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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into a crave-worthy side dish with this simple air fryer method. Fresh Brussels sprouts are halved and soaked to remove any bitterness, then patted dry and tossed with olive oil and seasonings. The air fryer works at 375°F for just 12 minutes, creating perfectly caramelized exteriors while maintaining tender, flavorful centers. This method brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts while achieving those crispy, golden-brown edges that make them irresistible. Perfect for converting even the most stubborn Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans.
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Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:14:34 GMT
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A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with red pepper flakes. Pin it
A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with red pepper flakes. | cookingkeys.com

Let me share my favorite way to turn Brussels sprouts into a dish everyone actually fights over! After years of boiled sprouts getting pushed around plates I discovered this air fryer method that's pure magic. Those crispy edges with perfectly tender centers have converted even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics in my family. Last night my son actually asked for thirds that's when I knew we had a winner!

Why These Are Amazing

These aren't your grandmother's Brussels sprouts! The air fryer transforms them into crispy savory bites that taste almost like vegetable candy. Even my neighbor who swore she'd never touch a Brussels sprout changed her mind after trying these. There's something about those caramelized edges and tender middles that makes everyone reach for more.

What You'll Need

  • The Basics: Fresh Brussels sprouts look for tight bright green heads, good olive oil, sea salt, fresh cracked pepper.
  • Optional But Wonderful: Red pepper flakes if you like heat, fresh Parmesan for finishing, balsamic glaze for drizzling, maybe some garlic powder because why not!

Let's Get Cooking

Prepping Your Sprouts
First trim those ends and cut them in half any really big ones can be quartered. Give them a nice soak in cold water helps them steam perfectly inside while getting crispy outside. My daughter loves helping dry them she calls it giving them their spa treatment!
Getting Them Ready
Toss those sprouts with olive oil and seasonings making sure every piece gets coated. I love watching my kids help with this part they say we're giving the sprouts their special sauce!
Air Fryer Magic
Layer them in your air fryer basket cut side down for maximum crispiness. That sizzle when they start cooking pure kitchen music!
An air fryer basket containing a batch of roasted Brussels sprouts. Pin it
An air fryer basket containing a batch of roasted Brussels sprouts. | cookingkeys.com

Making Them Perfect

Want to know my secrets for the best sprouts? Don't skip that soaking step it makes them perfectly tender inside. Make sure they're super dry before adding oil nobody likes soggy sprouts! And here's my favorite tip add that Parmesan right at the end when it can melt and get crispy too.

Serving Them Up

These need to be served right away while they're hot and crispy! Sometimes I drizzle them with balsamic glaze or sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. For dinner parties I keep batches going in the air fryer they disappear as fast as I can make them! My friend Sarah actually started bringing her own container hoping for leftovers.

Keeping It Fresh

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they reheat beautifully! Just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes they crisp right up. Though honestly in my house leftovers are rare everyone always wants seconds. Now I make double batches just to be safe!

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to play with flavors! Sometimes I add garlic powder and lemon zest before cooking. My spice-loving son sprinkles extra red pepper flakes on his portion. Once I tossed them with honey and sriracha after cooking total game changer! That's what makes cooking fun finding your perfect combination.

A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts with a golden-brown exterior and bright green leaves. Pin it
A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts with a golden-brown exterior and bright green leaves. | cookingkeys.com

Why These Matter

These Brussels sprouts have become more than just a side dish in our house they're our vegetable victory! When your kids start requesting vegetables by name you know you've found something special. Even better they're learning to love helping in the kitchen measuring seasonings and creating their own combinations.

The best part isn't just how delicious they are it's seeing everyone's surprised faces when they discover they're enjoying Brussels sprouts! Whether you're trying to eat more vegetables or just want something deliciously different these crispy bites never disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you soak the Brussels sprouts in hot water?
Soaking Brussels sprouts in hot water helps reduce bitterness and traps moisture between the leaves. This moisture turns to steam during cooking, ensuring the sprouts are tender inside while crispy outside.
→ Can I make this recipe in a smaller air fryer?
Yes, you can use a smaller air fryer. You may need to cook the sprouts in batches or increase the cooking time, shaking the basket several times to ensure even crisping.
→ How do I store leftover air fryer Brussels sprouts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
→ Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, you can experiment with garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or even grated Parmesan cheese for different flavor profiles.
→ Are air fryer Brussels sprouts healthy?
Yes, this recipe is quite healthy. It's low in calories and carbs, and high in fiber. Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier cooking option.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts made in an air fryer. This quick and easy recipe creates perfectly cooked sprouts with golden-brown edges.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes

Category: Air Fryer Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved.
02 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
03 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste.
04 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste.
05 Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Cut off tough stems and remove any discolored outer leaves. Slice sprouts in half lengthwise through the core.

Step 02

Place halved sprouts in a bowl of hot tap water. Let soak for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness and add moisture.

Step 03

Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat if required.

Step 04

Drain sprouts well. In a clean bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 05

Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), shaking halfway through.

Step 06

Transfer to a plate and serve immediately while crisp. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  1. Recipe developed for a 6-quart air fryer. Adjust cooking time or cook in batches for smaller fryers.
  2. Soaking sprouts helps reduce bitterness and ensures tender insides with crispy outsides.
  3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Knife.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 61
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 2 g