If you’re searching for a veggie side that absolutely everyone will be fighting over, let me introduce you to Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts! These little green gems transform into irresistibly crispy, golden bites, with tender insides and flavorful edges thanks to a quick toss of garlic, olive oil, and a finishing drizzle of balsamic or lemon. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner addition or a healthy snack, Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts deliver major crunch and flavor every time — all in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is all about celebrating fresh, simple ingredients that work together to create bold flavors and textures. Each one plays a small but crucial role in making your Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts truly shine.
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, trimmed and halved): Choose firm, bright green sprouts for the best texture and flavor; halving ensures the insides get perfectly tender.
- Olive oil (1 1/2 tablespoons): Coats the sprouts so they crisp up on every side and adds a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory depth you can taste in every bite, without the risk of burnt, bitter bits.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle hint of heat and earthiness — don’t skip it!
- Balsamic glaze or lemon juice (1 teaspoon, optional): A drizzle at the end adds brightness, tang, and a touch of complexity.
- Grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional): Finish with a flourish for extra flavor, color, and a little wow-factor.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F and give it a good three to five minutes to heat. Preheating is key to getting that instantly crispy exterior on your Brussels sprouts — just like searing meat, you want to hear a little sizzle from the start.
Step 2: Toss the Brussels Sprouts
In a large mixing bowl, combine your halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss or stir, ensuring every sprout is evenly coated. The more even your coating, the better and more consistent your results will be!
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place your seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This step is crucial: overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping. If you want every sprout to be golden and crunchy, don’t stack them — cook in batches if needed.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy and Golden
Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning on all sides. If you love extra crunch, bump the heat to 400°F for the last 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on smaller sprouts, as they cook faster and you don’t want them to burn!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are crispy and irresistibly golden, transfer them to a serving dish. Give them a quick drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of flavor, then finish with Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling fancy. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Garnishes
Garnishing your Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts is the quickest way to elevate them from simple to spectacular. A dusting of grated Parmesan lends a nutty, salty depth, while a shower of red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat. For a fresh twist, try chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill — they add wonderful color and a garden-fresh vibe.
Side Dishes
These crispy sprouts pair with just about anything! Serve alongside roasted chicken, salmon, or a juicy steak for a balanced, wholesome meal. For a vegetarian plate, try them with quinoa, your favorite grain bowl, or even thrown into a hearty salad to make veggies the star of your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really wow your guests? Toss Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) and cranberries for a festive spin. Or, skewer them with toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized appetizer at your next gathering. They’re also fantastic as a topping for homemade pizza or chopped into a grain bowl with a lemony tahini drizzle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts (which is a big “if” in my house!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making them a perfect addition to quick lunches or meal-prep bowls.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked Brussels sprouts, be aware that they’ll lose some crispiness and become a bit softer after thawing. To freeze, spread cooled sprouts on a baking sheet to avoid clumping, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for about two months. For the very best texture, I recommend enjoying them fresh whenever possible!
Reheating
To bring back their signature crunch, skip the microwave and reheat Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. They’ll crisp up nicely, almost as if they were just made. A quick toss with a touch more olive oil before reheating also helps revive them beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, though they might not get quite as crispy. Thaw them first, pat them dry, and proceed with seasoning and air frying as described — a little extra cook time may be needed for best results.
What other spices can I add?
The flavor possibilities are endless! Try smoked paprika, cumin, or even curry powder for a fun twist. You can also add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or fresh chopped rosemary for unique flavor profiles.
How do I avoid soggy sprouts?
Make sure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry after washing, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space between pieces lets hot air circulate, which is the secret to achieving perfect crispiness every time.
Are Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts healthy?
Absolutely! Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are low in calories, packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, and require minimal oil. They’re a nutritious and satisfying way to get more veggies into your meals.
Can I make these vegan or gluten-free?
They’re naturally vegan and gluten-free as written! Just skip the Parmesan or substitute with your favorite vegan cheese if you like, and go wild with herbs and spices for extra zing.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never fallen for Brussels sprouts before, let Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts be the batch that wins you over! They’re crisp, golden, full of flavor, and impossibly easy — truly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all year long. Give them a try and see just how irresistible these tiny green superstars can be!
Print
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy crispy and flavorful Brussels sprouts with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, these make a delicious and healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze or lemon juice (optional)
- grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts: In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Cook in air fryer: Place sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze or lemon juice, sprinkle with Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes.
- Smaller sprouts cook faster, so adjust cooking time as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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