Brussels sprouts have transformed from a once-overlooked vegetable to a beloved staple in many kitchens, including ours, especially when prepared in the air fryer. This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe enhances their natural flavors while achieving that much-desired crispy texture. The hot air of the air fryer crisps the outer leaves of the sprouts, turning them almost chip-like in their crunchiness, yet the insides remain tender and sweet. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or just hopping on the air fryer bandwagon, this recipe offers a fresh take on enjoying one of your favorite vegetables. For more quick side dish recipes, check out my Garlic Mushrooms, Tender Roasted Green Beans, Syracuse Salt Potatoes, Oven Roasted Asparagus, and Fried Homemade Onion Rings!
Why We Love This Recipe
It’s a simple side dish that requires minimal preparation and cooking time, which makes it perfect for those who want to whip up something quick and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re just as good when cooked from fresh or frozen, making them a convenient option for any last-minute meal planning. For those who are new to air frying, brussels sprouts are a forgiving and easy vegetable to start with. The process is simple: season, air fry, and serve. This approachability makes air frying an appealing cooking method for weeknight dinners and helps build confidence for those less familiar with this cooking technique.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Brussels Sprouts – Choose sprouts that are firm and bright green, as they tend to be fresher and more flavorful. Olive Oil – Helps to crisp the sprouts and enhances their natural flavors. You can also use avocado oil as a substitute for a higher smoke point. Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the natural bitterness of the sprouts. Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives. Salt & Pepper – Basic seasoning to elevate the sprouts’ flavor. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper work best for a burst of flavor.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Tips for Success
If slicing your sprouts, it’s a good idea to make sure they are cut to roughly the same size. Halves or quarters work well, depending on the size of the sprouts if they are particularly large. Consistent sizing helps them cook uniformly, preventing some from being too crispy while others are underdone. Preheating the air fryer before adding your brussels sprouts can help jump-start the cooking process and ensures the sprouts begin crisping up immediately. Most air fryers will need just a few minutes to preheat. Spread the brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a bit of space between them. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying, which might keep them from getting that desired crispy texture. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Midway through the cooking process, give the brussels sprouts a good shake or stir. This movement helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Some air fryers cook more evenly than others, so the first few times you make brussels sprouts, pay attention to any hot spots and adjust their position as necessary. Taste your brussels sprouts after they come out of the air fryer. Sometimes they might need a bit more salt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors. Adjusting seasonings post-cooking ensures they are tailored to your preference.
Substitutions and Variations
If you prefer something different, avocado oil is a great substitute to olive oil due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. For a nuttier taste, try sesame oil, but use it sparingly as its flavor is more pronounced. Instead of maple syrup, you could use honey or agave nectar to add a different kind of sweetness. Elevate the flavor by adding some minced fresh garlic or ½ tsp garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a Cajun spice mix before cooking. After air frying, tossing the Brussels sprouts with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme can add a fresh, vibrant touch. For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes before cooking or drizzle with hot honey or Sriracha after they come out of the air fryer. Parmesan is a popular choice, but trying crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts. A squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice after cooking can brighten the flavors, or drizzle with balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
Easy Air Fryer Brats Air Fryer Sausage Links Air Fryer Turkey Breast and Gravy Homemade Apple Chips in the Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
For a lighter option, toss the cooked brussels into a salad. They add a nice crunch and pair well with leafy greens, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. This is a great way to turn your side dish into a main course for a lighter meal. Consider adding them to a more hearty dish like a creamy pasta or a casserole. Their crisp texture provides a pleasant contrast to softer, creamier dishes, enhancing the overall eating experience with a mix of textures. For a more traditional side dish array, crispy air fryer brussel sprouts can be served with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even a wild rice blend. These starchy sides can absorb any extra seasoning from the sprouts and round out the meal nicely. Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Crispy Salmon Bites in the Air Fryer
