Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe in 20 Minutes

Let me tell you about the magic trick that turned my family from brussels sprouts skeptics into full-on addicts. I’m talking about those perfectly crispy, golden little gems that come out of the air fryer in under 20 minutes – my go-to weeknight side dish that’s healthier than roasting but just as delicious. The first time I made air fryer brussels sprouts, I nearly burned them because I couldn’t stop tasting them straight from the basket! That addictive crunch you get from traditional deep-frying? You’ll get it here too, but with just a fraction of the oil.

I discovered this method when my oven broke right before Thanksgiving (story of my life), and now I’ll never go back to soggy, unevenly roasted sprouts again. The air fryer circulates that hot air so evenly that every single sprout comes out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. No more flipping trays or watching half the batch burn while the other half stays mushy. This recipe makes enough for four generous servings, and honestly, you’ll be lucky if there are any leftovers. Follow my simple steps, and I promise you’ll get restaurant-worthy air fryer brussels sprouts every single time.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Let me count the ways these crispy little beauties will become your new obsession:

• That perfect crunch – The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crispiness without all the oil. Every bite has that addictive texture that’ll make you forget you’re eating vegetables.
• Lightning fast – From fridge to table in under 20 minutes! No more waiting for the oven to preheat or watching them roast forever.
• Healthier but still heavenly – We use just enough oil to make them crispy (2 tablespoons for the whole batch!) instead of swimming in it.
• Easy cleanup – One bowl for tossing, one basket to wash. My kind of cooking math!
• Endless flavor options – This simple spice blend is just the start. Add hot honey, balsamic, or parmesan to make them your own.

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen in your air fryer (trust me, it’s probably all in your pantry right now):

• 1 lb brussels sprouts – ends trimmed and halved (this part’s crucial!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – our crispy-making superhero
• 1/2 tsp salt – brings out all those natural flavors
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – just enough kick
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder – for that savory depth
• 1/4 tsp paprika – adds subtle sweetness and color

Don’t skip halving those sprouts – it’s the secret to getting crispy edges all over! Whole sprouts just steam inside while the outside burns. Not the texture we’re after.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Let me let you in on some kitchen truths I’ve learned after burning (and perfecting) more batches than I’d like to admit:

The olive oil isn’t just for flavor – it helps create that golden crust we all crave. If you’re out, avocado oil works just as well with its high smoke point. And about those sprouts: halving them isn’t just for looks. The flat sides get beautifully caramelized while the leaves crisp up into little chips. Heaven!

Feeling adventurous? Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to add a campfire vibe, or try onion powder instead of garlic powder for a mellower taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes will wake up your taste buds if you like heat.

Important tip if you’re adding parmesan: skip the pre-shredded stuff! Those anti-caking agents keep it from melting properly. Grab a block and grate it fresh over your hot sprouts – it’ll cling perfectly and taste infinitely better. My Italian grandma would approve!

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Essential Equipment for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

• An air fryer (any model/brand will do!)
• A large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

If you’re a fan of bold, crispy veggies, you’ve got to try my Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts Recipe next! The perfect mix of crunch and heat, these sprouts are coated in a spicy chili crisp glaze that takes flavor to the next level.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Alright, let’s turn those little green guys into crispy perfection! Here’s exactly how I make my foolproof air fryer brussels sprouts every time:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – about 3 minutes does the trick. While it heats, pat your halved sprouts completely dry (wet sprouts = steam, not crisp!).
2. Toss like you mean it! In that big bowl, combine sprouts with oil and all the spices. Get in there with your hands to make sure every nook and cranny is coated. Those spice pockets between the leaves? That’s where the magic happens.
3. Single layer is key – arrange your sprouts in the basket cut-side down if you can. No piling! They need breathing room to crisp up properly. If they’re crowded, cook in batches – I promise it’s worth the extra few minutes.
4. Shake it up! After 6-7 minutes, pull that basket out and give it a good shake. This helps all sides get evenly golden. Peek at any smaller sprouts – they might be done already.
5. Finish strong – cook another 5-6 minutes until they’re crispy outside with tender centers. You’ll see those gorgeous browned edges and hear that telltale crispy-leaf rustle when you shake the basket.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

After burning more batches than I’d like to admit, here are my hard-earned lessons:

• Extra crispy? Add 2-3 minutes if you like them almost chip-like. Just watch closely – they go from golden to burnt fast!
• Parmesan power: Add freshly grated parm right after cooking – the residual heat melts it into the most delicious cheesy crust.
• Dry squad: Seriously, dry those sprouts thoroughly before oiling. Any water left = sad, steamed brussels instead of crispy ones.
• Size matters: Pick out smaller sprouts halfway through – they cook faster and can burn while bigger ones finish.

Serving Your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Here’s the golden rule – serve these babies immediately! That’s when they’re at their absolute crispiest, straight from the air fryer basket. The leaves will have that perfect chip-like crunch while the centers stay tender. I always burn my fingers taste-testing because I just can’t wait.

They pair beautifully with almost any main dish – try them alongside roasted chicken (my Tuesday night staple), a juicy grilled steak, or piled next to creamy pasta. For a quick upgrade, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top right before serving – the bright acidity cuts through the richness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze makes them fancy enough for company, and don’t forget that freshly grated parmesan cheese trick we talked about earlier. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Okay, let’s be real – there probably won’t be leftovers. But just in case you miraculously resist eating the whole batch (how?!), here’s how to keep them tasting amazing:

First, let those sprouts cool completely before storing – trapping steam leads to soggy sadness. Tuck them into an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, resist the microwave! It turns those crispy leaves into mush faster than you can say “disappointment.” Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for just 3-4 minutes – they’ll come out nearly as crisp as when they were fresh. I’ve even been known to snack on them cold straight from the fridge (don’t judge!), but trust me, that quick air fryer reheat makes all the difference.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Nutrition Information

Just so you know, these nutrition facts are estimates – your exact numbers might vary depending on the size of your sprouts and brands you use. But here’s the scoop per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe): roughly 90 calories, 5g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil!), 10g carbs, a solid 4g fiber to keep you full, and 4g protein. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right?

For more simple yet flavorful air fryer veggie recipes, follow us on Pinterest! You’ll find endless inspiration for healthy sides, quick weeknight dishes, and crispy bites everyone will want on repeat.

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Share Your Feedback

Did you make these air fryer brussels sprouts? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below with your rating and any fun twists you tried – maybe you added bacon or drizzled them with honey? Your kitchen experiments might just inspire my next batch!