Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe: The Perfect Savory Side Dish

Brussels sprouts have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, shedding their reputation as the dreaded vegetable of childhood and emerging as a trendy, crave-worthy side dish.

When prepared properly, these miniature cabbage-like vegetables develop a delightful contrast between their crispy exteriors and tender centers. While roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven has long been the go-to method, the air fryer has revolutionized the way we prepare this nutritious vegetable.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts cook faster, require less oil, and achieve an unmatched level of crispiness that will convert even the most stubborn Brussels sprout skeptics into devoted fans.

Here, I’ll share my perfected air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe that delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a delicious vegetable dish that pairs wonderfully with nearly any main course.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Side Dish

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for a sweet-savory variation)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Serving dish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Begin by thoroughly rinsing your Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels – this is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.

Trim the tough stem ends and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. For even cooking, cut larger Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise, keeping smaller ones whole.

If you prefer all your Brussels sprouts to have a maximum crispy surface area, feel free to halve all of them regardless of size.

Step 2: Season the Brussels Sprouts

Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to ensure each sprout is evenly coated.

The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the vegetables and promotes that desirable golden-brown exterior.

Sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. If you’re opting for the balsamic variation, add the balsamic vinegar at this stage.

For a sweet-savory profile, include the maple syrup or honey. Toss again until all the Brussels sprouts are uniformly seasoned.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that your Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately when placed in the air fryer, which helps develop that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts

Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming rather than crisping.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, pausing halfway through the cooking time to shake the basket or flip the sprouts with tongs. This ensures even browning on all sides.

The Brussels sprouts are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

A fork should easily pierce through the center. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the air-fried Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while still hot, allowing it to slightly melt over the sprouts.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish that beautifully complements the savory flavor profile. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste experience.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts

When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for bright green heads that feel firm and heavy for their size.

Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender, while larger ones have a more robust, cabbage-like flavor. Fresh Brussels sprouts should have tightly packed leaves without yellowing or wilting.

Uniform Sizing for Even Cooking

Ensuring your Brussels sprouts are similar in size promotes even cooking. If you’re working with a mix of sizes, halve or even quarter the larger ones to match the smaller sprouts.

This prevents the frustrating situation where some pieces are overcooked while others remain underdone.

Don’t Skip the Drying Process

After washing your Brussels sprouts, take the time to dry them thoroughly. Excess moisture creates steam in the air fryer, which inhibits the browning process.

For maximum crispiness, your Brussels sprouts should be completely dry before adding oil and seasonings.

Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

Space is crucial for proper air circulation in the air fryer. Arrange your Brussels sprouts in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece.

If necessary, cook in multiple batches rather than piling them on top of each other. The extra time is worth the superior texture you’ll achieve.

Shake or Flip During Cooking

Don’t simply set your air fryer and forget it. Shaking the basket or flipping the Brussels sprouts halfway through cooking ensures all sides get exposed to the circulating hot air, resulting in uniform crispiness.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Brussels Sprouts

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. After cooking, you could also drizzle with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Asian-Inspired Flavor Profile

Create an Asian flavor profile by replacing the olive oil with sesame oil. After air frying, toss the Brussels sprouts with a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger, and a drizzle of honey. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Bacon and Maple Brussels Sprouts

For an indulgent twist, cook 4 slices of bacon separately until crisp, then crumble. Toss the Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat instead of olive oil before air frying. Once cooked, combine with the bacon crumbles and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup.

Mediterranean Style

Season your Brussels sprouts with dried oregano and a sprinkle of lemon zest in addition to the standard seasonings. After cooking, top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil.

Make It a Complete Meal

These air fryer Brussels sprouts work beautifully as a side dish for almost any protein. Pair them with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a juicy steak for a well-rounded meal. They’re also substantial enough to feature in grain bowls or hearty salads.

For a simple weeknight dinner, serve these crispy Brussels sprouts alongside a rotisserie chicken and quinoa or brown rice. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the Brussels sprouts will lose some of their initial crispiness when stored, they still make excellent leftovers.

To reheat, place the Brussels sprouts back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and some of the crispiness has been restored. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as this will make them soggy.

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts aren’t just delicious – they’re also incredibly nutritious. These cruciferous vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. They’re particularly rich in vitamin K, which promotes bone health and proper blood clotting, and vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.

The fiber content in Brussels sprouts supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, they contain compounds called glucosinolates, which have been studied for their potential cancer-fighting properties.

Preparing Brussels sprouts in the air fryer allows you to enjoy their full nutritional benefits with minimal added fat, making this a healthy cooking method that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Conclusion

Air fryer Brussels sprouts represent the perfect marriage of convenience, nutrition, and incredible flavor. With their irresistibly crispy exterior and tender interior, these transformed vegetables might just become your new favorite side dish.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to complement virtually any meal or flavor preference, while the simplicity of preparation makes it accessible even on busy weeknights.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your perfectly crispy, utterly delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts!