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 food 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, Whole30, and Paleo diet friendly.
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Watch How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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.
You can also try our other favorites – Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts and Indian Brussels Sprouts Curry.
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Ingredients
- 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 adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
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.
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.
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!!
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 in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- 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.
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.
If you love roasting veggies in the air fryer, check out this collection for 25+ Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes.
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, cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, and set the temperature to 380°F. This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate.
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.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt , adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, adjust to taste
- 1/2 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 quickly.
- 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 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!!
That’s great. Hope you enjoy these Brussels sprouts too!
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I so enjoy your site and your recipes. Would you please consider adding a print option so we can enjoy your recipes a little more easily. Thank you.
Hi Rose – On the recipe card, there is a print option. Hope you enjoy the Brussels sprouts!
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.
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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!