Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe That Kids Will Love

Crispy and golden air fryer brussels sprouts might just become your new favorite veggie side dish.

Roasted vegetables never tasted so good with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

These little green gems transform from boring to brilliant in mere minutes.

Packed with nutrients and a delightful crunch, they’ll make you forget everything you thought you knew about brussels sprouts.

Seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper create an irresistible coating that caramelizes beautifully.

A quick toss in olive oil ensures each sprout emerges perfectly crisp and delectable.

You’ll want to make this recipe on repeat for every meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple and delicious healthy eating can be.

Why Crispy Brussels Sprouts Are A Game-Changer

• Blast Crispy Perfection: Achieve restaurant-quality Brussels sprouts with minimal effort using an air fryer, creating a crunchy exterior and tender interior that elevates this vegetable from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Customize Your Flavor Explosion: Easily adapt the recipe with optional red pepper flakes or balsamic vinegar, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through and making each batch uniquely delicious.
• Quick Weeknight Veggie Solution: Prepare a nutritious side dish in less than half an hour, perfect for busy families seeking healthy and delectable vegetable options without complicated cooking techniques.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Use the air fryer's non-stick basket and simple coating method to create a gourmet-style side dish with virtually no mess, saving precious time and kitchen energy for enjoying the meal.

Everything You Need For Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetables with a nutty flavor that become crispy and delicious when air fried.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps the Brussels sprouts achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and enhance their natural taste.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and enhance the natural flavor of the Brussels sprouts.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that provides a spicy kick to the dish.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents the Brussels sprouts from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Optional ingredient that adds a tangy and slightly sweet finish to the crispy Brussels sprouts.

Simple Steps To Cook Brussels Sprouts In The Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F. Getting the right heat helps create those irresistibly crispy outer leaves while keeping the inside tender and delicious.

Step 2: Prepare Veggie Base

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Slice Brussels sprouts in half and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle all seasonings. Toss everything thoroughly until each sprout is evenly coated with flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 4: Create Crispy Perfection

Arrange Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning and consistent crunch.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Remove Brussels sprouts when they reach a beautiful golden brown color. Optional: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top and gently toss. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for maximum enjoyment.

Tips For Perfectly Crisp Brussels Sprouts

• Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange Brussels sprouts in a single layer to ensure maximum crispiness and even cooking. Overcrowded baskets lead to steaming instead of air frying.
• Check Midway Cooking: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and prevent burning on one side.
• Select Fresh Sprouts: Choose firm, compact Brussels sprouts without yellow leaves or blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your final dish.
• Adjust Seasoning Boldly: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or everything bagel seasoning to elevate the basic recipe and match your taste preferences.
• Control Oil Quantity: Use just enough olive oil to coat the sprouts lightly, preventing soggy results while ensuring a crisp exterior.

Tasty Ways To Change Up Brussels Sprouts

• Parmesan Herb Crunch: Replace red pepper flakes with grated parmesan cheese and sprinkle dried Italian herbs like basil and oregano for a savory Mediterranean-style version.
• Bacon Maple Glazed: Crumble cooked bacon bits over the Brussels sprouts and drizzle with maple syrup before serving for a sweet and salty combination.
• Vegan Spicy Garlic: Swap olive oil with avocado oil and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Increase garlic powder and red pepper flakes for extra zesty plant-based option.
• Asian Sesame Spin: Substitute balsamic vinegar with sesame oil and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds. Add a dash of soy sauce or tamari for an umami-rich Asian-inspired variation.

What To Serve With Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• Savor Perfectly Paired Flavors
• Complement Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Robust Wine Selection: A bold Pinot Noir or crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the vegetable's earthy richness, enhancing every bite with balanced acidity and smooth undertones.
• Craft Protein-Packed Companion Dish: Grilled chicken or seared salmon with lemon-herb seasoning creates a delightful protein partner that matches the sprouts' crispy texture and provides a complete, nutritious meal.
• Elevate with Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or tangy herbed yogurt sauce to complement the sprouts' caramelized edges, adding a luxurious, creamy contrast that transforms the simple side into a gourmet experience.
• Amplify Flavor with Nutty Garnish

How To Store Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Right

• Transfer cooled Brussels sprouts to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them separate from other foods to maintain their crispy texture.
• Place completely cooled sprouts in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F, spread sprouts in a single layer, and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.

Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe FAQs

• Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

Yes, Brussels sprouts are incredibly nutritious. They’re packed with vitamins K and C, contain antioxidants, support digestive health, and help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for this recipe. Frozen sprouts tend to release more moisture, which can make them less crispy. If using frozen, thaw and pat them completely dry before cooking.

• How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy?

Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in a single layer and shake the basket midway to promote even crisping. Pat the sprouts dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer brussels sprouts bring Mediterranean magic to your dinner table, elevating simple vegetables into a restaurant-worthy side dish. Garlic, olive oil, and parmesan create irresistible flavor layers you cannot resist trying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Oils and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic vinegar

Additional:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Heat the air fryer to 375°F, preparing for crispy vegetable transformation.
2. Halve the Brussels sprouts and transfer to a mixing bowl, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the sprouts, coating each piece with a light, even layer for optimal browning.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes across the vegetables, tossing thoroughly to distribute seasonings.
5. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
6. Arrange Brussels sprouts in a single layer within the basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket midway through to promote uniform caramelization and crisp edges.
8. Verify doneness by checking for golden brown exterior and tender interior, with slight charring on the leaves.
9. Remove from air fryer and optionally drizzle balsamic vinegar across the sprouts for an extra layer of tangy flavor.
10. Serve immediately while hot and crisp, enjoying the perfectly roasted vegetable side dish.

Notes

• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika for unique flavor profiles.
• Ensure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
• Cut Brussels sprouts similar in size for consistent cooking and prevent uneven browning or texture differences.
• For extra nutrition and flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese or toasted nuts like almonds or pecans after air frying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg