Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but let me tell you – when they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re absolutely addictive. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with these Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. If you’ve been a Brussels sprouts skeptic, this recipe might just convert you!
The air fryer transforms these little green gems into a crave-worthy side dish that comes together in minutes with minimal effort. Trust me, even the veggie-averse will be reaching for seconds.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
These Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are truly special because they solve the biggest problem with this vegetable – texture. No more soggy, bitter sprouts!
The air fryer creates perfectly caramelized edges and tender centers without the mess of deep-frying or the time investment of oven roasting. What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll get restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time.
The high heat of the air fryer encourages those delicious crispy edges where all the flavor concentrates. Plus, this method cuts the cooking time nearly in half compared to traditional roasting, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something nutritious and delicious.
Equipment needed: Air fryer, cutting board, knife, mixing bowl
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for higher heat tolerance
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional but recommended
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar optional, for serving
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming the woody ends and removing any discolored outer leaves. Cut them in half lengthwise through the core (quarter any extra-large ones to ensure even cooking).
- Place the trimmed sprouts in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 2 minutes. This step ensures your Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately when added.
- Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding – cook in batches if necessary for the crispiest results. The Brussels sprouts should have some space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through. Look for deeply golden brown edges and tender centers. Test one by piercing with a fork – it should enter easily.
- For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Transfer immediately to a serving dish. While still hot, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve right away for maximum crispiness and enjoy!
Notes
- For the crispiest results, make sure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry after washing. Any excess moisture will create steam and reduce crispiness.
- Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for this recipe, but frozen can work too. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before proceeding.
- Different air fryer models may cook at slightly different rates – check your sprouts a minute or two early the first time you make this recipe.
- If your Brussels sprouts are on the larger side, consider quartering them instead of halving to ensure they cook through.
- These are best enjoyed immediately, as they lose crispiness as they sit.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 85-95 calories per serving
- Protein: 4g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 10g per serving (3g fiber)
- Fat: 5g per serving (primarily healthy fats from olive oil)
- Allergens: Dairy if using Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)
- Dietary notes: Naturally gluten-free, vegan if cheese is omitted, low-carb, and keto-friendly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket – This prevents proper air circulation and results in steaming rather than roasting. Work in batches for the crispiest outcome.
- Not cutting Brussels sprouts uniformly – Inconsistent sizes mean inconsistent cooking. Try to make all pieces roughly the same size.
- Skipping the preheating step – Starting with a hot air fryer is crucial for developing that crispy exterior.
- Forgetting to shake the basket – Without a mid-cook shake or stir, you’ll have unevenly cooked sprouts with some parts overdone and others underdone.
- Using too much oil – The air fryer needs just a light coating of oil; excess will make your sprouts soggy rather than crispy.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Oil alternatives: While olive oil is recommended, avocado oil, coconut oil, or even a light spray of cooking oil can work. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
- Seasoning variations: Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, smoked paprika for smokiness, or lemon zest for brightness.
- Sweet and savory twist: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup before cooking for caramelized sweetness.
- For a complete flavor explosion: Toss the finished sprouts with cooked bacon bits, toasted pine nuts, or dried cranberries.
- Lower-carb option: Skip the balsamic glaze and instead finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Dairy-free finish: Instead of Parmesan, try nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
While they’re best served immediately after cooking, you can prep the Brussels sprouts (trim and halve them) up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, then season and air fry when ready to serve.
My air fryer is small. Can I cook these in batches?
Absolutely! It’s actually better to cook in batches than to overcrowd your air fryer. Keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the second batch.
Why are my Brussels sprouts not getting crispy?
This usually happens for three reasons: the air fryer was overcrowded, the sprouts were too wet before cooking, or the temperature wasn’t high enough.
Make sure to dry them thoroughly after washing and leave space between each piece.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry first. Frozen sprouts have higher moisture content, so they may need an extra minute or two of cooking time to get properly crispy.
How do I know when my Brussels sprouts are done?
They should have deeply browned, crispy edges and be tender when pierced with a fork. If you’re unsure, take one out and cut it open – the inside should be soft but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts might just be the side dish that changes minds about this often-misunderstood vegetable.
With their perfect balance of caramelized exteriors and tender interiors, they prove that healthy eating can be truly delicious. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts enthusiast or a reluctant first-timer, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give them a try – your taste buds (and maybe even the veggie skeptics in your life) will thank you!
