Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a delicious, healthy side dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a tasty addition to special meals, these crispy delights are cooked to golden brown perfection with less oil and hassle than traditional methods!
Brussels sprouts have transformed from a once-overlooked vegetable to a beloved staple in many kitchens, including ours, especially when prepared in the air fryer. This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe enhances their natural flavors while achieving that much-desired crispy texture.
The hot air of the air fryer crisps the outer leaves of the sprouts, turning them almost chip-like in their crunchiness, yet the insides remain tender and sweet.
Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or just hopping on the air fryer bandwagon, this recipe offers a fresh take on enjoying one of your favorite vegetables.
For more quick side dish recipes, check out my Garlic Mushrooms, Tender Roasted Green Beans, Syracuse Salt Potatoes, Oven Roasted Asparagus, and Fried Homemade Onion Rings!
Why We Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple side dish that requires minimal preparation and cooking time, which makes it perfect for those who want to whip up something quick and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- They’re just as good when cooked from fresh or frozen, making them a convenient option for any last-minute meal planning.
- For those who are new to air frying, brussels sprouts are a forgiving and easy vegetable to start with. The process is simple: season, air fry, and serve. This approachability makes air frying an appealing cooking method for weeknight dinners and helps build confidence for those less familiar with this cooking technique.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Brussels Sprouts – Choose sprouts that are firm and bright green, as they tend to be fresher and more flavorful.
- Olive Oil – Helps to crisp the sprouts and enhances their natural flavors. You can also use avocado oil as a substitute for a higher smoke point.
- Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the natural bitterness of the sprouts. Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
- Salt & Pepper – Basic seasoning to elevate the sprouts’ flavor. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper work best for a burst of flavor.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Prepare the sprouts. If the sprouts are still on the stalk, remove them and discard any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Wash the sprouts in cold water, then trim off the stem ends and score the stems with a cross to ensure even cooking.
- Season. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Toss them well to ensure each sprout is thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step is crucial as it helps the sprouts achieve that golden brown, crispy exterior.
- Cook. Transfer the seasoned brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate freely around each sprout, which is key to getting them evenly crispy. Set your air fryer to 380 degrees F and cook for about 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake or use a spatula to turn the sprouts. This ensures they brown and crisp up evenly on all sides.
- Add finishing touches. Once the brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy to your liking, remove them from the air fryer. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle them with a balsamic glaze or sprinkle over some grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can use frozen sprouts. There’s no need to thaw them; just extend the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they are cooked through and crispy.
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey, agave syrup, or even a little brown sugar dissolved in olive oil for a similar hint of sweetness.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Cutting brussels sprouts in half can help them cook more evenly and increase the surface area for crisping. However, this step is not necessary for cooking them.
The brussels sprouts are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your brussels sprouts, so it’s good to start checking a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Once cooled, transfer the brussels sprouts to an airtight container. Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To re-crisp the brussels sprouts, reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again. This method helps to revive the texture better than microwaving, which can make them mushy.
Tips for Success
- If slicing your sprouts, it’s a good idea to make sure they are cut to roughly the same size. Halves or quarters work well, depending on the size of the sprouts if they are particularly large. Consistent sizing helps them cook uniformly, preventing some from being too crispy while others are underdone.
- Preheating the air fryer before adding your brussels sprouts can help jump-start the cooking process and ensures the sprouts begin crisping up immediately. Most air fryers will need just a few minutes to preheat.
- Spread the brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a bit of space between them. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying, which might keep them from getting that desired crispy texture. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Midway through the cooking process, give the brussels sprouts a good shake or stir. This movement helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Some air fryers cook more evenly than others, so the first few times you make brussels sprouts, pay attention to any hot spots and adjust their position as necessary.
- Taste your brussels sprouts after they come out of the air fryer. Sometimes they might need a bit more salt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors. Adjusting seasonings post-cooking ensures they are tailored to your preference.
What To Serve With Crispy Brussels Sprouts
These roasted brussels sprouts go wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or pork chops. The mild flavors of these proteins make a nice balance to the boldness of the sprouts, especially if you’ve added a glaze or extra seasonings.
For a lighter option, toss the cooked brussels into a salad. They add a nice crunch and pair well with leafy greens, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. This is a great way to turn your side dish into a main course for a lighter meal.
Consider adding them to a more hearty dish like a creamy pasta or a casserole. Their crisp texture provides a pleasant contrast to softer, creamier dishes, enhancing the overall eating experience with a mix of textures.
For a more traditional side dish array, crispy air fryer brussel sprouts can be served with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even a wild rice blend. These starchy sides can absorb any extra seasoning from the sprouts and round out the meal nicely.
Substitutions and Variations
- If you prefer something different, avocado oil is a great substitute to olive oil due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. For a nuttier taste, try sesame oil, but use it sparingly as its flavor is more pronounced.
- Instead of maple syrup, you could use honey or agave nectar to add a different kind of sweetness.
- Elevate the flavor by adding some minced fresh garlic or ½ tsp garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a Cajun spice mix before cooking. After air frying, tossing the Brussels sprouts with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme can add a fresh, vibrant touch.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes before cooking or drizzle with hot honey or Sriracha after they come out of the air fryer.
- Parmesan is a popular choice, but trying crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.
- A squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice after cooking can brighten the flavors, or drizzle with balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch.
Did you make this recipe?
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 3 cups brussels sprouts (about 1 stalk of brussels sprouts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and maple syrup, then stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Add brussels sprouts to the basket of the air fryer. Cook for 12 minutes at 380 degrees F, stirring halfway through, until the brussels sprouts are golden brown and tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store: Once cooled, transfer the sprouts to an airtight container and store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To re-crisp the sprouts, reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
Nutrition
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