Oh my gosh, you have to try these Brussels sprouts! I swear, they’re life-changing. Picture this: crispy little veggie halves with those perfect caramelized edges, all coated in that magical spicy-sweet chili crisp sauce that makes everything taste better. And the best part? Your air fryer does all the hard work while you sit back and wait for that incredible aroma to fill your kitchen.
I’ll admit – I wasn’t always a Brussels sprouts person. That is, until I discovered what happens when you combine them with chili crisp and let the air fryer work its magic. Now? I make these at least twice a week! They’re that perfect combo of crispy outside, tender inside, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
What I love most is how ridiculously easy this is. No babysitting a skillet, no turning each sprout individually – just toss, air fry, and boom! You’ve got restaurant-quality Brussels sprouts in under 20 minutes. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy steamed sprouts again.
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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts
Let me count the ways these little flavor bombs will steal your heart:
- Crazy crispy texture – That air fryer magic gives you those perfect caramelized edges without any fuss. No more soggy sprouts!
- Spicy-savory kick – Chili crisp brings this addictive umami heat that makes you keep reaching for “just one more” (spoiler: you won’t stop at one).
- Ready in a flash – From fridge to table in under 20 minutes? Yes please! Perfect for those “I need something delicious NOW” moments.
- Almost zero cleanup – Just one bowl and your air fryer basket. My kind of cooking!
- Secretly healthy – Shhh…don’t tell anyone how good these are for you while they’re busy devouring them.
Seriously, these sprouts are the side dish that steals the show every single time.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts
Here’s all you need to make these addictive sprouts (trust me, measure carefully – this combo is magic!):
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (don’t skip halving – those flat sides get extra crispy!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff – it helps everything crisp up beautifully)
- 2 tbsp chili crisp (my holy grail ingredient – Lao Gan Ma brand is my favorite)
- 1/2 tsp salt (flaky sea salt takes these over the top)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, please!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (the secret flavor booster)
Pro tip: Don’t substitute the chili crisp with regular chili oil – you’ll miss those amazing crispy bits!
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Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts – 20-Minute Spicy Perfection
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Brussels sprouts with a spicy chili crisp coating, made easily in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili crisp
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, chili crisp, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and browned.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust chili crisp amount based on your spice preference.
- For extra crispiness, cook a few minutes longer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of 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: air fryer, Brussels sprouts, chili crisp, spicy, easy side dish
How to Make Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these every night. The air fryer does most of the work – we just need to give it the right starting materials.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – get that air fryer nice and hot! I set mine to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while I prep the sprouts. This makes all the difference for getting that perfect crispiness right from the start.
While it’s heating, toss your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, chili crisp, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a big bowl. Don’t be shy – really get in there with your hands to make sure every little sprout half is coated in that delicious spicy goodness. The oil helps the seasoning stick and creates that gorgeous golden crust we’re after.
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Now the fun part! Spread your sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket – no overlapping or they won’t crisp evenly. I know it’s tempting to cram them all in, but trust me, giving them space is worth it.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. That shake is crucial! It helps all sides get equally crispy and prevents any burning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully browned and the edges look almost caramelized. If you like them extra crispy (like I do), add another minute or two at the end.
Pro tip: The smell will drive you crazy while they cook – try to resist opening the basket too often! Just peek through the window to check progress.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts
Listen, I’ve made these enough times to learn ALL the tricks for perfect sprouts every time:
- Spice control: New to chili crisp? Start with 1 tbsp and taste-test mid-cooking. You can always add more!
- Give them space: I know it’s tempting to pile them up, but overlapping sprouts = steamed sprouts. Do batches if needed.
- Crispier? Add 2-3 more minutes at the end – those extra-crunchy bits are my favorite part.
- Size matters: Big sprouts? Quarter ’em. Tiny ones? Leave whole. Just keep pieces roughly the same size.
- Fresh is best: Older sprouts get bitter – pick firm, bright green ones with tight leaves.
Follow these, and you’ll be the Brussels sprouts hero at every meal! For more air fryer inspiration, check out these air fryer appetizers.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts
These sprouts are so good they practically beg to be the star of the show! My favorite ways to serve them:
- As a snack – Honestly, I eat them straight from the basket while standing at the counter (no judgment!)
- With grilled chicken – The spicy sprouts balance perfectly with simple lemon-herb chicken
- Over rice bowls – Add some avocado and a fried egg for the ultimate quick dinner
- Beside steak – Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for Tuesday
Really though? They disappear too fast to worry about pairings!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with these sprouts! But if you miraculously have some left, here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Store: Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay good for about 3 days (if you can resist that long!)
- Reheat: Toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. The microwave just makes them sad and soggy – don’t do it!
Pro tip: If the sprouts seem dry when reheating, spritz lightly with oil before air frying again.
Air Fryer Chili Crisp Brussels Sprouts FAQs
I get asked about these sprouts ALL the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often:
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
You can, but fresh really is best here! Frozen sprouts tend to release more water, so they won’t get quite as crispy. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat VERY dry first. Maybe add an extra minute or two of cooking time.
What if I don’t have chili crisp?
Oh honey, you’re missing out! But in a pinch, mix 1 tbsp regular chili oil with 1 tbsp crispy fried shallots or garlic. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll give you some of that texture and heat. (Then go buy chili crisp ASAP – your life will change!)
How do I reduce the spiciness?
Easy! Start with just 1 tbsp chili crisp instead of 2. You can also mix in a little honey or maple syrup to balance the heat. Taste after mixing and adjust as needed – remember, you can always add more spice but you can’t take it out!
Why are my sprouts soggy?
Three likely culprits: overcrowded basket (do batches!), not preheating the air fryer, or not shaking halfway. Also check that your sprouts are completely dry before tossing with oil – moisture is the enemy of crispiness! For more tips on achieving crispiness, see this guide on how to cook Brussels sprouts.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the raw sprouts with oil and spices up to 4 hours ahead. Keep them in the fridge until ready to air fry. Cooked sprouts lose some crispiness over time, but they’ll still taste amazing!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates because let’s be real, who actually measures out exactly 1/4 of the recipe? (Not me!) Here’s the scoop per serving:
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (but good luck stopping there!)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 4g (see? veggies CAN be delicious!)
- Protein: 4g
Honestly, with nutrition this good, I consider eating the whole batch “self care.” The chili crisp bits are basically multivitamins, right?