Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is one of my favorite quick-and-easy dinners that brings together bold flavor, crisp textures, and balanced nutrition. The chicken turns out perfectly juicy with a sticky sweet-spicy glaze, while the Brussels sprouts roast up crispy and caramelized. All of it comes together in under 30 minutes, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it delivers a satisfying mix of spicy, sweet, and savory in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something flavorful and healthy without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The air fryer makes everything extra crispy with very little oil, and the sweet chili glaze adds just enough punch to keep it exciting. Plus, I only have to clean one basket when I’m done.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Brussels sprouts, halved
olive oil
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
soy sauce or coconut aminos
optional: sesame seeds, green onions, lime wedges

directions

1. I preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).

2. I toss the Brussels sprouts in a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then add them to the air fryer basket.

3. I air fry the Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4. While they’re cooking, I season the chicken with salt and pepper and toss it with a bit of oil.

5. After 10 minutes, I add the chicken pieces to the basket with the sprouts and cook for another 10–12 minutes, shaking occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sprouts are golden and crispy.

6. I remove the basket and toss everything with sweet chili sauce and a splash of soy sauce.

7. I return everything to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to let the sauce caramelize slightly.

8. I serve it hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if I want extra flair.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 22–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• I use cauliflower instead of Brussels sprouts when I want to mix things up.

• I add chopped bell peppers or onions for more veggie variety.

• For extra heat, I stir in a spoonful of sriracha with the sweet chili sauce.

• I serve it over jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.

• I swap chicken for tofu for a meatless option—it crisps up nicely in the air fryer too.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I toss everything back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back the crispness.
The microwave works too, but it softens the sprouts a bit more.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

I don’t recommend it for this recipe—they release too much moisture. Fresh sprouts roast up much better in the air fryer.

What’s the best sweet chili sauce to use?

I usually use store-bought Thai-style sweet chili sauce, but I sometimes make my own with garlic, vinegar, honey, and chili flakes.

Can I cook the chicken and Brussels sprouts together from the start?

No, I like to give the sprouts a head start so they cook evenly and crisp up before adding the chicken.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I use chicken thighs when I want extra juiciness, and I avoid overcooking—checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but I cook in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded. Overcrowding makes everything steam instead of crisp.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is one of those meals I keep coming back to—quick, flavorful, and packed with texture. It’s the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel exciting, not boring. Whether I serve it over rice or just enjoy it straight from the basket, it always leaves me feeling satisfied and happy with minimal cleanup.