave-worthy balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavor.

Chicken thighs: Rich, juicy, and nearly foolproof, thighs hold up perfectly in the air fryer and soak up all that luscious sauce.
Brussels sprouts: When halved and roasted, these little cabbages caramelize beautifully and bring a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings cling and encourages every edge to turn golden and crisp.
Salt: Brightens the flavors and enhances the savory notes in both the chicken and veggies.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor with savory depth, infusing both chicken and sprouts.
Paprika: For subtle warmth and gorgeous color.
Sweet chili sauce: The star of the sauce! Sweet, tangy, and with a gentle kick, it creates irresistible stickiness.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and a hint of saltiness without overpowering the dish.
Rice vinegar: A splash of brightness that helps balance the sweet and savory notes.
Sesame oil: Just a little is all you need for a toasty, nutty finish.
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): Perfect for garnishing and adding extra texture and color at the end.

How to Make Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by giving your air fryer a quick preheat at 375°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This ensures you get that golden, crispy finish from the very first batch and helps everything cook evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Toss Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chicken pieces and halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Use your hands or a big spoon to make sure every piece gets a generous coating—this is where the flavor begins building!

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Spread the seasoned chicken and Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them; some space helps them roast rather than steam. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches, but the results are worth the extra time.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Set the timer for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’re aiming for deeply golden, caramelized Brussels sprouts and chicken that’s cooked through and lightly crisp on the edges. If you like extra crisp on your veggies, lean toward the longer side of the time range.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While your air fryer works its magic, place the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently, just until the mixture starts to steam—no need to boil. This helps the flavors meld and makes the sauce even more pourable.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once everything is crisp and cooked, transfer the chicken and Brussels sprouts back into your large bowl. Pour the warm sweet chili mixture over the top and toss everything together until every piece is glossy and coated. Serve right away, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if you love a pop of color and crunch.

How to Serve Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

A shower of sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chopped green onions are my favorite finishing touches for the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they bring a mild crunch and a hint of fresh flavor, which lifts every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is phenomenal on its own, but pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice, steamed brown rice, or even soba noodles makes it a hearty meal. The sauce mingles perfectly with grains or noodles, soaking in with every bite. If you’re looking to squeeze in more vegetables, a quick cucumber salad or simple miso soup are light, cooling options to round out your table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, pile the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts onto a big serving platter and scatter with extra scallions and chilies. For meal prep, divide portions into lunch containers with rice or salad for grab-and-go meals. For a party, skewer the chicken and sprouts before cooking and serve as a fun appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days—just be sure to let everything cool before sealing to prevent sogginess. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something special.

Freezing

While freshly cooked is best for texture, you can freeze leftovers for up to two months if needed. Let the chicken and Brussels sprouts cool completely before packing into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This helps revive the crispiness. Alternatively, use a hot skillet or microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. If the sauce seems thick, add a teaspoon of water as you reheat to loosen things up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine—just note that thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in the air fryer. If using breast, keep an eye on cook time to avoid drying out the pieces.

Do I have to use sweet chili sauce, or can I swap for something else?

The sweet chili sauce is really what makes the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts unique, but if you’d like more heat or less sweetness, try mixing sriracha with honey or using a spicy teriyaki as a twist.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or chunks of red onion all roast beautifully in the air fryer. Just be sure to cut everything into evenly sized pieces so they cook in the same amount of time as the chicken and Brussels sprouts.

How can I make this gluten free?

Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari. Double-check your sweet chili sauce as some brands may use wheat-based thickeners.

What if my air fryer is small?

No problem—just cook the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in two batches. The first batch can be kept warm in a low oven or covered with foil while the second batch cooks. The results are just as flavorful!

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t wait for you to experience how simple and satisfying the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts can be. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or your next dinner party, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss. Give it a try—and get ready to add it to your permanent rotation!

Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal with this Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe. Tender chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and tangy sauce make for a delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Brussels Sprouts:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

Sauce and Garnish:

½ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
Prepare Chicken and Brussels Sprouts: Toss chicken pieces and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until coated.
Air Fry: Spread mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Make Sauce: Heat sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
Combine and Serve: Transfer cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts to a bowl, pour sauce over, toss to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.