Air fryer sweet chili chicken Brussels sprouts deliver a complete protein-packed dinner in just 30 minutes. I still remember the first time I tossed crispy Brussels sprouts with glazed chicken in my air fryer—my grandson couldn’t believe something so flavorful came together on a busy Tuesday evening.
Growing up on our Midwest farm, we’d roast Brussels sprouts in the oven for Sunday suppers, their edges turning golden while chicken simmered on the stovetop. The whole process took over an hour, and on those chilly autumn evenings, we didn’t mind the wait. Now, my air fryer brings those same caramelized flavors to my table in half the time, with that signature sweet-spicy glaze clinging to every tender piece of chicken and crispy sprout. The chili oil adds just enough heat to warm you from the inside, while the sweet chili sauce creates that sticky, finger-licking finish my family fights over. Time to get that air fryer basket ready.
Why This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe Works Every Time
I’ve been cooking chicken breast for decades, and I can tell you that the air fryer has become my secret weapon for juicy, never-dry poultry. This air fryer sweet chili chicken Brussels sprouts recipe combines everything I’ve learned about timing, temperature, and flavor layering into one foolproof dinner.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely have on hand—no specialty store trips required
- Comes together in 30 minutes making it perfect for hectic weeknight dinners
- Delivers 20g of protein per serving to keep you satisfied and energized
- Creates perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts with tender, caramelized edges every single time
- Adapts easily to frozen vegetables when fresh isn’t available
- Requires just one cooking vessel meaning minimal cleanup after dinner
After years of experimenting with air fryer recipes, I’ve found that cooking the Brussels sprouts first gives them that head start they need for maximum crispiness.
Ingredient Spotlight
Brussels Sprouts: These little cabbages transform into crispy, caramelized bites in the air fryer, and I always choose firm, bright green sprouts without yellowing leaves for the best flavor and texture.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: This lean protein cooks quickly and absorbs all those wonderful spices beautifully, though I’ve learned that dicing it into uniform pieces ensures even cooking throughout.
Chili Oil: In my kitchen, I prefer chili oil for its depth of flavor and the subtle heat it brings to the chicken coating, but regular olive oil with crushed red pepper works wonderfully too.
Ground Ginger: This warming spice adds a subtle zing that complements the sweet chili sauce perfectly, and fresh ginger works equally well if you have it on hand.
Sweet Chili Sauce: I always choose a good-quality sweet chili sauce because it creates that glossy, sticky glaze that makes this air fryer sweet chili chicken Brussels sprouts dish so irresistible.
Garlic Powder: This pantry staple provides savory depth without the prep work of fresh garlic, and it distributes evenly throughout the spice coating.
Chili Powder: Adding another layer of warmth and complexity, chili powder rounds out the flavor profile and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Step 1. I’ve learned that halving the Brussels sprouts ensures maximum surface area for that crispy, caramelized exterior we’re after, so toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until every piece glistens.
Step 2. Betty always preheats her air fryer to 400°F before adding the Brussels sprouts to the basket—they’ll cook for 10 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
Step 3. While those sprouts get their head start, coat the diced chicken breast with chili oil and add the ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt, stirring until every piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 4. After the Brussels sprouts have cooked for 10 minutes, add the seasoned chicken directly to the basket and stir everything together so the flavors mingle.
Step 5. Air fry the combination for another 10-12 minutes at 400°F, and I’ve found that stirring halfway through ensures the chicken cooks evenly and reaches that safe internal temperature of 160-165°F.
Step 6. Through trial and error, I learned that adding the sweet chili sauce at the end prevents burning—drizzle it over everything, stir well, then air fry for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze.
Step 7. Betty’s tip: serve this air fryer sweet chili chicken Brussels sprouts over fluffy rice with toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, and extra sweet chili sauce on the side for those who like it saucier.
Keeping This Dinner Fresh
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though I’ll be honest—this air fryer sweet chili chicken Brussels sprouts rarely lasts that long in my house. The chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the Brussels sprouts soften slightly but still maintain their delicious seasoning.
For the best texture, I reheat by spreading everything in a single layer in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch about 90 seconds on high but you’ll lose some of that crispy exterior. Betty’s method is to add a splash of water to the container before microwaving, which keeps the chicken from drying out.
I don’t recommend freezing this particular dish because Brussels sprouts become mushy when thawed, and the sweet chili glaze can separate during the freezing process. Instead, I suggest making a fresh batch it’s so quick that there’s really no need to freeze ahead.
Perfect Partners for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken
Jasmine Rice or Cauliflower Rice: The fluffy, slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice soaks up that sweet chili sauce beautifully, while cauliflower rice keeps the meal low-carb and light.
Simple Cucumber Salad: A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil provides a cooling contrast to the spicy, glazed chicken and creates textural variety on your plate.
Steamed Edamame: These protein-rich soybeans add even more nutritional value to your meal and bring a mild, nutty flavor that doesn’t compete with the bold sweet chili sauce.
Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw with a light ginger dressing offers a fresh, tangy element that balances the richness of this air fryer sweet chili chicken Brussels sprouts dish, similar to how we pair egg roll bowls with chicken and cabbage for a complete meal.
Garlic Green Beans: Quickly sautéed green beans with garlic bring another green vegetable to the table and their mild flavor lets the star of the show shine.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls: If you’re looking for more bowl-style dinner ideas with similar Asian-inspired flavors, these bowls offer creamy corn mixed with seasoned chicken for a satisfying combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend microwaving frozen Brussels sprouts for 2 minutes to thaw them, then draining and halving before following the recipe—they work beautifully once the excess moisture is removed.
Betty’s solution is simple: use regular olive oil and add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken coating for that signature heat.
Many home cooks find success with boneless, skinless chicken thighs just adjust the cooking time to 13-15 minutes since dark meat takes slightly longer to reach 165°F.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add to air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- While brussels sprouts cook, coat diced chicken in chili oil. Add ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Stir to fully coat all pieces.
- After brussels sprouts have cooked 10 minutes, add seasoned chicken to basket and stir everything together to combine.
- Air fry additional 10-12 minutes at 400°F until chicken reaches internal temperature of 160-165°F. Stir halfway through cooking time.
- Add 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce and stir to coat. Air fry or broil additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize sauce into a sticky glaze.
- Serve with rice, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, and additional sweet chili sauce if desired.
