Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The sweet chili sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness and heat, while the air fryer ensures both the chicken and Brussels sprouts come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s a balanced meal that is both nutritious and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up!

Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts:

• 12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved
• 1 tbsp (16g) olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Chili Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp (16g) chili oil
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce (plus extra for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the diced chicken breast with chili oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and sweet chili sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
5. After removing the Brussels sprouts, add the seasoned chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Once both the Brussels sprouts and chicken are ready, serve them together with extra sweet chili sauce drizzled on top for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Spicy version: If you like it extra spicy, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the chicken seasoning mix.
• Sweet variation: For a sweeter touch, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts before air frying.
• Add more veggies: You can add other veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to the air fryer with the Brussels sprouts for a more colorful dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispy texture. You can also reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, though it may not be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While fresh Brussels sprouts work best for this recipe, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.

Can I use a different oil for the Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil instead of olive oil, depending on your preference.

How can I make the Brussels sprouts even crispier?

For extra crispy Brussels sprouts, make sure they are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket. You can also increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes, but be careful not to burn them.

Can I make this recipe without chili oil?

If you don’t have chili oil, you can substitute it with regular olive oil and add a little extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to achieve a similar spicy flavor.

Can I add other seasonings to the chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or onion powder to suit your taste.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake both the Brussels sprouts and chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. Make sure to toss the Brussels sprouts and chicken halfway through for even cooking.

What side dishes would go well with this?

This dish is great on its own, but you could also serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple salad for a more filling meal.

Is the sweet chili sauce spicy?

The sweet chili sauce is mildly spicy with a lot of sweetness. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, you can meal prep this dish by storing the chicken and Brussels sprouts separately in meal prep containers. Reheat when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is an easy-to-make, deliciously flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. The crispy chicken and caramelized Brussels sprouts, paired with the sweet and spicy chili sauce, create a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine.

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