© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🔥✨ Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken with Brussels Sprouts: The Perfect Healthy & Flavorful Dinner ✨🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a dinner that hits all the right flavor notes—sweet, spicy, and savory—look no further than Sweet Chili Chicken cooked in the air fryer. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, aromatic sweet chili glaze, paired perfectly with crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s an easy chicken recipe that promises a delightful balance of heat and sweetness, all cooked with minimal fuss in your handy compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and low in oil, thanks to the air fryer’s crisping magic.
- A delightful combination of crispy chicken with sweet and spicy chili sauce.
- Includes nutrient-packed Brussels sprouts for added fiber and vitamins.
- Versatile and customizable — swap the chicken for tofu or different vegetables.
3. Ingredient Notes
For this easy chicken recipe, quality ingredients make all the difference. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy bites, as they stay tender even after air frying. For the sweet chili sauce, opt for a balanced blend of sweetness and heat—look for a good-quality store-bought version or make your own with chili paste, honey, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar.
The Brussels sprouts should be fresh—look for firm, vibrant green heads. Their slightly bitter flavor provides the perfect contrast to the sweet, spicy sauce. For added depth, sprinkle with a touch of sea salt and a drizzle of good olive oil before roasting.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To make this dish a breeze, here are some handy tools:
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Ensures your chicken and Brussels sprouts cook evenly with minimal oil, delivering crispy textures every time.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Perfect for preparing sauces or side dishes.
5. How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Preparation
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with a bit of salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of cornstarch—this helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the chicken evenly in the basket—it’s normal if they touch, but don’t overcrowd.
For the Brussels sprouts, trim the stems, halve them, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add them to the air fryer about midway through cooking — they roast beautifully and become irresistibly crispy.
Cooking the Chicken
Air fry the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crispy. During the last 2 minutes, brush the chicken with the sweet chili sauce. You’ll see it thicken and glaze nicely on the chicken’s surface.
While the chicken cooks, roast the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes until slightly charred and tender.
Finish & Serve
Toss the chicken and sprouts together, drizzle with any remaining chili sauce, and sprinkle with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot for a truly satisfying healthy chicken meal that’s bursting with flavor.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Pat the chicken dry before coating—that’s key to crispy pieces.
- Shake the air fryer basket occasionally for an even cook.
- Brush the chili sauce on the chicken in the last 2 minutes—this prevents burning and caramelizes the sauce beautifully.
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for a better texture and flavor—avoid frozen for this dish.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Vegetarians can swap chicken for firm tofu cubes—just press out excess moisture before air frying. For a paleo or low-sugar version, make your own chili sauce with fresh chili, honey, and garlic. To spice things up, add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh twist.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness. This dish also makes great meal prep for busy weekdays.
9. FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly and keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
Is the sweet chili sauce spicy?
It depends on the brand, but most store-bought sauces are mildly spicy. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference or make your own for control over spice levels.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! Cook the chicken and Brussels sprouts separately, then toss with the chili sauce just before serving. Reheat in the air fryer to keep everything crispy.
10. Conclusion
This air fryer sweet chili chicken with Brussels sprouts recipe proves that healthy chicken meals can be both irresistibly flavorful and quick to prepare. The combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a glazed, spicy-sweet sauce paired with crispy Brussels sprouts makes it a hit for family dinners or even entertaining guests. Give it a try and enjoy a dish that’s truly in harmony with your busy, health-conscious lifestyle!
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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Tender chicken pieces glazed with sweet chili sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts with caramelized edges, served together for a flavorful meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with half of the sweet chili sauce.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- After chicken is cooked, add sprouts to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until crispy and caramelized.
- Serve the chicken topped with remaining chili sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness of the chili sauce to taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly for safety.
- Sprouts can be seasoned with garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
