Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
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These Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are irresistibly crispy, sweet, 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.
Why you’ll love this Crispy Brussel Sprouts Recipe!
Ingredient notes
- Brussels sprouts — Select some 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. If necessary, you may use another type of olive oil.
- Salt and pepper — Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are my preferred seasonings for this easy air fryer recipe. However, you can use table salt and pre-ground black pepper as well.
- Garlic powder — Garlic powder adds a little kick of flavor. Brussels sprouts are already pretty packed with flavor, but a dash of garlic powder is an excellent enhancer. You could replace this ingredient with garlic flakes or fresh minced garlic cloves if you prefer.
How to make Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer
Fried Brussels sprouts couldn’t be any easier when you use an air fryer!
STEP 1 | Preheat
To get this simple fried Brussels sprouts recipe started, power up the air fryer and preheat it to 375 degrees. It should only take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the model of your air fryer.
While waiting for your air fryer to preheat, you’ll prepare the fresh Brussels sprouts.
STEP 2 | Prep the Brussels sprouts
You need only rinse the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose leaves. Next, dry them with paper towels and trim the ends.
Then, cut the larger sprouts in half so they cook evenly.
STEP 3 | Season
Time to toss the Brussels sprouts in the simple seasoning. First, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Now sprinkle on the kosher salt, smoky garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Use a rubber spatula to toss the mixture gently, and empty the seasoned veggies into the preheated air fryer basket.
STEP 4 | Cook in the air fryer
Cook this delicious side dish for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to prevent the air fryer Brussels sprouts from sticking to the bottom and overcooking on one side.
Continue cooking another 5 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are a nice golden brown and crispy on the outside!
STEP 5 | And serve!
You can serve your air fryer Brussels as is, with just the basic seasonings of salt and pepper.
tips
- Unless you’re cooking this dish for just one or two people, you’ll likely need to separate the seasoned Brussels sprouts into batches so that there is a single layer in the air fryer.
- For an adult version, add one-half cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy to the simmering cider.
Variations and substitutions
- If desired, toss the cooked Brussels sprouts with two tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, honey, or balsamic vinegar.
- Or, change it up and sprinkle the air-fried Brussels with crumbled bacon, red pepper flakes, or feta cheese. Sounds good, right?
Storage and reheating tips
- Store leftovers or save the recipe for later by placing it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to four 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 on your dish and add some extra cooking time if necessary.
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 Easy Air Fryer Recipes?
Check out these other easy air fryer recipes that make a busy life a little easier and, not to mention, tastier! 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!
Serving suggestions
What’s great about these Brussels is that they are so easy and quick to make! For an effortless dinner, serve them with this yummy Chicken Dijon recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
Or present these air fryer Brussels sprouts with this juicy and tender Grilled Sirloin Steak with Lemon Garlic Smashed Potatoes — YUM!
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Crispy 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.
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:
- 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.
- The air fryer preheats much quicker than a convection oven, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals, afternoon snacks, or lunch breaks.
About Sheila Thigpen
Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Food Writer
Sheila Thigpen is the publisher of Life, Love, and Good Food — a Southern food blog — and the author of Easy Chicken Cookbook and The 5-Ingredient Fresh and Easy Cookbook. After 20+ years in the publishing industry, she retired in 2018 to focus on her own creative endeavors full time. She and her husband live near the beautiful Smoky Mountains and have a precious little granddaughter who has stolen their hearts. As an influencer, Sheila has collaborated with brands like Creamette, Kroger, HERSHEY’S, Hamilton Beach, Garafalo Pasta, OXO, Smithfield, Valley Fig Growers, and more.
