Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside… these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a total veggie win! They cook up golden and crunchy in no time, with those little leaves turning into the best kind of crispy bites. The recipe is a breeze—just a few pantry staples, and you’re good to go. Perfect as a side for chicken, fish, or even a straight-from-the-basket snack. Trust me, this is the kind of veggie dish that gets everyone reaching for seconds (yes, even the picky eaters!).
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that often get a bad reputation, but trust me, when cooked right, they can be absolutely delicious! In the air fryer, these little green veggies turn out perfectly crispy, with the leaves getting delightfully crunchy while the insides stay tender. It’s one of my go-to sides because not only does the air fryer cut the cooking time in half, but it also makes the Brussels sprouts taste so much better. If you’re new to cooking or just want a fast and easy veggie dish that’s full of flavor, this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for you.
What I Love About This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: These are the star of the dish! They’re packed with vitamins and nutrients, making them a great choice for a healthy side dish. Make sure to trim off any tough ends and remove the outer leaves before cooking.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This helps the Brussels sprouts crisp up in the air fryer and adds a rich, savory flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a cooking spray instead.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a nice touch of tang and sweetness to balance out the savory garlic and salt. You can substitute this with apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder: A must for seasoning! It gives the Brussels sprouts that savory, aromatic kick without being overpowering. Fresh garlic can be used if preferred, but it might burn in the air fryer.
- Salt: Helps enhance the flavor of the Brussels sprouts and brings out their natural sweetness. You can use table salt, but kosher salt has a better texture and flavor.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A little pepper goes a long way to bring out all the other flavors in the dish.
Food Allergy Swaps
- This recipe is naturally egg, dairy, wheat (gluten), nut, peanut, and sesame-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs. However, always check labels for hidden allergens.
Potential Recipe Challenges & Pro Tips
- Brussels sprouts not crispy enough: If your Brussels sprouts aren’t as crispy as you want, it might be because they were overcrowded in the air fryer basket. The air needs to circulate around the sprouts for them to crisp up. Pro Tip: Make sure to arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, leaving space between them. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
- Brussels sprouts are too soggy: If your Brussels sprouts turn out soggy, it could be due to too much moisture left on them before cooking. Pro Tip: After washing the Brussels sprouts, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Uneven cooking: If some Brussels sprouts are perfectly cooked and others are underdone, it’s likely because the pieces vary in size. Pro Tip: Try cutting the Brussels sprouts into roughly the same size pieces so that they cook evenly. You can even slice larger ones in half or quarters.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Prepare The Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Then, cut them in half lengthwise.
Step 2 – Mix With Other Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3 – Air Fry
Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the basket of an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches, as you want a single layer. Set the temperature to 375° F (190° C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and serve.
Extra Recipe Tips For Success
- Dry them well – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing, make sure your sprouts are nice and dry before tossing them with oil and seasoning.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy, crispy finish.
- If you want to make the Brussels sprouts a little spicier, toss them with a pinch of red pepper flakes before air frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer – Whether you’re roasting or air frying, space is key! If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Give them room to breathe.
Variations & Additions
- Maple Syrup: For a sweet twist, drizzle a little maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts before air frying. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the balsamic vinegar.
- Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon for an extra savory element. Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven!
- Nuts: Toss in some toasted pinenuts, almonds, or walnuts for a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Brussels sprouts make the perfect side dish for almost any meal. For a wholesome and balanced meal, serve them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. They’re also delicious as a topping for a fresh salad or mixed into pasta.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storage: Store any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Brussels sprouts can be frozen, but the texture may change after thawing. If you want to freeze them, cook them fully first, then allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but they won’t crisp up.
To add a spicy kick, simply sprinkle red pepper flakes on the Brussels sprouts before cooking or toss them in a little chili powder.
Yes, you can prep them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to get them crispy again.
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- Quick and Easy Roasted Cauliflower (Flavorful too!)
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Recipe Card
Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
- Trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged leaves of the Brussels Sprouts. Then, cut in half lengthwise.
- In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the basket of an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches as you want a single layer. Set the temperature to 375° F (190° C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and serve.
- This recipe is naturally egg, dairy, wheat (gluten), nut, peanut, and sesame-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs. However, always check labels for hidden allergens.
- Brussels sprouts not crispy enough: If your Brussels sprouts aren’t as crispy as you want, it might be because they were overcrowded in the air fryer basket. The air needs to circulate around the sprouts for them to crisp up. Pro Tip: Make sure to arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, leaving space between them. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
- Brussels sprouts are too soggy: If your Brussels sprouts turn out soggy, it could be due to too much moisture left on them before cooking. Pro Tip: After washing the Brussels sprouts, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Uneven cooking: If some Brussels sprouts are perfectly cooked and others are underdone, it’s likely because the pieces vary in size. Pro Tip: Try cutting the Brussels sprouts into roughly the same size pieces so that they cook evenly. You can even slice larger ones in half or quarters.
- Dry them well – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing, make sure your sprouts are nice and dry before tossing them with oil and seasoning.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy, crispy finish.
- If you want to make the Brussels sprouts a little spicier, toss them with a pinch of red pepper flakes before air frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer – Whether you’re roasting or air frying, space is key! If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Give them room to breathe.
- Maple Syrup: For a sweet twist, drizzle a little maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts before air frying. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the balsamic vinegar.
- Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon for an extra savory element. Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven!
- Nuts: Toss in some toasted pinenuts, almonds, or walnuts for a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
