Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts in 20 Minutes

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts in 20 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Author: lia

Published: November 5, 2025

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Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer sweet chili Brussels sprouts – they’re seriously life-changing! I’ve made this recipe probably a hundred times since I first discovered how magical crispy Brussels sprouts get in the air fryer. The outside gets perfectly caramelized and crunchy while staying tender inside, and that sweet-spicy chili sauce? Absolute perfection. What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is – just toss, air fry, and sauce. No babysitting the oven, no messy deep frying. These little flavor bombs go with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Trust me, even Brussels sprout skeptics become converts after one bite of this addictive side dish!

Air fryer sweet chili Brussels sprouts - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

They’re crazy crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – just how Brussels sprouts should be!
Ready in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
The sweet chili sauce adds a bold, addictive flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Healthier than frying, but just as delicious.
Works as a side dish, snack, or even a party appetizer.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with this recipe – trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way after many test batches! Here’s everything you’ll need for those perfectly crispy, saucy sprouts:

1 lb Brussels sprouts – look for firm, bright green ones (trim off any dry outer leaves and cut them in half lengthwise)
2 tbsp olive oil – helps get them super crispy (I sometimes use avocado oil if I’m feeling fancy)
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce – the bottled kind you find in the Asian aisle (my favorite brand is Mae Ploy, but any will work)
1 tbsp soy sauce – regular or low-sodium both work great
1 tsp garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic!
1/2 tsp salt – kosher salt is my go-to
1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it

A quick note about the sweet chili sauce – don’t confuse it with sriracha or regular chili sauce. You want that perfect balance of sweet and mild heat that makes these sprouts so addictive. I always keep an extra bottle in my pantry because I use it on everything!

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, but there are a few key steps to make sure your Brussels sprouts turn out crispy, saucy, and downright irresistible. I’ve broken it down into three easy steps – you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together!

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

First things first, grab those Brussels sprouts and give them a little TLC. Trim off the dry stems and any loose outer leaves – they tend to burn in the air fryer. Then, slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This step is crucial because it creates more surface area for that crispy, caramelized goodness. Toss them in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I like to use my hands to really massage the oil and seasoning into every nook and cranny. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F – this helps the sprouts start crisping up right away. Spread the sprouts in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of crisp!). Cook for 12 minutes, but here’s the secret: shake the basket halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden color all over. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are crispy and the centers are tender. My kitchen smells amazing at this point, and I’m always tempted to sneak a bite!

Air fryer sweet chili Brussels sprouts - detail 2

Step 3: Toss with Sweet Chili Sauce

While the sprouts are cooking, mix up the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce – that’s it! When the sprouts come out of the air fryer, immediately toss them in the sauce while they’re still hot. This helps the sauce cling to every nook and cranny, creating that perfect sweet-spicy glaze. I like to use a big spoon to gently coat them, but honestly, sometimes I just shake them in a bowl with the sauce – it’s faster and just as effective. Serve them right away while they’re still piping hot and crispy. Trust me, they won’t last long!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

I’ve made this recipe so many times I could probably do it in my sleep – and along the way, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks! Here are my absolute must-know tips for perfect sweet chili Brussels sprouts every single time:

Size matters! Cut your sprouts roughly the same size (halves for medium sprouts, quarters for jumbo ones) so they cook evenly. Nobody wants some burnt and some raw!
Shake it baby! Don’t skip shaking that basket halfway – it’s the secret to all-over crispiness. I set a timer so I don’t forget.
Watch the clock – smaller sprouts might need just 10 minutes, while huge ones could take 14. Start checking at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder to the oil coating if you like heat.
Sauce timing is key – always toss the sauce on right after cooking so it clings perfectly while the sprouts are piping hot.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Listen, I know we don’t always have every ingredient on hand – trust me, my pantry isn’t always perfectly stocked either! Here’s how you can tweak this recipe based on what you’ve got while keeping that addictive flavor we all love:

No soy sauce? Try tamari (my gluten-free friends swear by this swap) or even coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
Out of sweet chili sauce? Mix 2 tbsp honey with 2 tbsp sriracha – it’s not exactly the same, but gives that sweet-heat vibe.
Want extra crunch? Toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews when you add the sauce – the texture contrast is amazing!
Feeling fancy? Add a squeeze of lime juice and some fresh cilantro at the end – brightens everything up beautifully.
Vegetable variations? This sauce works magic on cauliflower florets or broccoli too – just adjust cooking times.

My sister adds sesame seeds and green onions to hers (totally stealing her idea now), and my neighbor swears by crumbling bacon on top – not traditional, but hey, everything’s better with bacon, right? The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

Okay, confession time – I’ve been known to eat these straight from the air fryer basket with a fork (no shame!), but they’re even better when paired with the right dishes. Here are my go-to ways to serve these sweet-spicy Brussels sprouts that’ll make any meal feel special:

Asian-inspired mains: They’re perfect with teriyaki chicken, honey garlic shrimp, or sesame ginger tofu bowls. The flavors just sing together!
Simple proteins: Honestly, they elevate basic grilled chicken breasts or salmon fillets into something restaurant-worthy.
Rice bowls: Pile them over steamed jasmine rice with a fried egg on top – instant satisfying meal.
Holiday dinners: These add such a fun twist to traditional menus – try them alongside roast turkey or glazed ham.
Appetizer hack: Serve them warm in little bowls with toothpicks at parties – they disappear faster than you’d think!

My personal favorite? A big bowl of these sprouts with some coconut rice and crispy baked tofu – it’s my happy place meal. But honestly, they’re so versatile they’ll make just about anything taste better. Even my picky nephew eats them with mac and cheese (weird combo, but hey – he’s eating Brussels sprouts, so I’ll take it!).

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Okay, let’s be real – leftovers are rare with these air fryer sweet chili Brussels sprouts because they’re just that good. But hey, if you somehow manage to have some left (or if you’re smart and make a double batch), here’s how to keep them tasting amazing!

First, let them cool completely – I know it’s tempting to toss them straight into the fridge, but trust me, letting them cool prevents condensation that makes them soggy. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to use glass containers because they don’t absorb any of that delicious sauce smell.

Now, for reheating – the air fryer is your best friend here! Just pop them in at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. They’ll come out almost as crispy as when they were first made. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave them for 30 seconds, but they won’t have that same crunch. Pro tip: if you’re reheating a lot, spread them out in a single layer – it makes all the difference!

One last thing – if the sauce seems a little thick after being in the fridge, just toss the sprouts with a splash of water or soy sauce before reheating. It’ll bring the glaze back to life. And if you’re feeling extra, sprinkle on some fresh herbs or sesame seeds after reheating for that “just made” look. Happy snacking!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do believe in knowing what’s going into my food! These air fryer sweet chili Brussels sprouts are packed with good stuff – we’re talking fiber, vitamins, and all that plant-powered nutrition from the sprouts themselves. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and that sweet chili sauce gives just enough flavor without going overboard.

Just remember – all nutritional info is an estimate that can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. That bottle of sweet chili sauce? Brands differ in sugar content. Your Brussels sprouts might be bigger or smaller than mine. Even the type of oil you choose can tweak the numbers a bit. I always say – focus on the fact that you’re eating a delicious vegetable dish that’s way better for you than deep-fried anything!

If you’re tracking specific numbers for dietary needs, you’ll want to calculate based on your exact ingredients. But here’s the big picture – it’s a nutrient-dense side that makes eating your veggies an absolute pleasure. And really, that’s what matters most in my book!

Common Questions About Air Fryer Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

I get asked about these addictive little sprouts all the time – and hey, I had the same questions when I first started making them! Here are the answers to everything you might be wondering (plus some stuff you didn’t know you needed to know):

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Technically yes, but fresh is SO much better! Frozen sprouts tend to release more water, which means they won’t get as crispy. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat them super dry with paper towels first. And expect to add 2-3 extra minutes to your cook time – they just won’t have that perfect caramelized crunch of fresh sprouts.

How can I make these spicier?

Oh, I love this question! My favorite ways to crank up the heat: add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the oil coating, mix a teaspoon of sriracha into the sweet chili sauce, or sprinkle with chili crisp after cooking. Warning though – the sauce clings, so that heat builds with each bite! Start small if you’re not sure about your spice tolerance.

Why are my Brussels sprouts soggy?

Three likely culprits: overcrowding the air fryer basket (they steam instead of crisp), not shaking them halfway (uneven cooking), or saucing them too early (the moisture makes them soften). Also – make sure your air fryer is fully preheated! I learned this the hard way after several batches of disappointing sprouts.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Here’s my party host trick: air fry the sprouts plain 2 minutes less than usual (so they’re almost done), let them cool, then refrigerate. Right before serving, pop them back in the air fryer for 3 minutes to re-crisp, then toss with the sauce. They’ll taste fresh-made without you being stuck in the kitchen!

Are these gluten-free or vegan?

They’re naturally vegan as written (woohoo!). For gluten-free, just swap regular soy sauce for tamari – everything else is GF. My gluten-sensitive aunt adores this version and never feels left out at family dinners. Always check your sweet chili sauce label though – some brands sneak in wheat-based thickeners.

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