A simple yet delicious side dish, these Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are easy-to-whip-up in the air fryer. Garnished with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds, they can be made in less than 30 minutes.
To say it in two words about these kung pao Brussels sprouts is that they are SO GOOD. My whole family loves them. I am always surprised that my picky daughter, who does not eat many veggies, also enjoys these (see the pic below of both digging into them).
Brussels sprouts are not exactly a favorite vegetable, as they remind many of cabbage. But they make up for a great side. I have shared both the air-fryer and oven methods.
I would not hesitate to call this a P.F. Chang’s copycat recipe, as their Brussels sprouts are what got me into enjoying this veggie.
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Just because of this recipe, my 8-year-old asks me to buy Brussels sprouts. Now that is a win!! In case this is your first time eating Brussels sprouts, you are in for a treat, as this dish is inspired by the famous Kung Pao Chicken recipe.
The Kung Pao sauce is mildly spicy, tangy, and sweet in taste. I have also added some roasted peanuts to this recipe, as kung pao chicken is traditionally served with them.
You can have this dish as a snack, an appetizer, or as a side dish with rice or quinoa.
If you love Brussels sprouts, check out my air fryer Brussels sprouts and Indian Brussels sprouts stir-fry recipe.
Ingredients
We will be making the Kung Pao sauce from scratch, so here is the list of ingredients you need to have ready before making this dish.
Brussels sprouts: Use fresh Brussels sprouts. Washed, outer layer peeled and quartered. You can also just half them if they are small in size.
Dry red chilies: These add a lot of flavor. Remove the seeds to make them less spicy.
Roasted Peanuts: You can use either salted or unsalted. If using salted, taste the dish before adding any additional salt.
For the sauce mix:
- Dark Soy sauce
- Tamari or regular soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Red chili paste
- Agave/honey/maple syrup
- Sesame oil
- Ginger and garlic
- Cornstarch
Prep the Brussels sprouts
Next, it is time to prepare the Brussels sprouts. Rinse them well under running water and dry them using a kitchen towel. Then, trim the bottom of each Brussels sprout slightly and cut them into quarters. If they are too small, you can cut each one in half or roast them whole.
If you can, buy similar-sized Brussels sprouts, as it will help even when cooking.
- Then take a large bowl and add all the sauce ingredients and mix them well together.
- Then add the cut Brussels sprouts and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated
Once they are well-coated, you can either air-fry or roast them in the oven.
Air Fryer Method
- Layer the Brussels sprouts in a single layer
- You can air-fry them at 380°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Then add roasted peanuts and air-fry them for 1 more minute.
It allows the peanut to blend with the Kung Pao sauce.
Then transfer it to a bowl and garnish with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and additional roasted peanuts.
Oven Method
- Follow the same steps as above to prep the Brussels sprouts
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Then spread sauce-coated Brussels sprouts on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes until they are crispy on the edges and tender inside.
- Add roasted peanuts and garnish with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes.
Tips to make your kung pao Brussels sprouts even better:
- Choose fresh: Go for fresh Brussels sprouts in this recipe. I have tried frozen Brussels sprouts, and they do not work as well. Try choosing similar sized Brussels sprouts as they help in even cooking.
- Want them saucier: While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, whip up some extra sauce (skip the cornstarch and sesame oil). Toss the cooked Brussels sprouts in the sauce and serve immediately
- Serving: You can serve these Brussels sprouts as an appetizer or as a side to any Asian-style rice or main dish. Don’t judge, but I could literally enjoy these as a meal too.
I hope you enjoy these Kung Pao Brussels sprouts. Don’t forget to share a pic and tag #pipingpotcurry
More Air Fryer Veggies To Try
Air Fryer Beets
Air Fryer Broccoli
Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, outer layer peeled and quartered
- 6-10 Dried Red Chili Peppers, split, seeds removed
- 1/3 cup Roasted Peanuts, either salted or unsalted
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons Tamari , or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dark soy sauce, skip for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Agave Syrup, or honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Red chili paste, adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 3 cloves Garlic, pressed or minced
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Garnish options
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Sesame Seeds, white
- 1/3 cup Green onion, green part, optional
Instructions
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the Brussels sprouts and dried chillies to the prepared sauce.
- Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes. Add peanuts and air fry for 1 more minute.
- Take out the Brussels sprouts in a bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and more roasted peanuts. Enjoy!
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. After tossing the Brussels sprouts in the sauce, roast for 20-25 minutes, until they are crispy on the edges and tender inside. Add roasted peanuts. Garnish and serve!
I am going to try the oven method tonight. I’m actually one of the weirdos that loves Brussels sprouts any way, even raw! My question for Meeta is what is your most favorite instant pot? I’m going to purchase one soon and thought you’d be the perfect chef to ask!
Wondering if this could be adapted for those of us do not have an air fryer… Any thoughts? BTW, I LOVE your recipes and look forward to your emails in my inbox!
Hi Margaret – I have included oven details in the recipe card. Hope you enjoy this recipe too 😊
Thanks! Don’t know how I missed those instructions before. Will definitely be trying this. BTW, I absolutely love the Masala Oats recipe!
Thank you!
Looks yummy although I hate brussels sprouts – I think this would work just as well with broccoli, right?!
Hi Sujata – Sure, you can try the same recipe with broccoli too. Would love to hear how it turns out!
For the sauce mix:
Dark Soy sauce
Tamari or regular soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Red chili paste
Agave/honey/maple syrup
Sesame oil
Ginger and garlic
You forgot to list Corn Starch.
Super Good! Thanks
Hi Chris – Thanks for letting me know. I have added it now. Please do always check the detailed recipe card at the end of the post for most accurate details. Thanks!