When it comes to quick weeknight meals that pack a punch, Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is an excellent choice. This dish combines succulent chicken with crispy Brussels sprouts, all tossed in a delightful sweet chili sauce that elevates the entire meal. Not only is this recipe straightforward to prepare, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Southwest chicken burrito bowls The air fryer ensures that everything cooks evenly while maintaining moisture, making your chicken tender and your veggies perfectly caramelized. Within just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table that will impress family and friends alike. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time of about 10 minutes followed by just 20 minutes in the air fryer makes this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices to suit your palate
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners where you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm sprouts with bright green leaves; trimming them helps ensure even cooking
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce for a sweet yet spicy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps crisp up vegetables and enhances overall taste; extra virgin olive oil is a great choice
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish while allowing other flavors to shine through
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a mixing bowl and add sweet chili sauce along with soy sauce. Toss until well coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. In another bowl, drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Cook in Batches
Once preheated, place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). Remove from the basket and let rest before slicing.
Step 5: Cook Brussels Sprouts
Add Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket after removing chicken. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until crispy, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
Step 6: Serve Together
Slice the cooked chicken and serve over a bed of crispy Brussels sprouts. Drizzle any remaining sweet chili sauce over top for added flavor.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Crispiness Boost: For extra crispiness, give Brussels sprouts a quick spray of cooking oil before air frying
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. quinoa apple salad pairing.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in sweet chili sauce for up to 4 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator during this time.
- Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to three days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and Brussels sprouts in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, until heated through. This method helps retain their original texture and flavor.
Suggestions for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
Using the right cut of chicken is crucial for achieving optimal flavor and texture in your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide moisture and richness, while boneless, skinless breasts can dry out quickly. If you prefer a leaner option, consider marinating the chicken before air frying to enhance its juiciness. Always ensure that the chicken pieces are roughly the same size to promote even cooking. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this will allow hot air to circulate freely, yielding perfectly crisp results.
Not Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a step that many home cooks overlook, but it can significantly impact the outcome of your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. When you preheat, you start cooking at a higher temperature right away, which helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior on the chicken and caramelization on the Brussels sprouts. Set your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 400°F before adding your ingredients. This small adjustment will elevate your dish by ensuring even cooking and maximizing flavor.
Skipping the Marinade
A common mistake in preparing Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is skipping the marinade. Marinating the chicken not only infuses it with flavors but also tenderizes the meat, enhancing its overall taste and texture. Even a brief marinade can make a difference; let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. Use a mix of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice for a zesty kick that complements both the chicken and Brussels sprouts beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Mexican chicken marinade recipe recipe.
Ignoring Cooking Times
Each air fryer model varies slightly in terms of temperature efficiency and airflow. Ignoring cooking times can lead to undercooked or overcooked meals. For air-fried chicken thighs or breasts paired with Brussels sprouts, aim for around 20-25 minutes total cooking time at 400°F. Halfway through cooking, remember to shake or toss the basket to ensure everything cooks evenly. Using a meat thermometer can also help; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption.
FAQs
How do I know when my Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken is done?
The best way to determine if your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken is fully cooked is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should register at least 165°F for safe consumption. Additionally, check that juices run clear when pierced with a fork or knife. If you notice any pinkness or if juices appear red or pinkish, return it to the air fryer for additional cooking time until it’s fully cooked through.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken for your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe. However, be aware that cooking times will increase significantly when starting from frozen. It’s essential to ensure that frozen pieces are separated before placing them in the air fryer to promote even cooking. You may want to add an extra 5-10 minutes to your cook time depending on how thick your chicken pieces are. For more inspiration, check out this maple bacon carrots recipe recipe.
What other vegetables can I pair with sweet chili chicken?
While Brussels sprouts make an excellent pairing with sweet chili chicken due to their earthy flavor profile, feel free to experiment with other vegetables as well! Broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, or even zucchini work wonderfully in an air fryer alongside sweet chili chicken. Just keep in mind that each vegetable may require different cooking times; adjust accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare elements of your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts ahead of time! Marinate your chicken several hours or even overnight prior to cooking for enhanced flavor development. You can also wash and chop your Brussels sprouts in advance; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. While it’s best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer for optimal crispness, leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer as well!
Conclusion for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
In summary, preparing Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts involves a few key steps that elevate flavor and texture while ensuring safety during cooking. Choosing cuts like bone-in thighs enhances moisture while preheating ensures crispy exteriors. Don’t skip marinating—it’s essential for infusing flavor—while monitoring cooking times guarantees perfect doneness every time. Chinese chicken salad variation Feel free to explore various vegetables alongside this dish for added nutrition and taste variety. With these tips in mind, you’ll create a delightful meal that’s both healthy and satisfying! Enjoy experimenting with different variations to make this recipe uniquely yours.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy a deliciously easy weeknight meal with Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. This dish features juicy chicken breasts paired with perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts, all coated in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a healthy alternative to frying that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your guests while keeping your prep time minimal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 680g)
- 500g fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (120ml)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (30ml)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; combine with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce in a bowl, tossing to coat.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer; cook for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest before slicing.
- Add Brussels sprouts to the air fryer; cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve sliced chicken over Brussels sprouts with extra sweet chili sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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