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These air fryer Brussels sprouts are perfectly crispy and tender and take less than 15 minutes to make! They make an easy side dish that tastes incredible!
Cooking vegetables in the air fryer has been an absolute kitchen hack for us.
Gone are the days of waiting hours by the oven for the greens to cook. Our regulars include zucchini, asparagus, baked potatoes, and, recently, Brussels sprouts.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe works
- It’s quick and easy. The magic of an air fryer is that it significantly reduces the cooking time without affecting its texture.
- They are low in fat. Minimal oil is added, which cuts down on calories while keeping the flavor the same.
- Easy to customize. We’ve kept things simple with the seasonings, but you can go to town and jazz up with your favorite cheeses, herbs, and spices.
- Best texture. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and with the most delicious taste!
Ingredients needed
- Brussels sprouts. Choose fresh, firm sprouts with no visible black spots or yellow patches.
- Olive oil. It’s required for enhancing the flavors of the seasonings. You can use avocado oil, too, as an alternative.
- Seasonings. Smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Parmesan cheese. Optional, but recommended.
How to make air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Prep the sprouts. Add the freshly trimmed sprouts to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, seasonings, and parmesan cheese, and mix well.
- Air fry the sprouts. Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. If needed, cook the sprouts in batches.
- Serve. Remove the sprouts from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Flavor variations
The beauty of this dish is just how easy it is to customize. While we love enjoying them as is, we sometimes change it up for some variety. Here are some ideas:
- Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar: Similar to my roasted sprouts with balsamic, drizzle a little balsamic halfway through.
- Add bacon: What else is a better pairing for sprouts? Toss finely chopped bacon halfway through.
- Air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts: Use frozen sprouts instead of fresh ones and increase the air frying time by 6 minutes.
- Brussels sprouts with honey: For a sweet and salty combination, drizzle some honey once the sprouts are cooked and sprinkle some sea salt.
- Add extra parmesan cheese: Grate extra parmesan cheese for 1-2 minutes before removing them from the air fryer.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Shake the air fryer basket several times for an even crisp and to keep the air circulating.
- Soak the Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes. Like in French fries or sweet potato fries, this removes some starch and yields even crispier sprouts.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this ensures the sprouts all cook evenly and consistently.
- If your cooked Brussels sprouts aren’t crispy enough (their outer leaves are still intact) keep them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes longer.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled sprouts in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Either microwave the sprouts for 10-20 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for a minute or two.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Air fryer. My tried and tested air fryer that cooks everything perfectly.
- Mixing bowls. To season the sprouts.
- Tongs. To flip the sprouts!
More air fryer vegetables to try
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t shake the air fryer basket throughout the cooking process, you risk the sprouts burning before they are fully cooked.
While air-frying sprouts without oil will cook them, they won’t be soft in the middle. Adding even a touch of oil yields the most perfect texture.
If you overcrowd the air fryer basket, there is a high chance that the sprouts will not be crispy.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussels sprouts washed and trimmed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the Brussels sprouts then add the oil and mix well. Add the seasonings and mix until combined.
- Add the seasoned Brussels sprouts to an air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Transfer into a bowl and serve immediately.
Very tasty
Can you substitute frozen brussel sprouts instead of fresh
Absolutely!
If using frozen sprouts, how much long do I cook for? Thank you
I find 10-12 minutes ample.
Air fryer brussel sprouts are fantastic. I am always looking for simple, fast, keto recipes to cook on week nights. Thank you for sharing your recipes.