Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

© Original Recipe By Serena’s Delights ©

🔥 Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts — A Crispy, Spicy Delight! 🌶️

1. Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that combines the sweet, spicy kick of chili with tender chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts, you’ve come to the right place. This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe uses the magic of the compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer to deliver perfectly cooked, crispy bits with minimal effort. The result? An irresistibly savory dish with a glaze that hits just the right note of sweetness and spice. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests on weekends.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in approximately 30 minutes — perfect for quick dinners.
• One-pan style with minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer.
• Combines crispy, tender chicken with flavorful Brussels sprouts.
• Uses a sweet chili glaze that’s both tangy and spicy, appealing to all taste buds.
• Pretty flexible—swap out ingredients or make it vegetarian with tofu.

3. Ingredient Notes

High-quality ingredients truly make a difference here. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor. They hold up well in the air fryer and won’t dry out as easily as breast meat. The Brussels sprouts should be fresh; choose smaller, firm ones to get a crispy, caramelized edge. The sweet chili sauce lends the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, but you can customize its level of spiciness to your preference. For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Make your cooking experience seamless with some essential tools. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is perfect for evenly cooking everything to crispy perfection. A set of high-quality nonstick cookware helps with prep and cleanup. For slicing ingredients smoothly, consider a Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master. These tools transform your cooking process into a breeze.

5. How to Make Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Prepare the ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and trimming the Brussels sprouts in halves or quarters depending on their size. Pat them dry; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Marinate and coat

Toss the chicken with a bit of salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of honey garlic or your favorite marinade. For extra flavor, add minced garlic or ginger. Toss the Brussels sprouts with a light coating of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Cook in the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the Brussels sprouts for about 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking halfway through. Meanwhile, air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until cooked through and crispy.

Make the sweet chili glaze

While cooking, warm about 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce to coat generously. Arrange the crispy Brussels sprouts on a serving plate, then top with the glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crispiness.
• Use a light coating of oil on Brussels sprouts for maximum crunch.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes for deeper flavor, but even a quick toss works.
• For a thicker glaze, simmer the chili sauce with a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken before tossing with chicken.

7. Variations & Substitutions

This recipe can easily adapt to dietary preferences. For example, make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh. Swap out the classic sweet chili for a spicy Sriracha glaze if you prefer more heat. You can also toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

8. Storage & Reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating as it may make the chicken soggy.

9. FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure it cooks evenly and maintains a juicy texture. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking and less crispiness.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness mainly comes from the sweet chili sauce. You can control the heat level by choosing a mild or hot version of the sauce. For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dab of Sriracha.

Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, simply omit any added sugars or serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.

Can I make this ahead?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and reheat as described. The glaze tastes even better after marinating for a few hours.

10. Conclusion

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe leverages the power of the air fryer to deliver crispy, tender chicken with a delightful spicy-sweet glaze. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Give it a try, and you’ll love how easy and delicious a healthy dish can be!

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