Let's be honest, Brussels sprouts in Air Fryer don't always get the love they deserve. But I'm about to change your mind with this game-changing air fryer recipe! These crispy little bundles of joy are an absolute revelation - caramelized to perfection with just the right balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Air frying is hands down the easiest way to achieve that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture that makes Brussels sprouts in the air fryer downright addictive. No more mushy or bland sprouts! In just 15 minutes, you'll have a healthy perfect side dish or snack that's packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
And let's talk about that flavor! A kiss of honey lends just a hint of sweetness to offset the natural earthiness of the sprouts. Garlic powder and savory seasonings create an irresistible punch.
Why You Should Try This Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Incredible flavor - The combination of honey, garlic, salt, and pepper creates an addictive sweet-savory flavor that will make your taste buds sing. Roasting the sprouts at high heat caramelizes them to nutty, slightly charred perfection.
- Amazing texture - If you think you don't like Brussels sprouts, it's probably because you've had them overcooked and mushy. But these air fryer sprouts are an entirely different experience - delightfully crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Almost like veggie chips!
- So easy to make - This is a quick, hands-off recipe that even beginner cooks can master. Just toss the halved sprouts with a few simple ingredients, throw them in the air fryer, shake once, and voila - crispy veggie perfection with minimal effort.
- Healthy and nutritious - Brussels sprouts are little powerhouses of nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Air frying them uses less oil than deep frying or pan frying, so you get all the flavor and crispiness with a lighter calorie load.
- Endlessly customizable - While the basic honey-garlic recipe is stellar on its own, you can easily change up the flavors to suit your taste. Try different spice blends, drizzle with balsamic, add bacon or parmesan, or toss in some dried cranberries after cooking.
- A crowd-pleasing side dish - Seriously, even people who claim to hate Brussels sprouts can't resist these crispy little nuggets. They're a perfect accompaniment to any main course and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You Need For Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprouts: The star of the dish! Look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. They provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: Helps the sprouts crisp up in the air fryer and adds rich flavor. The oil also helps the seasonings stick to the sprouts.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. The honey caramelizes in the air fryer for irresistible results.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a punchy, aromatic garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with the nutty taste of the Brussels sprouts.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper work best.
How To Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim off the stem ends and remove any blemished outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Working in batches if needed, arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Remove any loose leaves to avoid burning.
- Air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. Then fry for an additional 8-10 minutes until the sprouts are deeply browned and crispy.
- Transfer the crispy Brussel sprouts to a serving bowl. Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Optional Toppings for Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Bacon, pancetta, or prosciutto - A bit of salty, crispy pork pairs deliciously with the earthy sprouts. Cook the pork first, then toss with the roasted sprouts.
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze - Drizzle the sprouts with balsamic vinegar before or after roasting for a sweet-tart flavor. You can also reduce the vinegar into a syrupy glaze.
- Fresh herbs - Toss the hot roasted sprouts with chopped fresh herbs like thyme, basil, parsley, chives, or dill for a pop of fresh flavor.
- Cheese - Grated parmesan, pecorino, cheddar, blue cheese, goat cheese or even brie pair wonderfully with Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle on after roasting.
- Toasted nuts - Add crunch and nuttiness with chopped toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or pine nuts. Sprinkle on at the end.
- Lemon - Brighten up the sprouts with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest after roasting. The acidity balances their flavor.
- Honey mustard - Toss the sprouts in a honey mustard vinaigrette before roasting for a tangy-sweet flavor.
- Maple and bacon - Drizzle a little maple syrup over the sprouts in the last few minutes of roasting, then top with crispy bacon bits.
Can I Make This Recipe In The Oven Instead?
Yes, you can make these crispy Brussels sprouts in the oven instead of the air fryer. Here's how:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large-rimmed baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts the same way - trim and halve them, then toss with the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and honey in a bowl.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on the hot pan, making sure to place them cut-side down. The hot pan helps sear and caramelize the sprouts.
- Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply browned and crispy around the edges. Smaller sprouts may cook faster so check a few minutes early
What Can I Serve With This Recipe
- Roasted or grilled meats - The crispy, salty sprouts pair perfectly with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, steak, or salmon. The sprouts can roast in the air fryer while the meat cooks.
- Pasta dishes - Toss the crispy sprouts with your favorite pasta, some olive oil or butter, parmesan cheese, and toasted nuts for a delicious vegetarian meal. They add great texture.
- Grain bowls - Add the air-fried Brussels sprouts to a hearty grain bowl with quinoa or farro, roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and a tangy dressing.
- Stuffed baked potatoes - Cut a baked potato in half, mash the insides a bit, then top with the super crispy Brussels sprouts, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Salads - Let the sprouts cool and add them to an autumn salad with mixed greens, sliced apples, blue cheese, candied pecans, and maple vinaigrette.
- Eggs - Serve the sprouts alongside a frittata, quiche, or scrambled eggs for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
- Dips - The crispy sprouts make a fun dipper! Serve them as an appetizer with aioli, hummus, ranch or your favorite dip.
Pro Tips
- Size matters! Make sure to cut your sprouts into uniform halves so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces may need less time, so keep an eye on them.
- Don't be shy with the oil. Tossing the sprouts with enough oil is key to getting them nice and crispy in the air fryer. Plus it helps the seasonings stick.
- Season generously. Brussels sprouts can handle a lot of flavor, so don't hold back on the salt, pepper, garlic, and honey. Taste and adjust to your liking.
- Give them space. Resist the urge to cram too many sprouts into your air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Work in batches if doubling the recipe.
- Shake it up. Pause the air fryer halfway through cooking to give the basket a good shake. This helps the sprouts brown evenly on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Experiment with flavors. While this honey garlic version is incredibly crave-worthy, feel free to play around with other seasonings like balsamic, parmesan, or spicy chili.
How To Store
Proper Storage:
- Cool leftovers quickly by dividing them into shallow containers before refrigerating or freezing.
- Cover tightly with airtight lids or wraps to keep out bacteria and prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate perishable leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3-4 days.
Freezing Leftovers:
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label containers with name and date - most foods will maintain quality frozen for 2-4 months.
Reheat leftovers
- reheat any leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria.
- Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure even heating throughout the dish.
- Avoid letting reheated leftovers sit at room temp for more than 2 hours before eating or refrigerating.
Brussel Sprout In Air Fryer
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts offer a delightfully simple and quick preparation, ready in under 30 minutes! These brussels sprouts emerge exceptionally crispy and irresistibly tasty, combining a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness with an addictive crunch.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 680g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon 6g kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon 1g black pepper
- 1 teaspoon 3g garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon 42g honey
- 3 tablespoon 45ml neutral oil like canola or avocado
- Neutral oil spray
Instructions
- Trim the stem ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice each one in half vertically. Place the halved sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the oil over the Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, garlic powder and honey. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the basket, making sure to remove any loose leaves that have fallen off as those may burn.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through. Then air fry again at the same temperature for another 8-10 minutes until the sprouts are deeply browned and super crispy.
- Transfer the crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts to a bowl and season with additional salt to taste, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to cut the Brussels sprouts into even halves so they cook at the same rate. Smaller sprouts may need less time.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer - cook in batches if doubling the recipe so the sprouts crisp up nicely.
- Flavor variations: toss with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with parmesan, drizzle with spicy honey, or add crumbled bacon.
- Leftover air-fried Brussels sprouts can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer to re-crisp.
Nutrition
Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 402gProtein: 12gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 667mgPotassium: 1345mgFiber: 13gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 2568IUVitamin C: 289mgCalcium: 147mgIron: 5mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak the Brussels sprouts first?
No need to soak! Just make sure they are dry before seasoning and air frying.
How do I prevent the sprouts from burning?
Remove any loose outer leaves before air frying as those can burn easily. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket.
What are the benefits of cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
Cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer results in crispy exteriors while keeping the insides tender. It requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Elena says
Thank you!!
Margaret says
Made this last night, easy to make and delicious!