Crispy Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

This Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe creates crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce, cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer for dinners or gatherings, it’s a quick and tasty addition to any meal. I made these for a weekend barbecue, and the sweet-spicy crunch was a hit! Ready in about 25 minutes, this dish is easy and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

This side dish is simple to make with a perfect mix of sweet and spicy flavors. The air fryer gives the Brussels sprouts a crispy texture without much oil. It’s versatile, pairing well with meats or vegetarian dishes. It’s a great choice for quick meals or parties. Find more air fryer recipes here.

Health Benefits of Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immunity. Using minimal oil in the air fryer keeps this dish low in fat. The sweet chili sauce adds flavor without excessive calories. This recipe is a nutritious, veggie-packed side. Learn more about Brussels sprouts recipes at Delish.

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

For the Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Substitutions: Use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce. Swap Brussels sprouts with cauliflower for a different vegetable. Replace sweet chili sauce with honey and sriracha for a homemade version. Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a neutral flavor.

Notes: Trim Brussels sprouts evenly for uniform cooking. Shake the air fryer basket halfway for even crisping. Toss with sauce after cooking to keep the sprouts crispy.

How to Make Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Prep Brussels Sprouts

Trim and halve Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures even seasoning.

Air Fry

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place Brussels sprouts in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. This creates a crunchy texture.

Make Sweet Chili Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth. This forms a sweet-spicy glaze.

Toss and Serve

Toss cooked Brussels sprouts in the sauce to coat evenly. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm as a side or appetizer.

Preparation Tips

• Trim evenly: Halve Brussels sprouts uniformly for consistent cooking. This ensures even crispiness. I trimmed mine carefully, and it was perfect.
• Don’t overcrowd: Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer. This promotes crispiness. I cooked in batches, and it was great.
• Shake halfway: Shake the basket midway to ensure even browning. This enhances texture. I shook mine, and it was ideal.
• Toss sauce lightly: Coat sprouts after air frying to maintain crunch. This prevents sogginess. I tossed mine lightly, and it was perfect.
• Use fresh sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts ensure the best texture. This avoids mushiness. I used fresh ones, and it was spot-on.
• Preheat air fryer: Start at 400°F for optimal crisping. This speeds up cooking. I preheated mine, and it was great.
• Serve warm: Plate immediately for the best flavor and texture. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine warm, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use cauliflower: Swap Brussels sprouts for cauliflower florets for variety. This keeps it crispy. I tried cauliflower, and it was tasty.
• Add peanuts: Toss in 1 tbsp chopped peanuts for extra crunch. This adds texture. I tried peanuts, and it was great.
• Make it milder: Omit red pepper flakes for less heat. This suits milder tastes. I tried it mild, and it was fine.
• Use honey-sriracha: Replace sweet chili sauce with 2 tbsp honey and 1 tsp sriracha. This makes a homemade glaze. I tried this, and it was delicious.
• Add ginger: Include 1/2 tsp grated ginger in the sauce for zing. This boosts flavor. I tried ginger, and it was vibrant.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. This suits special diets. I tried gluten-free, and it was great.
• Add bacon: Toss in 2 tbsp crumbled bacon after air frying for smokiness. This adds richness. I tried bacon, and it was exciting.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Freeze uncoated Brussels sprouts for up to 1 month; thaw before cooking. Prep sauce and trim sprouts a day ahead; store separately. Air fry fresh for the best texture. Add garnishes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why are my sprouts soggy?
   Avoid overcrowding and ensure the air fryer is preheated. I spaced mine out, and they were crispy.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep sauce and sprouts a day ahead; air fry fresh. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my sauce too thick?
   Add a splash of water to thin it out. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.
4. Can I use frozen sprouts?
   Thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. I used fresh, and it was better.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Ensure sweet chili sauce is vegan-friendly. I checked mine, and it was fine.
6. Why aren’t my sprouts crispy?
   Air fry at 400°F and shake halfway. I followed this, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with grilled chicken or tofu for a balanced meal. Pair with jasmine rice for a hearty side. Enjoy with iced tea for a refreshing touch. I served mine with tofu, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for dinners, appetizers, or holiday sides.

Nutrition Info for Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Per serving (1/4 of recipe, 4 servings):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a crispy, flavorful side that’s perfect for any occasion. Its sweet-spicy glaze and crunchy texture make it a go-to dish. How do you like to customize your Brussels sprouts? Let us know in the comments!