Hey Y’all, Let’s Make Weeknights Spicy-Sweet!
Picture this: It’s 6 PM in NOLA. Jazz floats through my kitchen window at Martine’s, the scent of cayenne and garlic hangs in the air, and I’m juggling dinner service prep and my daughter’s homework questions. Sound familiar? Honey, that’s why this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is my weeknight superhero! Born from two cravings—crispy Brussels (yes, I was a skeptic once too!) and sticky-sweet chili glaze—it’s got that bold, soulful kick I grew up with in my grandma’s Creole kitchen, minus the fuss. In 30 minutes flat, you get juicy chicken, caramelized sprouts, and a glossy sauce that’ll make you swipe your finger across the plate. No fancy skills needed—just your air fryer and that fire in your belly. Ready to make magic?
That One Holiday Dinner That Changed Everything
Confession time: I used to side-eye Brussels sprouts like they’d stolen my last beignet. Then, one Christmas at my Auntie Marie’s shotgun house in the Ninth Ward, she shoved a forkful of roasted sprouts drenched in hot pepper jelly at me. “Eat, chère,” she ordered. The crispy edges! The sweet-heat glaze! It was a revelation—like jazz transforming a simple melody into something wild and wonderful. Now, every time I make this dish, I’m back in that loud, love-filled kitchen, with cousins drumming on pots and Uncle Ray crooning Nat King Cole. That’s the beauty of food, sugar—it’s never just food. It’s a time machine to the moments that shape us.
Grab These Flavor Rockstars
Simple ingredients, big personality—just like my hometown. Pro tip: Size matters for sprouts! Pick small, firm ones for the best crunch.
- Brussels Sprouts (12 oz): Halved or quartered if big. No sprouts? Broccoli florets work in a pinch!
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps ’em crisp up like a dream. Swap with avocado oil if you’re feeling fancy.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp + ½ tsp): My #1 flavor booster. Table salt? Use half the amount.
- Black Pepper (1 tsp): Freshly cracked, always!
- Chicken Breast (1 lb): Diced bite-sized. Thighs add extra juiciness!
- Chili Oil (1 tbsp): That Cajun kick! No chili oil? Mix 1 tbsp olive oil + ½ tsp cayenne.
- Ground Ginger (2 tsp): Warmth without the bite. Fresh ginger? Grate 1 tbsp!
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Quick depth. Fresh minced garlic? Triple it—2 cloves!
- Chili Powder (1 tsp): Smoky sweetness. Paprika works if you’re heat-shy.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup + extra): The GLORY. Mae Ploy brand’s my ride-or-die.
Let’s Build Some Flavor Layers!
Don’t rush the preheat—it’s the secret to that craaackly crust. Trust ya girl!
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). (5 mins)
Chef’s hack: Toss a pinch of flour in the basket—if it sizzles, you’re golden! - Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Insider tip: Massage that oil into every nook! Dry sprouts = extra crunch. - Air fry sprouts 10-12 mins, shaking halfway.
Watch ’em dance! Shake like a Mardi Gras tambourine for even browning. - While sprouts cook, toss chicken with chili oil, ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
Soulful touch: Let it marinate 5 mins—flavor soaks deep! - Add chicken to air fryer. Cook 8-10 mins, shaking once.
Don’t peek too early! Let that heat work its magic. Chicken’s done at 165°F. - Return sprouts to basket. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Air fry 2 more mins.
Glaze game strong: Sauce will bubble and cling—that’s GOLD, honey!
Plate It Like a Pro (Even in Pajamas!)
Scoop everything into a big, colorful bowl—rustic charm wins! Drizzle extra sweet chili sauce over the top like edible art. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop. At Martine’s, we serve it family-style with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up that spicy-sweet goodness. For a low-carb twist? Bed of crisp romaine. And darling, squeeze fresh lime over it just before eating. That bright zing? *Chef’s kiss!*
Shake It Up, Sugar!
Make it yours—that’s how kitchen legends start!
- Veggie Power: Swap chicken for 1.5 cups chickpeas (pat ’em dry!) or tofu cubes.
- Heat Lover’s: Add 1 tbsp sriracha to the sweet chili sauce or top with sliced jalapeños.
- Sweet & Nutty: Toss in 2 tbsp chopped pecans with the sauce—hello, Southern elegance!
- Citrus Burst: Stir 1 tsp orange zest into the chili sauce before glazing.
- Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free sweet chili sauce and serve over cauliflower rice.
Hannah’s Heart-to-Heart
This recipe? It’s my “aha!” moment after disastrously overcrowding my first air fryer basket. Sprouts steamed instead of crisped—total facepalm! Now, I preach: LAYER, DON’T STACK. Brussels need breathing room! Over time, I added the ginger (my grandma’s trick for depth) and doubled the sauce because life’s too short for shy flavors. Funny story: My sous chef once subbed strawberry jam for chili sauce during a midnight experiment. Weirdly delicious… but let’s stick to the classic, eh?
Your Burning Questions, Answered!
Q: My sprouts got soggy! What happened?
A: Overcrowding is the usual suspect! Cook in batches if your air fryer’s small. Also, pat sprouts bone-dry before oiling—water is the enemy of crisp!
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: Fresh is best for texture, but in a pinch? Thaw frozen sprouts COMPLETELY, squeeze out excess water, and pat dry. Add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
Q: Chicken’s cooked but not caramelized. Help!
A: Two tricks! 1) Pat chicken ultra-dry before seasoning. 2) After shaking the basket, spritz chicken lightly with oil. That Maillard reaction needs fat!
Q: No air fryer? Can I bake it?
A: Absolutely, cher! Roast sprouts at 425°F for 20 mins. Push ’em aside, add chicken on the same sheet pan. Bake 15 mins. Toss with sauce, broil 2 mins!
Quick Nutrition Notes (Per Serving)
Calories: ~340 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands. Want it lighter? Use 1 tsp oil for sprouts and low-sugar chili sauce.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This dish is a weeknight favorite born from two cravings—crunchy Brussels sprouts and that irresistible sweet chili glaze. It reminds me of the first time I tried roasted sprouts at a holiday dinner and thought, “Why haven’t I always loved these?” This air fryer version adds a spicy, savory twist with chicken and comes together fast. It’s flavorful, colorful, and the kind of meal that disappears off plates in minutes.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts:
12 oz Brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved
1 tbsp (16g) olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
Chili Chicken:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
1 tbsp (16g) chili oil
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ cup (60g) sweet chili sauce (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
While sprouts cook, toss diced chicken with chili oil, ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
After sprouts are done, add chicken to the air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes or until fully cooked, shaking once.
Return sprouts to the basket with chicken. Toss with sweet chili sauce. Air fry 2 more minutes to glaze.
Serve hot with extra sweet chili sauce on the side.
Notes
Crispy, spicy, and coated in sweet chili goodness—this one-pan air fryer meal is a flavor-packed time-saver.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 - 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 per serving
- Sugar: 10g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
- Fiber: 4g per serving
- Protein: 28g per serving
Final Thoughts: Spicy-Sweet Soul Food That Hugs You Back
There’s something downright magical about this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. It’s got sass, soul, and just enough sweet heat to turn a hectic Tuesday into a toe-tapping kitchen celebration. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just fill your belly—it lifts your spirit. With every caramelized sprout and sticky chicken bite, you’ll feel like you’re back in your Auntie’s cozy kitchen, laughter in the air, jazz on the radio, and love on the plate.
So whether you’re new to Brussels sprouts or you’ve been team crispy forever, this recipe is your ticket to flavor-town—fast, bold, and full of heart. Don’t wait for a holiday to bring out the good plates. Light that candle, pour a glass of something cold, and give yourself the gift of a dinner that feels like self-care.
From my air fryer to your table—keep it crispy, keep it joyful,
Hannah 🥬❤️🔥
