Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
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These Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are irresistibly crispy, nutty, and so easy to make! If you’re already a big fan of roasted Brussel sprouts, you’ll immediately fall in love with this air fryer recipe. Keep reading to see why the air fryer is my go-to for Brussels sprouts—and how it beats the regular oven for crispy results.
Sheila’s Recipe Snapshot for Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Bonus — these Brussels sprouts also make for an irresistible gluten-free side!
Ingredient Notes for Brussel Sprouts in the Air Fryer
- Brussels sprouts — Select bright-green, fresh Brussels sprouts for this simple air fryer recipe. For the best flavor, I suggest using organic Brussels sprouts.
- Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for a light and subtle taste and the perfect amount of crispness.
- Salt and pepper — Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are my preferred seasonings.
- Garlic powder — Garlic powder is an excellent flavor enhancer.
Variations and Substitutions
- Tasty Finishers. For a finishing touch, toss the cooked Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of honey or balsamic vinegar, then add crumbled bacon or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it Cheesy. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle the hot Brussels sprouts with freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago, or finish with crumbled feta.
How to Make Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer
Crispy Brussels sprouts couldn’t be any easier when you use an air fryer!
PREHEAT. First, power up the air fryer and preheat it to 375 degrees. It should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
PREP THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS. You’ll need to rinse the Brussels sprouts, trim the stems, and remove any loose leaves. Next, dry them with paper towels and cut the larger sprouts in half so they cook evenly.
SEASON. Place the sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Next, sprinkle on the spices — kosher salt, smoky garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper.
Use a rubber spatula to gently toss the mixture, then empty the seasoned veggies into the preheated air fryer basket.
COOK IN THE AIR FRYER. Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to prevent the Brussels sprouts from sticking to the bottom and from overcooking on one side.
Continue cooking another 5 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are a nice golden brown and crispy on the outside!
More Recipe Success Tips
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes, then cook the Brussels for 4 to 5 minutes to warm through and crisp them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using frozen Brussels sprouts should work just fine. I have some tips to ensure the recipe is as delicious as it should be. First, be sure not to overcrowd your single layer of Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket. You’ll also want to check your dish and add extra cooking time if needed.
Some prefer their Brussels sprouts al dente, while others desire a softer center. To ensure the centers come out as tender as you’d like, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before tossing them in the seasonings and placing them in the air fryer.
Remember to drain and dry the veggies, too.
Cooked Brussels sprouts may be frozen for up to three months. However, I must add that freezing Brussels can end in a soggy and undesired result. Refrigerating your leftovers is best.
Looking for More Air Fryer Recipes?
Try crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, delicious Air Fryer Okra, cheesy Air Fryer Cauliflower, or my flavorful Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Believe it or not, you can even make Hard Boiled Eggs in an air fryer!
What to Serve With Air Fried Brussel Sprouts
For an effortless dinner, serve them with this yummy Chicken Dijon recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Or serve these air fryer Brussels sprouts with this tender Grilled Sirloin Steak and Lemon Garlic Smashed Potatoes — YUM!
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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh Brussels sprouts rinsed, dried, and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts removing any loose leaves, and dry with paper towels Trim the ends and cut larger sprouts in half.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use a rubber spatula to toss gently, then empty into the preheated air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches so that there is a single layer in the air fryer.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket. Continue cooking another 5 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the outside
- If desired, toss the cooked Brussels sprouts with two tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, honey, or balsamic vinegar.
Notes
- Cook in batches. Unless you’re cooking this dish for just one or two people, you’ll likely need to cook them in batches so that there is a single layer in the air fryer.
- Give them a good rinse. Brussels sprouts grow tightly packed, so rinse under cool water to remove hidden dirt. But, dry them thoroughly so they cook up with golden, brittle edges.
- Cut into equal sizes. Leave smaller Brussels sprouts whole, but halve any medium to large ones so they cook.
- Give it a good shake. Toss the sprouts halfway through cooking to promote even browning on all sides.
- To Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes, then cook the Brussels for 4 to 5 minutes to warm through and crisp them up.
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Beyond the Recipe
Have you not yet jumped on the air fryer recipes bandwagon? While I can understand those who aren’t interested in adding another appliance to their kitchen, I think the air fryer is 100% worth it!
Here are some of the awesome advantages of this device:
- The air fryer preheats much quicker than a convection oven, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals, afternoon snacks, or lunch breaks.
- Much like a convection oven, the air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air, producing some of the crispest results in little time.
- Air fryers are an excellent alternative to food that are typically deep-fried. Beloved dishes, like French fries and mozzarella sticks are never healthier than when made with an air fryer.
