These extra crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side dish for any meal. Quick and easy to make, they can be seasoned with balsamic, savory bacon or honey for a sweet flavor. You will love this 15 minute recipe!
I purchased my air fryer back in 2020 and ever since then it's been love at first "fry". In the early days, I was using my ninja air fryer mainly for my favorite air fryer sweet potato fries and crispy air fryer chickpeas. But the idea of roasting Brussel sprouts in the air fryer did not cross my mind until my girlfriend made them one night. Oh my goodness, they were crispy and oh so delicious that I couldn't resist. I ended up eating the entire batch, mine and hers included.
Cooking foods and veggies such Brussel sprouts in air fryer has many benefits. First of all, this is a healthy cooking method that requires very little oil and fat. But unlike boiling or steaming, it produces finger licking results. Addictively crispy, roasted and flavorful as if the food was deep fried. Perfect for air fryer chicken tenders or air fryer tofu! Last but not least, an air fryer cooks much faster and quicker than regular convention ovens. Have you seen? There are so many reasons to love this Brussel sprout air fryer recipe.
Air fryer Brussel sprout ingredients
- Brussel sprouts. I recommend purchasing fresh Brussel sprouts when they are in season, they are more flavorful and have a better texture. If possible, try to select Brussel sprouts with similar sizes. This ensures even cooking.
- Olive oil. High quality olive oil adds a delicious flavor and makes the Brussel sprouts crispy, extra crispy. As an alternative you can use avocado oil, but it has less taste.
- Seasonings. This is an easy recipe with simple seasonings. Kosher salt, ground black pepper and a hint of garlic powder if you want. But of course you can add other seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian seasonings or chili powder.
Recipe variations
Looking for something more satisfying? Then try some of our favorite variations. My girlfriend and I love a sweet and savory maple bacon Brussel sprouts air fryer recipe.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts with balsamic. Once cooked, add the crispy Brussel sprouts to a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of Italian balsamic vinegar. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and crushed walnuts or pecans on top.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon. Mix your air fried veggies with pieces of cooked bacon or pancetta, maybe with a teaspoon or two of maple syrup for an irresistible maple bacon combo.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts honey. Toss the finished Brussel sprouts with honey and a hint of chili powder or hot sauce for hot honey sprouts.
- Frozen Brussel sprout air fryer recipe. Open a bag of frozen Brussels sprouts, cut into 2 halves, season and air fry at 400°C (200°C) for 16 to 20 minutes until they are crispy.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts with Parmesan. Once they are ready, transfer to a bowl and season with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. I also recommend seasoning your veggies with garlic powder beforehand, nothing tastes better than super crispy garlic parmesan Brussel sprouts.
- Asian Brussel sprouts air fryer recipe. Toss your finished veggies with about 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce and roasted sesame seeds for an Asian touch.
How to cook Brussel sprouts in air fryer?
- Prep Brussels sprouts. Wash Brussel sprouts under cool running water, path them dry and add to a bowl. Using a knife, carefully trim the stems and cut each Brussels sprout lengthwise into 2 halves. Transfer back to the bowl, once halved.
- Season to taste. Add olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper and optionally garlic powder to the vegetables, then toss to combine. Transfer them to the air fryer basket, without overcrowding it. If it is necessary, air fry in multiple batches.
- Cook until crispy. Air fry Brussel sprouts in preheated air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Remove from the machine and serve as a side dish for your favorite meals.
How long to cook Brussels sprouts in air fryer?
You will need to cook seasoned Brussel sprouts in hot air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even roasting. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer. The vegetables are ready when crispy outside but still slightly tender inside.
Storage directions
- To store. Let cool completely first, then pack into an airtight food container and refrigerate. In the fridge, they will last for a maximum of 4 days.
- To reheat. Transfer leftovers back to the air fryer basket or to a baking sheet and cook at 375°C (190°F) to heat them and crisp them up.
- To freeze. I do not recommend freezing air fried brussel sprouts because they tend to lose crispiness and become soggy. But if you have plenty of leftovers, place them into an airtight container or zipper bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Before serving, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in hot air fryer or oven until crispy.
No, there is no need to boil them. Just wash, trim and cut the Brussel sprouts into 2 halves. Season with olive oil, salt and pepper, then air fry until crispy.
There is no need to soak them. But if you want air fryer Brussel sprouts that are crispy outside and tender inside, you will need to soak them in cold water.
Trim and cut the vegetables, then add to a bowl filled with cold water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, use a clean tablecloth to pat dry your Brussels sprouts. Season to taste, air fry and enjoy.
There are mainly two reasons why your Brussel sprouts may not crisp up. First, you probably haven't path them dry before air frying. The excess water will prevent them from crisping. Second, you may have overcrowded the air fryer basket. If you have plenty of, I recommend roasting in multiple batches to ensure even cooking. Also, make sure you preheat the air fryer before cooking.
More air fryer recipes
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer tofu
- Air fryer corn on the cob
- Healthy zucchini fries
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Air fryer salmon bites
- Air fryer tortilla chips
- Frozen broccoli in air fryer
- Air fryer chickpeas
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) Brussels sprouts
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
- ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash Brussels sprouts under cool running water, path them dry and add to a bowl. Using a knife, carefully trim the stems and cut each Brussel sprout lengthwise into 2 halves. Transfer back to the bowl, once halved.
- Add olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper and optionally garlic powder to the vegetables, then toss to combine.
- Transfer seasoned Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket, without overcrowding it. If necessary, air fry in multiple batches.
- Air fry Brussels sprouts for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through cooking time. Remove from the air fryer basket and serve.
Notes
Tips for making Brussels sprouts crispy outside and tender inside
If you want air fryer Brussel sprouts that are crispy outside but tender inside, you will need to soak them in cold water. Trim and cut the vegetables, then add to a bowl with cold water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, use a clean tablecloth to pat dry the Brussels sprouts. Season to taste, air fry and enjoy.Nutrition
Nutritional values are based on third-party calculations and should be considered approximations. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. We do not overtake any responsibility.
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Liza Ho de Lee
Thank you to give the differents flavours to prepare the brussel sprouts. I will try the Asian Brussel sprouts, with sesame seed and next time with parmesan!
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Matteo
Hey dear Liza,
thank you soooo much! It makes me truly happy that you appreciated our Brussel sprouts air fryer recipe. I am pretty sure you will love the Asian version, maybe with some hot sauce! They are perfect with noodles and an egg, delicious.
Have a great day 😉
Matteo