© Original Recipe By Mom’s Meals ©
🍽️🔥 Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Dinner
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that hits the sweet and spicy notes just right, this Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is your new go-to. The aroma of tender, crispy chicken paired with roasted Brussels sprouts drenched in a irresistible sweet chili glaze makes every bite a delightful experience. Using an air fryer simplifies the cooking process, delivering crispy textures without excess oil, making it an excellent choice for a healthy chicken dinner. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining friends who appreciate bold flavors.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- One-pot meal — minimal cleanup required.
- Healthy chicken dinner — air fryer chicken with vegetables, using less oil.
- Bold flavors — a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
- Versatile — easily customizable with different vegetables or spice levels.
3. Ingredient Notes
For this spicy chicken recipe, high-quality ingredients elevate the dish. Opt for skinless chicken breasts or thighs — thighs tend to be more forgiving and flavorful. The sweetness in the sweet chili sauce can vary; look for a brand with natural ingredients or make your own for better control over the sugar content. Fresh Brussels sprouts provide a crisp texture and a slightly nutty flavor when roasted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To achieve the perfect crispy result, **the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer** is highly recommended. This versatile appliance ensures even cooking and is straightforward to operate, making it a must-have for busy cooks. A good quality baking sheet or air fryer basket simplifies roasting Brussels sprouts. Consider a set of sharp knives and a cutting board for prep, and a basting brush to evenly apply the sweet chili sauce during cooking. These tools help make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.
5. How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Dinner
Preparation
Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts, cutting them in half, and tossing them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay them on your baking sheet or air fryer basket. In a separate bowl, season the chicken with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Brush the chicken generously with sweet chili sauce and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they aren’t crowded, so they get crispy. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Roasting the Brussels Sprouts
While the chicken cooks, roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven or air fryer. If using an oven, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are caramelized and crispy on the edges. You want a delightful char that adds depth to the vegetable’s flavor. Drizzle with a little extra sweet chili sauce after roasting for added gloss and flavor.
Bringing It All Together
Once everything is cooked, arrange the crispy chicken alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts on a serving platter. Drizzle extra sweet chili sauce over the chicken for that perfect sticky, spicy finish. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a crunch and fresh taste. The aroma of sweet chili sauce mixed with roasted veggies and crisp chicken will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket — this helps keep the chicken crispy.
- If your sweet chili sauce is too thick, warm it slightly for better basting and glazing.
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 15 minutes for a more intense flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without overdoing it.
7. Variations & Substitutions
For a low-sugar option, make a homemade sweet chili glaze using honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar. To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your sweet chili sauce is certified gluten-free. If you’re vegetarian, swap chicken for tofu or tempeh — just adjust cooking time accordingly. Adding bell peppers or snap peas can bring color and a different crunch to this dish.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to keep the chicken crispy, or microwave for a quick warm-up. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
9. FAQ
Is sweet chili chicken spicy?
The spiciness depends on the brand of sweet chili sauce used. You can opt for a milder version or add more chili flakes during cooking for extra heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for best results to maintain crispiness.
What other vegetables work well in this dish?
Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas are excellent choices, adding different textures and vibrant colors to your meal.
10. Conclusion
This Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Dinner combines bold flavors with simple, healthy ingredients. The air fryer makes it quick and convenient, while the sweet chili glaze offers an exciting sweet-spicy punch. Perfect for an effortless weeknight meal or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this dish promises crunchy chicken, roasted veggies, and irresistible flavor in every bite.
Print
Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Dinner
A delicious and easy air fryer sweet chili chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts. Perfectly balanced with spice and sweetness, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Meanwhile, toss chicken strips with half of the sweet chili sauce.
- After sprouts are done, add chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, basting with remaining sauce halfway.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- You can add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes after cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg