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. That said, fried is not the healthiest choice and I tend to avoid frying.
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.
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 these. Today we will use these and make Amazing Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
How to make 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.
Most of the time, I just find them in a bag at the grocery store, which is great too. Some people have asked if they can use frozen one's. However I recommend to use fresh one's for the best crispy taste.
Rinse them with water to clean and pat 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.
Toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and garlic powder. Garlic powder and balsamic vinegar is certainly optional, but we love the taste and the balsamic galze. If you like a 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 half way through.
How to roast Brussels Sprouts in the oven?
Follow the same process to get the brussels sprouts mixed with olive oil and seasoning. Spread them on a baking tray. Bake in oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending upon your oven and the size of sprouts.
Enjoy the Brussels Sprouts
Drizzle some lime juice. Enjoy as is or with a dip of garlic thyme mayonnaise. They are divine!!
Tips for perfect Air Fryer Brussels sprouts
- 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 quicker.
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 just sprinkle some parmesan on the top before serving.
Common Questions
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, and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes and set the temperature to 380°F. This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate.
Any leftover can be stored in an air tight 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.
If you like this recipe, check out other Air Fryer recipes:
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder optional
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar optional
Instructions
- Rinse brussels sprouts with water to clean and pat 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 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 in 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.
Video
Notes
- 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 quicker.
- 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.
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
I wish Brussels sprouts had been served like this when I was a kid! Yum! Great recipe!
Thank you! 🙂
Sounds wonderful!! I’ll have to try this on weight watchers :). I love spaghetti squash so I usually poke a hole in it and cook it in the microwave about ten minutes. That gets it half way done. Then I finish by roasting it cut side down in the oven because it has better flavor!!
Regards Hannah Flack
That's great. Hope you enjoy these Brussels sprouts too!
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These are so stinkin perfect!! From the picture I assumed you just used jello on each side and it's nice to see that you did something so much better.
I love cooking meals with my crock pot! These are some great recipes and I pinned this to my Pinterest crock pot/slow cooker board. Thanks so much for sharing!
This sauce looks so perfect Michelle! I love butternut squash, although my husband doesn't... I think this would be the perfect way to get him to try it 🙂
Followed recipe exactly in air fryer and they were crispy and delicious! Thank you
Hey Erik - Glad to hear the Brussels sprouts turned out delicious. Thank you for sharing back your review!
I tried making these but they were too crunchy. I'll follow your guidelines but next time I may steam them first (just so they are softer inside).
On the stove top, I boil them in water first to soften. Then I saute them in garlic, oil and/or butter, and seasonings. I guess I'm just used to that texture.
Thanks!
Hey Amber - Thanks for trying and sharing your experience. It might be a difference in texture. You can try oven roasted, they might be closer to what you are looking for.
I have enjoyed Brussels sprouts r ecently and use the TJ’s Lime chile powder..tangy and spicy(no need to add salt). Thanks for the variation tips - will try those too ?
Glad you enjoyed the Brussels sprouts. We have been enjoying the TJ's Lime Chile powder as well. It is so good over anything to add a little tanginess. Thank you Herman for sharing back your review!