Oh my gosh, if you haven’t tried crispy Brussels sprouts with a sweet-spicy glaze, you’re missing out! The air fryer transforms these little guys into golden, caramelized bites with the perfect crunch – and that sticky sweet chili sauce? Absolute game changer. Best part? It’s ridiculously easy. No babysitting a skillet or dealing with oil splatters, just toss and let the air fryer work its magic.
Now, I’ve burned my fair share of Brussels sprouts while figuring out the ideal air fryer temp (375°F is the sweet spot, trust me). After one too many batches that came out either soggy or charcoal-like, I finally nailed the timing – 12-15 minutes with a good shake halfway. These Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are now my go-to side dish that even veggie skeptics devour!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Seriously, what’s not to adore about these little flavor bombs? Here’s why they’ve become my obsession:
- Quick prep magic: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes – perfect for when hunger strikes suddenly
- That addictive crunch: The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crispiness without any greasy aftermath
- Sweet heat balance: Just enough chili kick to keep things interesting, but not so much that kids won’t eat them
- Guilt-free: Way healthier than traditional fried sprouts, but tastes just as indulgent
- Goes with everything: Equally happy next to steak, salmon, or straight from the basket into your mouth
These Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts might just convert your most stubborn vegetable-haters!
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Here’s everything you’ll need for these addictive sprouts – and yes, every ingredient matters! I’ve learned through trial and error that the right prep makes all the difference:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts – look for bright green, firm ones (trim off the woody ends and slice them in half so they cook evenly)
- 2 tbsp olive oil – regular, not extra virgin! It has a higher smoke point for better crisping
- 1 tsp salt – kosher is my go-to because it sticks better to the sprouts
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground gives the best flavor pop
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce – Mae Ploy brand is ideal (it’s thick and glossy), but any bottle that coats the back of a spoon will work
Pro tip: Measure your sauce after prepping everything else – you’ll be tempted to drown them, but trust me, 1/4 cup is perfect for that ideal sticky glaze without making them soggy!
How to Make Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Alright, let’s get these beauties cooking! I promise it’s easier than you think, but follow these steps closely for that perfect crispy-tender texture:
- Preheat that air fryer! Crank it to 375°F (190°C) while you prep – this gives you instant crispiness when the sprouts hit the hot basket.
- Toss with love: In a big bowl, coat your halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re glistening like little jewels.
- Single layer is key: Arrange them cut-side down in the basket – no stacking! This lets the hot air circulate properly. (You might need to cook in batches.)
- The magic shake: After 7 minutes, give that basket a good shake – you’ll hear them sizzling! This ensures even browning.
- Final crisp: Cook another 5-8 minutes until they’re gorgeously caramelized and fork-tender.
- Glaze time: Toss immediately with sweet chili sauce in a clean bowl – the heat helps the sauce cling perfectly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Listen, I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to! These little tricks make all the difference:
- Dry sprouts = crispy sprouts: Pat them thoroughly with paper towels before tossing with oil
- Give them space to breathe: Overcrowding steams them instead of crisping – no one wants soggy sprouts!
- Watch like a hawk: All air fryers vary – check at 12 minutes and add time in 1-minute increments
- Eat them hot: They lose that magical crunch if they sit too long – trust me, they won’t last anyway!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let me tell you a secret – these Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are pretty forgiving! If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil works beautifully (it has that same high smoke point). The sauce can be salty though, so if you’re using a brand like Mae Ploy, maybe ease up on that extra teaspoon of salt. Want more heat? Stir in a squirt of sriracha with the chili sauce! Just promise me one thing – don’t use frozen sprouts. They turn into sad, mushy puddles in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These flavor-packed sprouts are crazy versatile! I love them piled next to garlic butter grilled chicken or scattered over coconut rice bowls for an easy weeknight meal. For parties? Stick toothpicks in them – they disappear faster than I can refill the tray! The sweet-spicy glaze makes them pair beautifully with literally anything from your fridge.
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the deal – these Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are best eaten fresh, but if you must save some (who has leftovers?!), store them without sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to revive them, pop in the air fryer at 350°F for just 3 minutes to bring back that crispiness, then toss with fresh sweet chili sauce. The glaze always tastes better when added right before serving anyway!
Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Nutrition
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates (real life varies!). Per serving, you’re looking at: 120 calories, 7g fat, 14g carbs (4g fiber, 8g sugar), and 3g protein. Sodium lands at about 500mg – mostly from that delicious sauce!
FAQs About Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Q1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Oh honey, no – frozen sprouts turn into mushy little disappointments in the air fryer. They’ve got too much moisture from being frozen, so you’ll never get that perfect crispy texture we’re after. Fresh is absolutely the way to go for these Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts!
Q2. How can I make them spicier? Want more kick? I feel you! Just stir in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the sweet chili sauce – or for serious heat lovers, a diced fresh chili pepper works wonders. Start small though, that glaze can get fiery fast!
Q3. Can I bake these instead of air frying? Sure thing! Spread them on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but still totally delicious. The sauce still goes on after baking!
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Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Irresistible Crispy Bliss
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Place Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Toss cooked Brussels sprouts with sweet chili sauce before serving.
Notes
- Make sure Brussels sprouts are dry before tossing with oil.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts Recipe, Air Fryer Vegetables
