Name: Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz Brussels Sprouts, stemmed and halved; 1 Tablespoon (16g) Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, diced; 1 Tablespoon (16g) Chili Oil; 2 teaspoon Ground Ginger; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Chili Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1/4 cup (60g) Sweet Chili Sauce, plus more for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

I absolutely love sharing this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. The spicy chili ginger chicken pairs perfectly with the crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and cooking everything in the air fryer means it’s all done in under 30 minutes. This recipe quickly became a favorite of mine when I wanted something vibrant, tasty, and hassle-free, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

From my first bite, I was hooked on the unique flavor combination in this recipe. The chicken is coated in a mildly spicy chili oil and warming spices like ginger and garlic, bringing a lively, balanced heat that’s not overpowering. Then, the sweet chili sauce adds a nice layer of sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the savory elements. The Brussels sprouts get beautifully crisp and slightly caramelized, creating a wonderful contrast in texture and taste. It’s a dish where every bite feels exciting yet comforting.

What makes this recipe stand out for me is how straightforward it is to prepare. Using the air fryer means you get that perfect crispiness without all the oil or standing over the stove. It’s basically a one-basket wonder! I love making it on busy weeknights or for casual dinners with friends because it’s quick, requires minimal cleanup, and yet looks impressive when plated. I often suggest it for occasions where you want a simple but flavorful dish that satisfies without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver metal bowl filled with green halved Brussels sprouts that show a fresh and slightly textured inside with layers of leaves. The Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with a light seasoning that looks a bit oily with small dark pepper spots. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, reflecting some light inside it, adding shine to the metal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s creating bold flavors, adding crisp textures, or giving the dish a vibrant pop of color.

Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm, ideally trimmed and halved for even cooking and a crispy bite.
Olive oil: Coats the sprouts for a golden finish and helps seasonings stick.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of both the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the sprouts.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean protein, diced for quick and even cooking in the air fryer.
Chili oil: Provides a fragrant, spicy kick that infuses the chicken beautifully.
Ground ginger: Delivers a warm, zesty spice that brightens the chicken’s flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds savory richness and a subtle punch.
Chili powder: Lends smoky heat and complexity to the seasoning mix.
Sweet chili sauce: The star glaze that ties everything together with sweet and tangy notes.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the stems and slicing them in half. Toss them in olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to ensure each piece is well-coated and seasoned.

Step 2: Place the Brussels sprouts in your air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes. This initial cooking helps them start crisping up nicely and developing that delicious caramelized edge I love.

Step 3: While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, take the diced chicken breast and coat it thoroughly with chili oil. Then sprinkle in the ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix well to make sure each bite of chicken is bursting with those bold flavors.

Step 4: After the Brussels sprouts have cooked for 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken to the air fryer basket. Gently toss everything together so the flavors begin to mingle and distribute evenly.

Step 5: Air fry the entire mixture at 400ºF for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. About halfway through, pause to stir the ingredients so the Brussels sprouts get evenly crispy and the chicken cooks through. Aim for an internal temperature on the chicken of 160ºF to 165ºF for safe, juicy results.

Step 6: Pour in 1/4 cup of the sweet chili sauce and stir the chicken and sprouts to coat every piece in the sticky, sweet glaze. For extra caramelization, air fry or broil for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.

Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges, plus extra sweet chili sauce on the side if you love it spicy and saucy.

Servings and Timing

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, which is perfect for a family dinner or to have leftovers for the next day. The prep time is super quick—just about 10 minutes to chop and season everything. Cooking takes roughly 20 minutes, including both the sprouts and chicken stages. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes total from start to finish, with no extra resting or cooling time required, making it ideal for a fast yet satisfying meal.

How to Serve This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a black cast iron pan filled with golden-brown chunks of cooked chicken mixed with roasted Brussels sprouts that have a slightly crispy, dark green-brown outer layer. The chicken pieces are roughly cut, with a textured surface showing seasoning specks, and are scattered evenly among the vegetable pieces. In the background to the top left, there is a white bowl filled with a grain base, likely rice or quinoa, topped with more roasted Brussels sprouts and chicken pieces, garnished with small green onion slices. To the side, there is a small portion of additional chopped green onions in a white bowl. All items rest on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture surface underneath the items. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sweet chili sauce. The fluffy rice balances the heat and adds a satisfying base for the crispy chicken and sprouts. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or steamed quinoa works wonderfully without stealing the show.

Presentation is fun and simple: I sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nutty crunch and add lime wedges for a fresh burst of acidity that really brightens the whole plate. If I have fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions on hand, they add a lovely touch of greenery and a bit of freshness. I usually serve this dish warm and right from the air fryer, so the Brussels sprouts stay crispy and the chicken juicy. It also makes a fantastic meal for casual weeknights, family gatherings, or even game-day parties because it’s easy to serve and crowd-pleasing.

For drinks, a crisp Riesling or a light, fruity rosé pairs beautifully, cutting through the spice and sweetness. If you’re into cocktails, a refreshing ginger-lime mocktail or a cold beer complements the flavor profile perfectly while cleansing the palate.

Variations

I’ve experimented a bit with this recipe and found a few ways to customize it based on what you have or dietary preferences. For example, you can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you want juicier, more tender meat with a richer flavor. If you’re vegan, try replacing the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same chili oil and spices—it crisps up nicely in the air fryer and soaks up the sauce beautifully.

If you’re avoiding gluten, make sure your sweet chili sauce is labeled gluten-free, as some contain soy sauce or other additives. You can also play with the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili oil and chili powder. Adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin gives it a smoky twist that I particularly enjoy now and then.

Different cooking methods can work too: if you don’t have an air fryer, roasting the Brussels sprouts and chicken on a baking sheet at 425ºF works well. Just keep a close eye and toss halfway through to make sure there’s even cooking and crispiness.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and trust me, that happens often!—store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days. I like to use glass containers because they preserve flavor better and are easy to reheat right in the oven or air fryer.

Freezing

This recipe freezes quite well. To freeze, let the chicken and Brussels sprouts cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for about 2 months. When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn and preserve the crispy texture as much as you can.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, I recommend warming leftover portions in the air fryer or oven at 350ºF for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps revive the crispiness of the Brussels sprouts and keeps the chicken juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible since it makes the sprouts soggy and the chicken rubbery. If you need to microwave, heat briefly and then crisp up quickly in a hot pan or under the broiler.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but I recommend thawing and patting them dry first to avoid extra moisture, which can prevent crisping. Adjust cooking time slightly since frozen sprouts may take a few extra minutes to get crispy.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the chili oil and chili powder, balanced by the sweetness of the chili sauce. You can easily adjust heat by reducing chili oil or swapping it for a milder oil, or conversely adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for more kick.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh for optimal crispiness, you can prep the ingredients and marinate the chicken a few hours ahead. Then, cook the dish just before serving to keep the texture and flavor bright.

What sides pair well with this dish?

I love serving this with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a fresh cucumber salad. Something light and cooling contrasts beautifully with the spicy, tangy chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts.

Can I use other vegetables instead of Brussels sprouts?

Absolutely! Broccoli florets, green beans, or even asparagus are great options. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable’s density and moisture content.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe enough—it’s quick, packed with flavor, and brings so much life to the dinner table without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish shines and makes any meal memorable. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!