Brussels sprouts have gained a reputation for being one of the ultimate side dishes when cooked right, and when prepared in an air fryer, they become crispy, caramelized, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a sprout skeptic or a devoted fan, these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts will change the way you think about this humble vegetable.
The air fryer is a game-changer for making Brussels sprouts because it delivers even cooking with that perfect crispy finish without needing much oil. It’s quick, healthy, and delicious! Below, I’ll walk you through how to make this easy dish, step-by-step.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
To make these crispy Brussels sprouts, you only need a handful of ingredients. Each brings out the flavors of the sprouts and enhances their natural sweetness and texture.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts : Look for sprouts that are firm, dense, and vibrant green. Trimmed and halved for even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil : Helps the brussels crisp up without making them greasy.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt : Brings out the flavor of the sprouts.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper : Adds a little bit of spice.
- 1 lemon (zest) : Brings a refreshing, citrusy brightness to the dish.
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced : For that rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with Brussels sprouts.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar : Adds a sweet, tangy kick to balance the savory flavors.
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese : For an added layer of flavor and richness.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have these basic kitchen tools on hand:
- Air Fryer : Any model will work, just ensure your sprouts have enough space to cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding!
- Mixing Bowl : You’ll need one to toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, spices, and balsamic vinegar.
- Tongs or Spatula : Helpful to mix and turn the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking process.
- Zester or Grater : For zesting that fresh lemon to give the sprouts an added burst of flavor.
With these ingredients and tools in hand, you’re ready to make delicious Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Let’s move on to preparing and seasoning the sprouts!
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts: Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
Step 1: Trim and Halve the Sprouts
Start by trimming the ends of the Brussels sprouts and removing any yellow or damaged outer leaves. This gives you only the best part of the sprouts to work with. Once trimmed, cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Halving them helps them cook evenly in the air fryer and results in a crispier texture on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Step 2: Season the Sprouts
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and place the halved Brussels sprouts in it. Now let’s give them some flavor! Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the sprouts, followed by:
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon for brightness
- 1-2 cloves of minced garlic , for that savory depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar to add a tangy, caramelized sweetness.
Toss everything together so that the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings. This step ensures that each sprout is infused with flavor and gets crispy during air frying.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before cooking, it’s helpful to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes . Preheating will allow the Brussels sprouts to cook evenly and crisp up faster once they’re in the basket.
Now that your sprouts are seasoned and your air fryer is preheating, you’re ready to start cooking!
Cooking the Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Arrange the Brussels Sprouts
Once your air fryer is preheated to 375°F (190°C) , it’s time to place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the basket. Spread them out in an even layer, ensuring there’s some space between each sprout . This is crucial because proper air circulation guarantees that they get nice and crispy. If your air fryer basket is small, it’s best to cook them in batches rather than overcrowding, as this will help avoid steaming.
Step 2: Air Fry the Sprouts
Set the timer for 15 minutes and let the air fryer do its magic. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 7–8 minute mark), carefully remove the basket and shake it well or use your tongs to give the sprouts a little toss. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
While cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the sprouts, the general target is about 15 minutes for a nice, crisp result.
- Pro Tip : If you prefer your Brussels sprouts extra crispy, you can roast them for an additional 2-5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
Step 3: Check for Doneness
After 15 minutes, test a sprout by poking it with a fork. It should be beautifully tender on the inside with the outsides golden-brown and crispy . If they need a little bit more time, feel free to cook them in 2-minute increments until they’re just right.
Serving Your Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Delicious and Ready to Enjoy
Step 1: Garnish and Serve
Once the Brussels sprouts are beautifully air-fried, it’s time to plate them up and add any finishing touches. Here’s how you can elevate them just before serving:
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the warm Brussels sprouts for a savory, nutty flavor that complements their crispy texture.
- Add an extra sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, or lemon zest for added brightness and a burst of flavor.
- If you’d like, serve with lemon wedges on the side so you can squeeze more fresh lemon juice over the sprouts for an added zesty kick.
Plate them up as a side dish for lunch or dinner, or enjoy them as a healthy, crunchy snack.
Step 2: Pair with Your Favorite Dishes
These Brussels sprouts go wonderfully with a wide variety of meals—from roasted meats to light salads. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Grilled or roasted chicken : The crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts is a perfect match for juicy poultry.
- Steak or pork chops : For a heartier meal, serve alongside steak or pork for a well-rounded dinner.
- Quinoa or couscous salad : For a light and healthy veggie bowl, add these Brussels sprouts to a base of quinoa, couscous, or another favorite grain.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
If there’s any chance you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping their crispy texture intact.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate : Place cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days .
Reheating Tips
- In the Air Fryer : To reheat your Brussels sprouts and maintain their crispiness, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crunchy again. A quick reheat in the air fryer is your best bet to revive that initial crisp texture.
- In the Oven : For a larger batch, reheat the Brussels sprouts at 350°F (175°C) in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
- Avoid the Microwave : Using a microwave can make the sprouts soggy, so it’s best to avoid this option to retain their crispy magic.
Conclusion
And that’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve made perfectly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts . Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, adding them to a salad, or munching on them as a quick snack, this recipe is sure to become a healthy favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Not only does this method make Brussels sprouts irresistibly crispy, but using the air fryer makes the process easy and hands-off, without needing loads of oil. Garnish them with a sprinkle of parmesan or an extra squeeze of lemon, and you’ve got yourself a tasty and nutritious dish.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try—I’m sure these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts will become a regular in your weekly meal rotation!