air fryer brussel sprouts

I’ll never forget the first time my dad made Brussels sprouts for dinner back in our Oregon home. I turned up my nose like most kids do, convinced they’d taste like tiny cabbages of doom. But he had a trickhe roasted them until they were crispy and golden, with edges that crackled like autumn leaves.

Years later, I’ve taken that same philosophy and made it even easier with my air fryer. Now, my kids Lila and Jack actually fight over the last few crispy pieces of air fryer brussel sprouts on the dinner table. If that’s not a miracle, I don’t know what is! These air fryer brussel sprouts have become our weeknight staple, delivering restaurant-quality results in less than 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

First, these air fryer brussel sprouts cook faster than any other method. You’ll have perfectly crispy vegetables ready in just 15 minutes. Moreover, the air fryer creates incredibly crispy exteriors while keeping the insides tender and sweet. No soggy Brussels sprouts here!

Additionally, this recipe requires minimal ingredients. You probably have everything in your pantry right now. The simplicity means you can throw together these air fryer brussel sprouts on even the busiest weeknights.

Furthermore, they’re incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish, toss them into grain bowls, or add them to pasta. My sister Grace even packs them cold in her lunch salads. The air fryer method also uses significantly less oil than traditional roasting or pan-frying, making these Brussels sprouts a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Finally, kids actually enjoy them! The crispy texture and slightly caramelized flavor convert even the pickiest eaters. Lila calls them “little flavor bombs,” which makes my heart so happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple. Here’s what you need to make perfect air fryer brussel sprouts:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh Brussels sprouts	1 pound
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon
Optional: Parmesan cheese	¼ cup, grated

Choose Brussels sprouts that feel firm and have tight, bright green leaves. Avoid any with yellowing or wilted outer leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to cook more evenly in the air fryer, so look for ones about 1-2 inches in diameter.

Substitutions & Variations

This basic air fryer brussel sprouts recipe welcomes creativity. Try these variations:

Oil alternatives: Swap olive oil for avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point. Alternatively, use melted coconut oil for a slightly sweet flavor profile.

Seasoning variations: Instead of garlic powder, try onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your air fryer brussel sprouts.

Balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished sprouts for a sweet-tangy finish. This reminds me of a dish Mark used to order at his favorite Italian restaurant.

Asian-inspired: Toss your air fryer brussel sprouts with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds after cooking.

Bacon lovers: Add crumbled crispy bacon on top. Jack absolutely loves this version.

Maple glazed: Drizzle maple syrup and add pecans during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a fall-inspired side dish.

This basic air fryer brussel sprouts recipe welcomes creativity. For a delicious family dinner idea, consider trying out this texas toast pizza air fryer family dinner idea that pairs well with your crispy sprouts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts. Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Trim the tough stem ends and remove any damaged or yellowing outer leaves.

Cut larger sprouts in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Keep smaller ones whole.

Step 2: Dry them well. Pat the Brussels sprouts completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial! Excess moisture prevents the crispy texture we want in air fryer brussel sprouts.

Step 3: Season generously. Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the sprouts. Toss again until every piece is well-seasoned.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness for your air fryer brussel sprouts.

Step 5: Arrange in the basket. Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them!

They need space for air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 6: Cook and shake. Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes total. Shake the basket or toss the sprouts halfway through cooking (around the 7-8 minute mark). This ensures all sides get beautifully golden and crispy.

Step 7: Check for doneness. Your air fryer brussel sprouts are ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside with tender interiors. Pierce one with a forkit should slide through easily.

Step 8: Optional finishing touch. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the hot Brussels sprouts immediately after removing them from the air fryer. The residual heat melts the cheese perfectly.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t skip drying: Seriously, this makes or breaks your air fryer brussel sprouts. Wet vegetables steam instead of crisp.

Cut uniformly: Keep pieces similar in size so everything cooks at the same rate. I learned this lesson the hard way when half my batch burned while the other half stayed undercooked.

Give them space: Overcrowding creates steam, not crispiness. Cook in batches if needed for the best air fryer brussel sprouts.

Adjust cooking time: Air fryer models vary. Start checking at 12 minutes if you have a particularly powerful model. Smaller sprouts may finish sooner.

Frozen Brussels sprouts work too: If using frozen, add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. Don’t thaw them firstcook from frozen for better texture.

Season after if using delicate herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro should be added after cooking to prevent burning.

Save those crispy leaves: The loose leaves that fall off become incredibly crispy chips. They’re Grace’s favorite part!

Don’t skip drying: Seriously, this makes or breaks your air fryer brussel sprouts. To complement your meal, check out this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb casserole that makes for a perfect pairing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover air fryer brussel sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, they taste best fresh when the texture is at peak crispiness.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This revives their crispy exterior much better than microwaving. The microwave makes them soggytrust me on this one.

Alternatively, reheat in a regular oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they’ll still taste delicious.

I don’t recommend freezing cooked air fryer brussel sprouts since they lose their texture. Instead, meal prep by washing and cutting raw sprouts. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, then cook fresh when needed.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These air fryer brussel sprouts pair beautifully with almost any main dish. Here are my family’s favorite combinations:

Protein pairings: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or pan-seared pork chops. The crispy sprouts complement tender proteins perfectly.

Comfort food sides: They balance rich dishes like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or creamy risotto. This combination reminds me of the comforting meals Mark loved.

Holiday dinners: Add these air fryer brussel sprouts to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. They cook quickly while the oven handles the turkey.

Grain bowls: Toss them into quinoa or rice bowls with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and tahini dressing for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Breakfast hash: Chop leftover air fryer brussel sprouts and crisp them with potatoes and eggs for an incredible breakfast. Lila requests this every Saturday morning.

Pasta dishes: Add them to pasta with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a simple weeknight dinner.

These air fryer brussel sprouts pair beautifully with almost any main dish. For a delightful dessert option, try these no sugar cottage cheese carrot cake bars that will round out your meal perfectly.

FAQs

Do I need to soak Brussels sprouts before air frying?

No, you don’t need to soak Brussels sprouts before making air fryer brussel sprouts. Simply rinse them under cold water and dry them thoroughly. Soaking can actually add excess moisture that prevents crispiness.

Why are my air fryer Brussels sprouts not crispy?

Several factors affect crispiness. First, make sure you dry the Brussels sprouts completely. Second, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Third, use enough oil to coat them lightly. Finally, ensure your air fryer is properly preheated before cooking your air fryer brussel sprouts.

How do you keep Brussels sprouts from drying out in an air fryer?

Use the right amount of oilabout 2 tablespoons per pound of sprouts. Don’t overcook them; check at 12-13 minutes. The goal for air fryer brussel sprouts is crispy exteriors with tender, moist interiors. Cutting them uniformly also helps prevent smaller pieces from drying out.

Can you cook frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?

Yes! You can cook frozen Brussels sprouts directly in the air fryer. Add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time and shake the basket more frequently. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh air fryer brussel sprouts, but they’re still delicious and convenient.

What temperature is best for air fryer Brussels sprouts?

The ideal temperature for air fryer brussel sprouts is 375°F. This creates the perfect balance of crispy exteriors and tender interiors. Some people prefer 400°F for extra crispiness, but I find 375°F gives more consistent results without burning the outer leaves.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a popular dish that combines the health benefits of Brussels sprouts with the convenience of air frying. This cooking method allows for a crispy texture while using less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as detailed in Brussels sprouts.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	95
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	310mg
Total Carbohydrates	9g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	2g
Protein	3g
Vitamin C	85mg (141% DV)
Vitamin K	177mcg (221% DV)

Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses! They’re loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. These air fryer brussel sprouts provide antioxidants that support immune health.

Plus, they’re low in calories but filling, making them perfect for anyone watching their weight. The addition of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

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