Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s sure to impress, you’ve come to the right place! My Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is one of my all-time favorites. It combines spicy chili ginger chicken with crispy brussels sprouts, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special. The sweet chili sauce adds a wonderful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet chili sauce makes the chicken irresistible even to picky eaters—kids will love it!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Flavors: The combination of spices lets you customize it to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful dish! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, and these items come together to create such vibrant flavors.

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using diced tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based option.
• Change up the veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chili oil or use mild sweet chili sauce.
• Add some zest: A squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens up the whole dish!

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by cutting off the stems from your brussels sprouts. Halving them helps them cook evenly and become extra crispy in the air fryer. Tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper adds flavor right from the beginning.

Step 2: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts

Place the brussels sprouts in an air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for about 10 minutes. This initial cooking time allows them to get tender while starting to crisp up—trust me, they’ll be delicious!

Step 3: Season the Chicken

While your sprout friends are cooking away, let’s prepare the chicken! Coat diced chicken breast in chili oil then add ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Mixing these spices ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Brussels Sprouts

After those first 10 minutes are up, carefully add your seasoned chicken breast into the air fryer basket with those lovely brussels sprouts. Give everything a gentle stir so they can cook together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Air fry everything at 400ºF for another 10-12 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even crisping on both the chicken and sprouts. You want that chicken cooked through to an internal temperature of about 160ºF to 165ºF.

Step 6: Glaze with Sweet Chili Sauce

Finally, drizzle in that sweet chili sauce and stir everything together one last time. Air fry or broil for an additional minute or two just to caramelize that sauce—oh my goodness, it’s going to smell amazing! Serve it up with rice or your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.

And there you have it—your very own Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts ready to delight everyone at your table! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Cooking can be a breeze with the right tips, and this recipe is no exception! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that your ingredients cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. This step can make a significant difference in how quickly your chicken and Brussels sprouts cook.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For optimal air circulation, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This helps everything crisp up nicely, giving you those delightful textures.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh Brussels sprouts and high-quality chicken. Fresh ingredients not only enhance flavor but also contribute to better overall nutrition.
• Adjust Spice Levels to Taste: If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add more chili oil or even some crushed red pepper flakes. On the flip side, if you prefer milder flavors, you can cut back on the chili oil and sauce.
• Experiment with Different Sauces: While sweet chili sauce is delicious, don’t hesitate to try other sauces like teriyaki or a zesty lemon-garlic dressing for a twist on flavor!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Presentation is key when serving this vibrant dish! Here are some ideas to plate it beautifully and make it even more enticing.

Garnishes

• Toasted Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
• Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions: Chopped cilantro or sliced green onions provide a fresh burst of color and flavor that enhances the overall appeal.
• Lime Wedges: Adding lime wedges not only brightens up the presentation but also allows guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their servings for an extra zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice pairs wonderfully with the sweet chili chicken, soaking up all those delicious flavors. It’s a classic combination!
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the spice from the dish beautifully while adding colorful variety to your plate.
• Garlic Noodles: Quick sautéed garlic noodles add an umami punch and are excellent at soaking up any remaining sauce from your chicken!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dinner table. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep! It’s easy to make in larger batches, saving you time during busy weeknights. Plus, the flavors develop even more as it sits, making leftovers a tasty treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish fully, then portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, store the chicken and Brussels sprouts separately if possible.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave for quick reheating, but the air fryer will help retain crispiness.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other vegetables with Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad option!

How do I know when the chicken is done in Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches between 160°F and 165°F. A meat thermometer is your best friend for this!

Can I adjust the spice level in Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

Yes! You can reduce the amount of chili oil or omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor. Conversely, add more if you enjoy extra heat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe a try! It’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile for your meal planning needs. Enjoy making this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite veggies or sides. Happy cooking!