Name: 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 bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 green onion, sliced; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re after a weeknight dinner that feels both satisfyingly savory and vibrantly fresh, you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. The bite-sized chicken pieces turn golden and juicy, the Brussels sprouts become irresistibly crispy, and everything bathes in a sticky, tangy-sweet chili glaze that brings the dish to life. Best of all, it all comes together quickly in the air fryer, tickling your taste buds while keeping cleanup minimal. If you love dinners that are flavor-packed, nourishing, and a little bit showy, this recipe may just become a regular in your rotation!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This colorful dish relies on just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, each one playing an important role in flavor and texture. Simple doesn’t mean boring here: every ingredient adds something special, from a juicy chicken base to the fiery-sweet finish.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 pound): Tender and juicy, these soak up all the flavor and stay moist in the air fryer.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a salty, umami depth to every bite of chicken.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps the chicken brown beautifully for a bit of extra crispiness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Keeps everything golden and adds richness to both chicken and sprouts.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers that beloved subtle garlicky punch.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle heat, balancing out the sweet sauce later.
Brussels sprouts (12 ounces, trimmed and halved): Their natural crispiness gets even better in the air fryer!
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Highlights the nutty flavors of the roasted sprouts.
Sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): The secret weapon for a sticky, sweet, and zingy finish.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds the perfect pop of tang to balance out the sweetness.
Green onion (1, sliced): Brightens up the finished dish with color and a hint of sharpness.
Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon, optional): For a nutty crunch and an extra touch of flair on top.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken thigh pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give them a good mix so every morsel is coated in flavor. Letting it sit while you prep the Brussels sprouts allows the flavors and marinade to really soak in, setting the stage for juicy results.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

While the chicken does its thing, halve and trim your Brussels sprouts. Toss them in a separate bowl with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. This simple step helps the sprouts roast up golden and crispy on the outside, while staying tender inside.

Step 3: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for the best results. Add the Brussels sprouts to the basket and cook for 6 minutes. This initial cook gives them a head start, so they end up perfectly crisped up without the chicken overcooking later.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Open the air fryer, give the basket a shake, then add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer right on top of those partially cooked sprouts. Return the basket and continue air frying for another 10 to 12 minutes, shaking it halfway through cooking. By the end, the chicken should be sizzling and cooked through, while the Brussels sprouts are caramelized and deeply delicious.

Step 5: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze

While everything cooks, stir together your sweet chili sauce and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This quick mix is like magic: the rice vinegar brightens the sticky sauce for a lip-smacking glaze that will coat everything in the basket.

Step 6: Toss and Finish

As soon as the air fryer dings, transfer the chicken and Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Pour the sweet chili glaze over top and toss everything gently to coat. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds (if using), and you’ve got a showstopper meal ready to serve immediately.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

Scatter those vibrant slices of green onion across the top, and don’t be shy with sesame seeds if you love a little extra crunch. These finishing touches not only add color but also layer in fresh flavors and a pretty bit of contrast.

Side Dishes

This dish loves to snuggle up with a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine rice or nutty quinoa, both great for soaking up every last drop of sweet chili glaze. If you’re looking for something lighter, a quick Asian-style cabbage slaw would also complement the bold flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in lettuce cups for a fun, build-your-own dinner night, or spoon them over noodles for a hearty noodle bowl. They’re also fantastic as a meal prep staple for busy lunches throughout the week, since the flavors get even better by the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply store your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors blend beautifully as they rest.

Freezing

While freezing is an option, keep in mind that Brussels sprouts can become a bit softer after being frozen and reheated. If you’d like to freeze, cool everything completely and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To recapture that perfect crispy-tender combo, reheat your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, though the texture will be a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs deliver extra juiciness, chicken breast works well, too. Just watch closely in the air fryer so it doesn’t dry out.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

If sweet chili sauce is missing from your pantry, you can whip up a quick substitute by mixing apricot jam with a splash of hot sauce and a little vinegar. It may not be identical, but it hits many of the same sweet and spicy notes!

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be! Just swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and you’re all set for a gluten-free Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts experience.

Can I double the recipe?

You definitely can, but for best results, air fry in batches so the chicken and Brussels sprouts have enough space to crisp up. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, it’s mild and family friendly, but if you crave heat, stir some sriracha or crushed red pepper into the sweet chili glaze before tossing. It’s easy to customize to your taste!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that’s big on flavor, low on fuss, and guaranteed to win rave reviews, give Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts a try. With juicy chicken, golden sprouts, and a sticky-sweet chili finish, it’s the kind of dish that feels a little special even on a Monday night. Can’t wait for you to taste just how good air fryer magic can be!

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 6 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delicious and healthy Asian-inspired dish that is quick and easy to make. Crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts are paired with tender, flavorful chicken coated in a sweet and tangy chili sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Brussels Sprouts:

12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 green onion, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat and let sit while prepping Brussels sprouts.
Prep the Brussels Sprouts: In a separate bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt.
Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Add Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Shake the basket and add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes, shaking once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce and rice vinegar.
Combine: Once the chicken and Brussels sprouts are done, transfer to a bowl and toss with the sweet chili mixture until evenly coated.
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds before serving.