There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that’s both quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors. That’s exactly what you get with these Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Breast Bites and Brussels Sprouts—a perfect balance of crispy, tender, and sweet-spicy goodness. As someone who loves experimenting with easy yet delicious weeknight dinners, this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen.
The air fryer works its magic here, giving the chicken bites a golden crispness while keeping them juicy inside, and roasting the Brussels sprouts until they’re perfectly caramelized. Tossed in a sticky sweet chili glaze, every bite is a flavor explosion. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish delivers every time.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays tender when cut into bite-sized pieces. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture.
Brussels sprouts: These mini cabbages add a wonderful earthy flavor and crisp-tender texture when air-fried. Look for firm, bright green sprouts without yellowing leaves for the freshest taste.
Sweet chili sauce: This is the star of the glaze, bringing a perfect mix of sweetness and mild heat. You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you prefer controlling the spice level.
Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce works well if you’re watching salt intake.
Honey: Enhances the glaze’s stickiness and adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: A quick way to infuse savory garlic flavor without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
Olive oil: Helps crisp up the chicken and Brussels sprouts while preventing sticking. A light coating is all you need.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Breast Bites and Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken breast into even 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Trim the Brussels sprouts, remove any loose leaves, and slice them in half for quicker cooking.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder until smooth. This will be used to coat the chicken and Brussels sprouts later.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Place the chicken and Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts First
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Add the Brussels sprouts in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and air fry for 8 minutes, shaking halfway, until they start to caramelize.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Push the Brussels sprouts to one side and add the chicken in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
Step 6: Coat with Glaze
Pour the sweet chili glaze over the chicken and Brussels sprouts, tossing to coat evenly. Air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately while hot!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary for even crispiness.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown better.
- Adjust the spice level by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch—just thaw and pat dry before air frying.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier and take slightly longer to cook—adjust time as needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a sheet pan, flipping halfway, until chicken is cooked through (about 20-25 mins).
Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
Mix honey, sriracha, and a splash of vinegar for a quick homemade version.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps with even cooking, but you can skip it if short on time—just add a few extra minutes.
Enjoy this irresistible sweet and spicy dish—it’s sure to become a favorite!