Brussels sprouts have gone from a dreaded childhood side dish to a trendy, flavor-packed veggie adored by foodies and home cooks alike. And when you combine the magic of air frying with the irresistible kick of sweet chili sauce, you get a recipe that hits all the right notes—crispy, tender, tangy, and sweet. This Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe is not only quick and easy but also delivers a satisfying punch of flavor perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or meal prepping.
Whether you’re craving a sweet and spicy side, looking to spice up your veggie routine, or want something that pairs effortlessly with Asian-inspired dishes, these crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are your new go-to. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a must-try recipe that delivers on crunch, flavor, and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy perfection: Air frying gives Brussels sprouts a golden, caramelized finish without deep-frying.
- Flavor explosion: Sweet chili sauce, a touch of soy, garlic, and optional sriracha bring sweet, savory, and spicy all in one bite.
- Healthy and satisfying: Packed with fiber and nutrients, Brussels sprouts are a wholesome choice.
- Easy cleanup: Minimal oil, one bowl, and one air fryer basket—done!
- Perfect for any occasion: Serve it as a side, snack, or toss it into a grain bowl for a light dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot honey (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Wash and trim your Brussels sprouts by removing the outer leaves and cutting off the stem ends. Halve them lengthwise so they cook evenly and get that desirable crispiness.
Step 2: Toss with Oil
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and pepper. This helps them crisp up in the air fryer and gives a savory base before the sauce.
Step 3: Air Fry the Sprouts
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Add the sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are golden brown with crispy edges.
Step 4: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
While the sprouts are cooking, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and optional sriracha or hot honey in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy glaze will coat the crispy sprouts after air frying.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Once the Brussels sprouts are done, transfer them back to the mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over the hot sprouts and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that finishing touch. Serve immediately for best texture.
Flavor Variations to Try
1. Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer Style)
Swap the sweet chili sauce with hot honey, add a touch of smoked paprika for depth, and finish with flaky sea salt. Sweet, smoky, spicy—perfection!
2. Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
Combine equal parts honey and sriracha for a spicier kick. Add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten things up.
3. Asian Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer Twist
Use a sauce made of hoisin, soy, sesame oil, and grated ginger for a more umami-forward glaze. Top with crushed peanuts and cilantro for an Asian street food flair.
4. Roasted Garlic and Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Toss sprouts with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and olive oil before roasting. Finish with a drizzle of chili oil for a bold, fiery version.
What to Serve with Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts
These sprouts are versatile and go well with a variety of dishes:
- Sticky Asian Glazed Chicken or Tofu
- Fried rice or garlic sesame noodles
- Grilled salmon, shrimp, or pork
- Quinoa bowls, topped with avocado and a fried egg
- As a snack or appetizer with toothpicks and extra dipping sauce
Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches to allow air circulation for maximum crisp.
- Preheat the air fryer: Helps develop an immediate sear on the outside.
- Cut uniformly: Halving sprouts ensures they cook evenly.
- Add sauce after cooking: Tossing them after frying keeps the outer layer crispy.
Meal Prep & Storage
Meal prep tip: Roast a big batch and store unglazed sprouts in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes, then toss in sauce just before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the crisp—opt for oven or air fryer reheating.
Nutrition Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, and they are nutritional powerhouses:
- High in fiber, promoting digestive health
- Rich in vitamin C and vitamin K
- Contain antioxidants that support cell health
- Naturally low in calories and carbs, making them ideal for most diets including low-carb, keto, and paleo
And when air-fried instead of deep-fried, you reduce oil intake without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Why the Air Fryer is a Game-Changer
If you’ve never roasted Brussels sprouts in the air fryer before, this recipe might just convince you to never go back to the oven. Why?
- Faster cooking (about 15 minutes total)
- Even crisping on all sides without flipping constantly
- Uses less oil, making it a healthier alternative to pan-frying or oven-roasting
- Easy cleanup with fewer pans or trays
Whether you have a drawer-style air fryer or an air fryer oven, this recipe works beautifully.
Reader FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for optimal texture and crispiness. Frozen sprouts tend to retain water and may turn out mushy in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can easily make a quick substitute by combining honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sriracha, and a pinch of garlic and red chili flakes.
Can I make this without oil?
A tiny bit of oil helps with browning and flavor, but you can use an oil spray to minimize the amount or opt for a completely oil-free version if needed.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just make sure your sweet chili sauce and soy sauce are vegan-certified. Most are.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed way to make vegetables exciting again. The combination of crispy caramelized sprouts with a tangy-sweet glaze is simply addictive. Whether you serve them as a side, enjoy them as a snack, or toss them into a hearty dinner bowl, they are sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Simple, spicy, sweet, and made in minutes—what more could you ask for in a veggie dish?
