Get ready to transform your veggie game with perfectly crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts! This recipe leverages the power of your air fryer to create a delicious and healthy side dish in record time. Say goodbye to soggy sprouts and hello to irresistible crunch and flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
You are about to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this often-misunderstood vegetable. Making crispy air fried Brussels sprouts is truly a game-changer for busy cooks and those new to the kitchen.
- Fast and Easy: Prep takes just minutes, and your air fryer handles the rest. This is perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- Ultimate Crispiness: The air fryer circulates hot air, ensuring every sprout achieves a delightful exterior crunch. No more soft or mushy results!
- Healthy and Versatile: Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, and this cooking method uses minimal oil. They pair well with almost any main course.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt the seasonings and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Get creative with different herbs and spices.
- Converts Skeptics: Even those who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts will often fall in love with their crispy, flavorful transformation from the air fryer.
Ingredients
To make these perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, you only need a few simple items. These core ingredients create a fantastic base, and the optional toppings elevate the flavor beautifully.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional but delish!)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar (optional topping)
- Drizzle pomegranate molasses (optional topping)
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (optional topping)
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)
Notes & Substitutions
- Selecting fresh, firm Brussels sprouts is key for the best texture and flavor in your air fryer roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Look for bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. The extra virgin olive oil helps achieve that desired crispiness; you can substitute with avocado oil or another high-heat oil if preferred.
- Just ensure an even, light coating without oversaturating the sprouts. Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic touch, but feel free to omit it if you are not a fan or substitute with garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
- The optional toppings are truly where you can personalize this dish, adding a touch of sweetness, tang, or savory richness.
Equipment
Making fantastic air fryer Brussels sprouts requires just a few basic kitchen tools. You likely have most of these on hand already.
- Air Fryer: Any model will work, though basket sizes vary.
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowl
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your incredibly delicious and crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. This process ensures even cooking and maximum flavor, making it simple for any home cook.
Step 1: Prep Brussels Sprouts
First, trim off the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown or damaged outer leaves. Then, cut each sprout in half from the stem to the end. If you have any particularly large sprouts, quarter them from stem to end. The goal is to have all pieces roughly similar in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Optional Soaking for Tenderness
This step helps create a slightly more tender interior in your sprouts, which some people prefer. If you like your Brussels sprouts with a firmer bite, you can skip this. Otherwise, place the prepped Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and cover them with warm tap water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating is crucial for achieving truly crispy results. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Refer to your air fryer’s manufacturer instructions; for many models, preheating takes about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Sprouts
If you soaked the sprouts, drain them thoroughly and lightly pat them dry with a towel. If you skipped soaking, simply place your prepped sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with the 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated. Now, carefully transfer the seasoned sprouts to your air fryer basket.
Step 5: Air Fry in Batches, Shaking Often
Cook the sprouts in the preheated air fryer for 5 minutes. After this initial cooking time, slide out the basket and give it a good shake to toss the Brussels sprouts. This ensures even exposure to the hot air, promoting uniform crispiness. Return the basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Garlic During Final Cooking
After the second 5-minute interval, slide out the basket again. At this point, your sprouts should look like they are starting to get wonderfully crispy and are almost done. If they don’t look quite ready, cook them for another minute before proceeding. Now, add the thinly sliced garlic cloves to the basket and toss everything to coat once more. Continue to cook for 2 to 4 additional minutes, checking and shaking the basket often. Keep cooking until your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are deeply crisp and tender inside.
Step 7: Serve Immediately with Toppings
Once your air fryer Brussels sprouts reach your desired level of crispiness, transfer them to a serving bowl. If you’re adding any of the optional toppings like balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese, stir them in now. Enjoy your hot, flavorful, and incredibly crispy sprouts right away!
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Achieving the best air fryer Brussels sprouts comes down to a few simple techniques. These tips ensure every batch is golden brown and delightfully crunchy.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cook sprouts in a single layer, in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams them instead of crisping.
- Temperature & Time: Stick to 375°F (190°C) for initial cooking, then adjust the last few minutes for desired crispiness.
- The Soaking Method: Soaking can yield a slightly more tender interior. For maximum crispiness, a dry sprout is often preferred.
- Even Sizing: Halving or quartering sprouts to similar sizes ensures they cook evenly and crisp up at the same rate.
- Check and Shake: Consistently shaking the basket every 5 minutes promotes even browning and prevents burning.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These versatile air-fried Brussels sprouts are a fantastic addition to many meals. You can also customize them to suit various tastes.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious sprouts pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. They also make an excellent, healthy snack on their own or a delightful appetizer when served with a dipping sauce. Try them alongside a holiday roast for an elevated vegetable side.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover air fryer Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. Freezing cooked Brussels sprouts is not recommended as it significantly alters their texture upon thawing, making them mushy.
Flavor Variations
- Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
- With Bacon: Cook diced bacon in the air fryer until crispy, then toss with the sprouts before frying.
- Parmesan & Feta: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese over the hot sprouts immediately after cooking.
- Sweet Touch: Add a drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup during the last minute of cooking for a caramelized sweetness.
- Frozen Brussels Sprouts: You can use frozen sprouts, but increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Ensure they are completely dry after thawing (or run them under water, pat dry very well) to encourage crisping.
Nutrition Information
Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition, and cooking them in the air fryer helps retain their goodness.
According to Harvard’s Nutrition Source, Brussels sprouts offer numerous health benefits, providing essential vitamins and fiber.
Enjoying these air fryer roasted vegetables offers numerous health benefits. They are particularly rich in Vitamin K, important for bone health, and Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant. They also provide a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
| Nutrition Name | Nutrition Value | Nutrition Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Serving | 1 | (of 4) |
| Calories | 67 | kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 | g |
| Protein | 4 | g |
| Fat | 2 | g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 | g |
| Potassium | 443 | mg |
| Fiber | 4 | g |
| Sugar | 2 | g |
| Vitamin A | 856 | IU |
| Vitamin C | 96 | mg |
| Calcium | 48 | mg |
| Iron | 2 | mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my air fryer Brussels sprouts crispy?
The most common reasons are overcrowding the basket or not cooking them long enough. Ensure sprouts are in a single layer and shake the basket frequently for even crisping.
What is the best temperature for air frying Brussels sprouts?
A temperature of 375°F (190°C) is ideal. This allows them to cook through and become tender while also achieving a perfectly crispy exterior.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Just ensure they are thoroughly patted dry after thawing or rinsing to remove excess moisture, then adjust the cooking time by an additional 5-10 minutes.
Should I soak Brussels sprouts before air frying?
Soaking is optional. It can make the inside of the Brussels sprouts a bit more tender, but it’s not necessary for crispiness. Some prefer to skip it entirely for a firmer texture.
How long do air fryer Brussels sprouts last?
Cooked air fryer Brussels sprouts will last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer for best results.
Conclusion
You now have the ultimate guide to making truly delicious and perfectly crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts! This recipe is incredibly simple, incredibly fast, and guaranteed to deliver a healthy and flavorful side dish that everyone will love. Embrace the efficiency of your air fryer and transform these humble veggies into a culinary delight. Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience and rate the recipe below!
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, remove any brown outer leaves, and cut them in half from stem to end; quarter any very large pieces for even cooking.
- (Optional) For a more tender middle, place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl, cover with warm tap water, and let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F according to manufacturer’s instructions (typically 3 minutes).
- Drain and lightly pat the Brussels sprouts dry. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly, then transfer them to the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for 5 additional minutes. Add the sliced garlic cloves and toss to coat, then cook for 2 to 4 more minutes, shaking often, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply crisp.
- If adding toppings, transfer the hot Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and stir in any desired toppings like balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese, then enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- The optional soaking step makes the Brussels sprouts more tender inside.
- If you prefer a firmer sprout, you can skip this step.
- The recipe is highly customizable with various optional toppings like balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, and Parmesan cheese.
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