Oh my gosh, you have to try these crispy Brussels sprouts in the air fryer! I used to roast them in the oven forever, but ever since I discovered this brussel sprout recipes air fryer method, I’ll never go back. The first time I made them, my husband actually ate his vegetables without me begging – that’s how good they get with that perfect crunch on the outside and tender inside. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a side dish that’s got that irresistible texture we all crave, with way less oil than deep frying. Trust me, once you taste those caramelized edges with that hint of garlic, you’ll be making these on repeat like we do!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Let me tell you why these little green gems will become your new obsession:
- Crazy crispy – That perfect golden-brown crunch you’ve been dreaming of, without deep frying
- Ready in a flash – Just 15 minutes from fridge to table (no more waiting for the oven to heat up!)
- Healthier than ever – Uses way less oil than traditional roasting methods. For more information on the health benefits of air frying, check out this Mayo Clinic article on air fryers.
- No mess, no stress – The air fryer basket makes cleanup a breeze
- Endlessly customizable – Toss in whatever flavors you’re craving that day
Seriously, once you try Brussels sprouts this way, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked them any other method!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Here’s all you need to make magic happen – and I promise it’s nothing fancy! Just grab:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts – Look for bright green, firm ones (trim off the dry ends and cut in half so they cook evenly)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Just enough to coat without making them greasy
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Trust me, you’ll want every bit of this
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – The secret weapon that makes everyone ask “What’s in these?!”
That’s it! Five simple ingredients that turn veggie skeptics into believers. Now let’s make some crispy magic!
How to Make Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
Okay, let me walk you through exactly how I make these perfect little crispy sprouts every single time. It’s so easy, you’ll have it memorized after one try!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – get that air fryer nice and hot! I set mine to 375°F and let it preheat while I prep the sprouts. Just trim off those dry stem ends (don’t be shy – take off any yellow leaves too) and cut each sprout in half from top to bottom. This gives you those perfect flat sides that get so beautifully browned!
Step 2: Season the Sprouts
Now the fun part – toss those halved sprouts in a big bowl with the olive oil. I use my hands to really massage it in so every nook and cranny gets coated. Then sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and that magical garlic powder. Give another good toss – you want every single sprout wearing its little flavor jacket!
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Here’s the key – don’t crowd them! Spread the sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket. I do mine in batches if needed. Cook for 12-15 minutes total, but at the halfway mark (about 7 minutes in), pause to give that basket a good shake. This is when the magic happens – you’ll see them starting to get those gorgeous crispy edges! Keep cooking until they’re as golden and crispy as you like – I usually go for the full 15 for maximum crunch.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – we’re obsessed!), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Size matters – Cut sprouts roughly the same size so they cook evenly (no burnt babies alongside raw giants!)
- Give them space – Overcrowding = steaming, not crisping. Work in batches if needed
- Shake it up – That mid-cook shake is non-negotiable for even browning
- Bonus flavors – Toss with grated Parmesan right after cooking, or drizzle with balsamic glaze for fancy restaurant vibes. If you need a recipe for balsamic glaze, check out this Allrecipes guide to balsamic glaze.
- Hot basket hack – Let your preheated air fryer basket warm the oiled sprouts for 2 minutes before cooking for extra crispiness
Follow these and you’ll get sprouts so good, even your picky eater will ask for seconds!
Variations for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Here’s where you can get creative with your sprouts! My family loves when I toss in crumbled bacon during the last 3 minutes of cooking. For a sweet kick, drizzle with honey before serving. Feeling spicy? A pinch of red chili flakes with the seasoning takes these to the next level. Sometimes I’ll even add lemon zest and grated Parmesan right after cooking for a bright, cheesy twist. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Brussels sprouts are the perfect sidekick to so many meals! We love them with simple air fryer roast chicken (the crispiness pairs perfectly with juicy meat) or a nice juicy steak. On busy weeknights, I’ll even toss them with cooked pasta and a squeeze of lemon for a super fast veggie-packed dinner. They’re also amazing alongside holiday mains – last Thanksgiving, my air fryer sprouts stole the show right next to the air fryer Thanksgiving turkey!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – these Brussels sprouts actually keep surprisingly well! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up like magic! The microwave will make them soggy, so resist that temptation. Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, undercook them slightly the first time so they’re perfect after reheating.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving of these delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts – and trust me, you’ll feel good about eating them! One serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) comes out to roughly:
- 120 calories
- 7g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
- 12g carbs
- 4g fiber – that’s nearly 15% of your daily needs!
- 4g protein
Keep in mind these are estimates since sizes and brands vary, but isn’t it nice knowing something this crispy and delicious is actually good for you too? For more general vegetable nutrition facts, you can check the USDA FoodData Central database.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about these air fryer Brussels sprouts all the time – here are the most common questions that pop up:
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Absolutely! No need to thaw – just toss them in frozen (they might need an extra minute or two). The texture won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but still delicious in a pinch.
How do I prevent soggy sprouts? The golden rule is DON’T overcrowd that basket! Also, make sure your sprouts are completely dry after washing, and give them that mid-cook shake for even crisping.
Why are my sprouts burning? If you’re getting charred edges, try lowering the temp to 350°F and cooking a few minutes longer. Smaller sprouts cook faster too!
Can I make these ahead? They’re best fresh, but you can prep the trimmed/salted sprouts up to a day in advance – just wait to oil and cook them right before serving.
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Crispy 15-Minute Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe – Amazing!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make crispy Brussels sprouts in your air fryer with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place sprouts in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut sprouts evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Add Parmesan or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, air fryer, easy side dish