Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is a delightful dish that combines spicy chili ginger chicken breast with crispy Brussels sprouts. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and family. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this dish will become a favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of chili oil, sweet chili sauce, and ground ginger creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutritious veggies, it’s a guilt-free meal option.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it as a standalone dish for any occasion.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying ensures your Brussels sprouts and chicken get perfectly crispy without excess oil.

Tools and Preparation

To make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowl
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air Fryer: This tool cooks food quickly while giving it a crispy texture without needing much oil.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining your ingredients thoroughly before cooking, ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your vegetables and chicken safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

Spicy chili ginger chicken breast with crispy Brussels sprouts.

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 12 oz Brussels Sprouts, stemmed and halved
• 1 Tablespoon (16g) Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Chicken

• 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, diced
• 1 Tablespoon (16g) Chili Oil
• 2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

For Serving

• 1/4 cup (60g) Sweet Chili Sauce, plus more for serving

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Cut the stems off the Brussels sprouts before cutting them in half. Toss them in the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts

Add the prepared Brussels sprouts to an air fryer basket. Cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, coat the diced chicken breast in chili oil. Add ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Brussels Sprouts

Once the Brussels sprouts have cooked for 10 minutes, add the prepared chicken breast to the air fryer basket. Gently stir everything together.

Step 5: Cook Together

Air fry for an additional 10-12 minutes at 400ºF until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF to 165ºF. Stir halfway through cooking to achieve even crispiness on both the chicken and brussels sprouts.

Step 6: Add Sweet Chili Sauce

Add the sweet chili sauce to the basket. Stir everything together nicely. Air fry or broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Serve hot with rice or garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges if desired.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Serving Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is all about enhancing the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Rice

• White or brown rice provides a neutral base that pairs nicely with the sweet chili sauce and crispy chicken.

On a Salad

• Serve the chicken and Brussels sprouts over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh, crunchy contrast.

With Lime Wedges

• Squeezing lime juice over the dish adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the chili sauce.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty flavor that complements the overall dish while adding an appealing crunch.

Drizzled with Extra Sweet Chili Sauce

• For those who love extra flavor, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce on top enhances the dish’s sweetness.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauce

• Serve with additional sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping, perfect for those who enjoy extra heat and flavor.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Getting the most out of your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts can transform this recipe into an unforgettable meal. Here are some tips to ensure perfection.

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness, making your chicken and Brussels sprouts more delicious.

• Cut Uniform Sizes: Dicing chicken and halving Brussels sprouts into similar sizes promotes even cooking throughout the dish.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring everything cooks evenly.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients like high-quality chicken breast and vibrant Brussels sprouts can significantly enhance flavor.

• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices or add new ones like cayenne pepper for more heat, tailored to your taste preferences.

• Check Internal Temperature: Ensuring that chicken reaches 160ºF–165ºF guarantees it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Pairing your meal with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutritious grain filled with fiber. Cook it with vegetable broth for added flavor.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside crispy chicken.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a fresh crunch, balancing out the sweetness of the main dish.

4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds lightness and acidity, enhancing overall flavors.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the dish perfectly; season them simply with salt.

6. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings texture contrast while its tanginess refreshes your palate between bites.

7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that pairs harmoniously with sweet chili flavors.

8. Basmati Rice Pilaf: Aromatic basmati rice cooked with herbs elevates your meal without overpowering it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts, avoiding common errors can improve your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the oil: Not tossing the Brussels sprouts in olive oil can lead to uneven cooking and dryness. Always ensure they are well-coated for optimal crispiness.
• Overcrowding the basket: Filling the air fryer basket too much will prevent proper air circulation, resulting in soggy food. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect crisp.
• Ignoring temperature settings: Cooking at incorrect temperatures can lead to undercooked chicken or burnt Brussels sprouts. Always preheat your air fryer and follow recommended temperatures closely.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on cooking time without checking internal temperatures can be risky. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 160ºF to 165ºF for safety.
• Forgetting to stir halfway: Neglecting to stir halfway through cooking can result in unevenly cooked ingredients. Make it a habit to give everything a gentle mix for even crisping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Separate portions into smaller containers for easy thawing.

Reheating Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (1 minute) until warm, but this may result in softer vegetables.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to season Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

Seasoning with chili oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and sweet chili sauce enhances flavor tremendously. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I use other vegetables with this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more variety while maintaining similar cooking times.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160ºF to 165ºF. A meat thermometer is ideal for checking doneness accurately.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Store them separately before air frying when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside fresh lime wedges or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spice levels according to your taste. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep!