Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts, these little cabbages of deliciousness, are the perfect bites to pop in your mouth. And when they’re cooked in an air fryer, they get an extra crispy edge that is truly out of this world.

air fryer brussels sprouts on a stone plate with fresh basil

It wasn’t unless I tasted these crunchy sprouts that I realized how much I’d been missing out. Air fryer Brussels sprouts are my new favorite way to enjoy this classic vegetable side dish.

Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never cooked with an air fryer before. It’s actually really easy to use. I wasn’t sure what to expect the first time I used one, but it only took a few minutes to figure it out.

Why Brussels Sprouts are a Favorite Air Fryer Food?

Brussels sprouts are the perfect size for air frying. They cook evenly and come out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Another reason I love using my air fryer for cooking Brussels sprouts is that it doesn’t heat up my kitchen the way using the oven does. In the summer, this is a huge plus.

If we look at the health benefits of air fryer Brussels sprouts, they’re pretty impressive. Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables, which means they’re packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.

Of course, everything boils down to the taste test. And I’m happy to report that the air fryer Brussels sprouts passed with flying colors. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and healthy veggie side dish, give them a try.

overhead shot of brussels sprouts with a balsamic drizzle

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups Brussels sprouts: Slice these babies in half, so they cook evenly
  • 4 tbsp grated parmesan: You could also use vegan cheese or leave this out altogether. I add it for its salty, umami flavor
  • 3 pinches of salt: Salted Brussels sprouts are a winner in my book
  • 1/3 tsp smoked paprika: Paprika has a reputation for being a bit bland, but smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor
  • 1/3 tsp granulated garlic: You could also use garlic powder. The purpose is to add a bit of garlic flavor without any actual chunks of garlic
  • 1/3 tsp dried thyme: You could also use fresh thyme, but the dried version works just as well. It enhances the flavor of the smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil:  I like to use light olive oil for air frying, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
  • 3 pinches ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper tastes best. It’ll add a little bit of heat to the dish.
air fryer brussels sprouts with a balsamic drizzle and grated parmesan garnished with fresh basil on a stone colored plate

Instructions:

Step 1:

Rinse and pat dry the Brussels sprouts, removing the top leaves if they are dry or yellow. Cut each cabbage in half and place in a bowl.

Step 2:

Add salt, spices, thyme, and olive oil to a bowl. You can use other oils (avocado, canola, sesame, and rapeseed). Mix thoroughly.

Step 3:

Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 320F for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4:

After frying, the Brussels sprouts will decrease in size. Transfer it more compactly to one part of the basket, sprinkle with grated parmesan and bake for another 2 minutes.

Step 5:

The aromatic roasted dish can now be transferred to plates and served.

You can also serve fresh herbs – parsley, thyme, and basil.

overhead shot of air fryer brussels sprouts on stone colored plate with tan brim and a fork

FAQs:

There’s nothing like too much of a good thing, right? So, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Brussels sprouts.

How to Get That Fine Crisp for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?

Soggy Brussels sprouts are no fun. If you don’t like them, I’m guessing you’ve encountered a bad-boiled version in the past. But don’t worry. There’s always room to squeeze in new love. These air fryer Brussels sprouts are going to make you a believer.

One of the keys to getting a delicate crisp is to preheat your air fryer. It will help the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the basket. Also, please don’t toss everything on the tray at once. Overcrowded air fryers lead to steamed, not crispy, food. So, cook in batches if necessary.

side view of roasted brussels sprouts on a stone colored plate

Another tip is to cut the Brussels sprouts in half. I find that they cook more evenly this way. Of course, if you’re short on time, you can also leave them whole. But remember that they’ll take a few minutes longer to cook through.

As for the actual cooking process, it’s pretty straightforward. Keep shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure your ready-to-devour salted snacks don’t stick. In about 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a perfect batch of air fryer Brussels sprouts.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?

These crispy bites are delicious on their own, but they also make a great addition to any meal. Serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Or top them with a fried egg for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

My family loves them so much that I make a double batch and bring them to potlucks. They’re always a hit!

Can I Store Leftover Brussels Sprouts?

These crispy morsels are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. We doubt there’d be any leftovers, but if there are, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

seasoned air fryer brussels sprouts on a stone plate with a fork

Can I Reheat Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can! Just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re heated.

It’s tricky to say how long they’ll take to reheat because it will depend on how many you’re reheating at once and how cold they are.

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?

I don’t recommend it. I find that Brussels sprouts lose their crispiness when frozen and thawed. If you choose to freeze them, cook them first, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 3 months.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Make

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These delicious air fryer brussels sprouts are a great every day healthy side item full of yummy flavors!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Additional Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups Brussels sprouts
  • 4 tbsp grated parmesan
  • 3 pinches of salt
  • 1/3 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/3 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/3 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 pinches ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the Brussels sprouts, removing the top leaves if they are dry or yellow. Cut each cabbage in half and place in a bowl.
  2. Add salt, spices, thyme and olive oil to a bowl. You can use other oils (avocado, canola, sesame, rapeseed). Mix thoroughly.
  3. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 320F for 5-6 minutes.
  4. After frying, the Brussels sprouts will decrease in size. Transfer it more compactly to one part of the basket, sprinkle with grated parmesan and bake for another 2 minutes.
  5. The roasted aromatic dish can now be transferred to plates and served.
  6. For serving, you can also use fresh herbs - parsley, thyme, basil.

Did you make this recipe?

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