Mouthwatering Air Fryer Chili Chicken

Need something quick that feels a little fancy? Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts always saves the day. You get tasty, juicy chicken with a sticky chili sauce plus Brussels sprouts so crispy they're hard to resist, even for the skeptical eaters. Toss it all together in no time. Dinner's ready fast, and it tastes like way more effort than it took. It’s my usual move when I want food that’s filling but don’t feel like babysitting the stove.

The first time I threw this together was during a wild weeknight when nobody had patience left. Now it’s a regular favorite because it comes together fast and always hits the spot without the stress.

Easy Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts: Pick small, tight ones so they turn out crisp trim and slice in half for best results
• Honey: Totally optional but gives a lush sticky finish if you like things sweet
• Salt and pepper: Can’t skip them but don’t go crazy until you taste since the soy sauce adds saltiness
• Olive oil: Keeps everything golden brown and adds a bit of richness
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose firm chicken pieces—they stay tender and juicy
• Ground ginger: Gives gentle heat and makes the sauce smell amazing, fresh is best
• Soy sauce: Adds that salty punch go for reduced sodium if you want it milder
• Sweet chili sauce: Makes the chicken glossy and sweet with a gentle kick aim for brands without weird additives
• Garlic powder: Layers in flavor and gives the sauce a bit of warmth, so check it’s not stale
• Rice vinegar: Pops in a tang that keeps the whole dish from tasting too sweet use the clear kind

Delicious Step-by-Step

Rest and Finish:

Give the chicken a few minutes to chill before slicing it up Stack it on a plate with those crispy Brussels sprouts and drizzle over whatever saucy bits are left from the basket for extra taste

Add Brussels Sprouts and Air Fry:

When the chicken’s almost ready, toss the Brussels sprouts into the fryer basket They’ll roast for about eight to ten minutes Give the basket a good shake as they cook so every sprout gets brown and crisp edges You want golden and crunchy not limp

Sprouts Prep:

While chicken is cooking, throw your halved sprouts in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper Toss around so every piece gets just enough to help it crisp

Cook Chicken:

Place the sauce-covered chicken in one layer in your air fryer basket Cook for twelve to fifteen minutes Flip them over midway through Look for edge browning and juicy texture—if you’re unsure, stick a thermometer inside and check for one sixty five degrees Fahrenheit

Marinate Chicken:

Sprinkle chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper Dunk each piece in that tasty sauce until it’s coated everywhere This lets the flavor soak into the chicken

Mix Up the Sauce:

Stir together sweet chili sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and honey if using Whisk it all until blended and smooth—you want it to come together nicely

Fire Up Air Fryer:

Switch on your air fryer and set it to three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Get that basket hot so things turn crispy as soon as they go in

Save

My favorite part? Those crunchy brown edges on the Brussels sprouts. I get a kick out of watching everyone grab seconds—even folks who said they were Brussels sprout haters before. It’s changed a lot of stubborn minds in my kitchen!

Save for Later

Let chicken and sprouts cool down all the way before putting them in separate sealed containers This keeps the textures right When you want leftovers, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp Don’t microwave unless you don’t mind them turning soft

Switch It Up

Swap in chicken thighs if you want things extra juicy and flavorful Try tofu cubes (squeeze out the water) for a plant-based spin Maple syrup works great instead of honey Swap in tamari for a gluten-friendly dish

Ways to Serve

This is awesome all by itself But if you want something more filling, spoon it over some hot quinoa or steamed rice Got extra sweet chili sauce? Let people pour on more at the table Sprinkle some scallions or sesame seeds over the top for crunch and freshness

Save

Culture Tidbits

Sweet chili sauce is a classic in Southeast Asia—big street food vibes from places like Thailand and Vietnam It gives brightness and just a bit of heat Teaming it up with crunchy Brussels sprouts is my way of mashing up comfort food with something bold and global

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep chicken thirsty and juicy?

Make sure the chicken’s really coated with the marinade to lock in juice, and don’t cook past 165°F (74°C) so it stays moist.

→ Can I swap in chicken thighs?

Definitely—thighs are even juicier and have more taste. Just tweak your cook time if you’ve got thick pieces.

→ Tips for extra crunchy Brussels sprouts?

Rub sprouts with olive oil, lay them out flat, and give the basket a toss in the middle so they all get golden.

→ Want it spicier?

Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a shot of sriracha when mixing the sauce to bump up the heat but keep that sweet vibe.

→ Can I try different proteins?

Tofu or pork tenderloin work nice too—just swap and watch your times to make sure they’re cooked through.

→ Do I need to start cooking Brussels sprouts first?

Nope, just chop and cover them in a bit of oil. The air fryer handles it fast, so the edges go crispy and the inside stays soft.