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.

Chinese style Brussels sprouts kung pao in a white bowl
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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 much veggies, also enjoys these (see the pic below of both digging into them).

Brussels sprouts are not exactly a favorite vegetable as it reminds many of cabbages. But they make up for a great side. I have shared both the air-fryer and oven method.

I would not hesitate to call this a P.F.Changs copycat recipe, as their Brussels sprouts is what got me into enjoying this veggie too.

little kids enjoying the asian Brussels sprouts

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 traditionally, the kung pao chicken is 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.

Watch How to Make Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

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.

Brussel 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
ingredients to make Chinese style Brussels sprouts

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, slightly trim the bottom part of each Brussels sprout and cut them in quarters. In case they are too small, you can cut each in half or roast them whole.

If you can, buy similar-sized Brussels sprouts, as it will help even when cooking.

Quartered or halved Brussels sprouts on a cutting board
  • 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
Brussels sprouts mixed in kung pao sauce

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.
Asian Brussels sprouts in the air fryer
  • Then add roasted peanuts and air-fry them for 1 more minute.
Cooked kung pao Brussels sprouts in air fryer

It allows the peanut to blend with the Kung Pao sauce.

Kung pao roasted air fryer Brussels sprouts

Then, take it out in a bowl and garnish it with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and more 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 add the garnish of sesame seeds or red pepper flakes.
PF Changs style king pao Brussels sprouts in a bowl with chopsticks and peanuts on the side

Tips to make your kung pao Brussels sprouts even better:

  • Choose fresh: Go for fresh Brussels sprouts in this recipe. I have tried with 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.
Download free copy of air fryer cooking time chart

If you want to try more veggies cooked in the air fryer recipe:

I hope you enjoy these Kung Pao Brussels sprouts. Don’t forget to share a pic and tag #pipingpotcurry

4.75 from 28 votes

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

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.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Video

Ingredients 

For the sauce

Garnish options

Instructions 

  • Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
  • Add the brussels sprouts and dried chillies to the prepared sauce.
    Brussels sprouts mixed in kung pao sauce
  • Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes. Add peanuts and air fry for 1 more minute.
    Cooked kung pao Brussels sprouts in air fryer
  • Take out the brussels sprouts in a bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and more roasted peanuts. Enjoy!
    Asian style kung pan Brussels sprouts in a bowl with chopsticks

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!

Notes

Choose fresh: Go for fresh Brussels sprouts in this recipe. I have tried with 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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 14gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 871mgPotassium: 1239mgFiber: 11gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 2355IUVitamin C: 291mgCalcium: 124mgIron: 5mg

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
Tried this recipe?Mention @pipingpotcurry or tag #pipingpotcurry!

About Meeta

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, healthy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.

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4.75 from 28 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

  1. 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!

      1. Thanks! Don’t know how I missed those instructions before. Will definitely be trying this. BTW, I absolutely love the Masala Oats recipe!

  2. 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

    1. 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!