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A delicious side dish of crispy Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these are a perfect side dish or snack.
Brussels sprouts were never my favorite veggie. In fact, we do not have Brussels sprouts in India. They were never grown there. After moving to the US, it took me a while to start eating them. Even then, I was not sure how to cook them.
But now, after multiple tries, the best way I like them is fried or baked when they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, similar to roasted sweet potatoes. That said, fried food is not the best choice, and I tend to avoid frying.
Followed recipe exactly in air fryer and they were crispy and delicious! Thank you
– ERIK
However, since I got my Instant Vortex Air Fryer, these have become a staple snack in our house. I have also been trying to reduce carbs and gluten in our diet, so these become an ideal choice. They are also Keto, Whole30, and Paleo diet friendly.
I was at Trader Joe’s yesterday and see what I found. They were selling a stalk of Brussels sprouts. I instantly bought them as I am sure many people have never seen them. Today, we will use these and make Amazing Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts: If you can find a fresh stalk, get that or use brussels sprouts in a pack from the produce section. I prefer fresh ones for the crispy final dish.
Olive Oil: Makes the Brussels sprouts crispy! Just a little olive oil or avocado oil works well.
Seasoning: I add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is optional, but it adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
How to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer?
Firstly, if you find a stalk of Brussels sprouts, then remove them from the stalk. You don’t need a knife; just push them downwards with your fingers, and they should pop out.
I usually find them in a bag at the grocery store, which is great. Some people have asked if they can use frozen ones. However, I recommend using fresh ones for the best crispy taste.
Rinse them with water to clean them, and pat them dry with a paper towel. I used about 10 sprouts for this recipe (about 7-8 oz). Cut the bottom stem, then cut each Brussels sprout in half.
Tip: If you like your sprouts extra tender in the center, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before preparing.
Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder. Garlic powder and balsamic vinegar are certainly optional, but we love the taste and the balsamic glaze. If you like them spicy, add some red chili flakes.
Air fry them at 360°F for 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly browned on the outside. Shake them halfway through.
How to Roast Brussels Sprouts in the oven?
Follow the same process to mix the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasoning. Spread them on a baking tray. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the sprouts.
Enjoy the Brussels Sprouts
Drizzle some lime juice. Enjoy as is or with a dip of my garlic yogurt sauce. They are divine, and you can’t stop at one!!
Recipe Tips
If you can, buy similar-sized Brussels sprouts so they all cook evenly.
You want the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
If you like your sprouts extra tender in the center, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before preparing.
If you are doubling the recipe, then cook in multiple batches. Note that the air fryer is already heated with the first batch, so the second batch will cook quickly.
Topping Variations
Toss them in buffalo sauce or sweet sriracha. I have had these at BJ’s restaurant, and they are awesome.
Add Parmesan and breadcrumbs with the olive oil before cooking. Or sprinkle some Parmesan on the top before serving.
Add feta cheese to the cooked, crispy Brussels sprouts for a Greek variation.
Drizzle a teaspoon of honey on the cooked Brussels sprouts and toss them well.
Yes, you can air fry frozen Brussels sprouts. When cooking from frozen, you won’t be able to cut them, so I prefer to use petite Brussels sprouts. Spread them in the air fryer basket, cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, and set the temperature to 380°F. This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate.
How to store leftover air-fried Brussels sprouts?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer and heat for 2-3 minutes at 380°F. I don’t recommend freezing these Brussels sprouts.
Rinse the Brussels sprouts with water to clean, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cut the bottom stem, then cut each Brussels sprout in half. Place them in a bowl.
Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and balsamic vinegar. Transfer them to the air fryer basket.
Air fry them at 360°F for 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly browned. Shake them half way through.
Brussels sprouts are ready. Remove to a serving plate and drizzle with some lime juice. Enjoy as is or with a dip of garlic thyme mayonnaise.
Oven Method
Bake in oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Notes
Tips
If you can, buy similar-sized Brussels sprouts so they all cook evenly.
You want the Brussels sprouts to be in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
If you are doubling the recipe, then cook in multiple batches. Note that as the air fryer is already heated with the first batch, the second batch will cook quickly.
Frozen Brussels sprouts: When cooking from frozen, you won’t be able to cut them, so I prefer to use petite Brussels sprouts. Spread them in the air fryer basket, cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, and set the temperature to 380°F. This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate.Variations:
Toss them in buffalo sauce. I have had these at BJ’s, and they are awesome.
Add parmesan and breadcrumbs with the olive oil before cooking. Or just sprinkle some Parmesan on the top before serving.
I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. My passion is to share easy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.
I am out of balsamic vinegar can I use with white or red wine vinegar?
Thank you for sharing this has really tweeked my interest in Air Fryers and cooking has been made so simple!
Hi – Thank you! I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying using the air fryer. It really makes cooking quick and simple. 😊
Universal and simple recipe; I may try it blackened tonight.
Valuable information. Fortunate me I discovered your website by chance! I bookmarked it.
I need more recipes like this in my back pocket for when it’s a crazy night and we have no groceries and i don’t know what else to make.
THis looks so yummy. I’m making it tonight but with ground Turkey. I can’t wait.