I’ll never forget the first time I made Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. It was Thanksgiving a few years ago, and I was hosting the big family dinner at my place. Now, I love Brussels sprouts, but I know they can be a tough sell for some people – they have such a strong, earthy flavor that can be a little polarizing. But I was determined to win over even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics that day.
I spent hours scouring the internet for the perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe, wanting to find a method that would make them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. When I stumbled across a recipe that promised perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts every time, I just had to try it. I grabbed a fresh batch of Brussels sprouts, tossed them in olive oil and seasonings, and popped them in my trusty air fryer. The aroma that filled my kitchen as they cooked was absolutely mouthwatering – I knew I was onto something good.
When it was time to serve up the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, I held my breath a little. But to my delight, they were a huge hit! Even my uncle, who swears he hates Brussels sprouts, went back for seconds. The sprouts were perfectly crispy on the outside, with a delightful pop of flavor in every bite. I’ve been making Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts as a Thanksgiving staple ever since – they’ve become a total crowd-pleaser in my family.
Why This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind these perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts is all in the technique. Unlike traditional roasting, where the sprouts can sometimes turn out soggy or uneven, the air fryer gives them an unbelievably crispy texture. The circulating hot air cooks them evenly, so you get that delicious caramelized exterior without any burnt or mushy bits. And the best part? It’s a total breeze to make – just toss the sprouts in the air fryer and let the magic happen.
The Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brussels sprouts – Look for fresh, bright green sprouts that are firm to the touch. Avoid any that are yellowing or have brown spots.
- Olive oil – A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is best for coating the sprouts and helping them get crispy.
- Garlic powder – This adds a savory, aromatic boost of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that let the Brussels sprouts shine.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Instructions
Preparing Your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them this way all along. It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, and the results are nothing short of crispy perfection. All you need is your air fryer and a handful of simple ingredients.
1- Start by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cutting any larger ones in half. This helps them cook evenly.
2- In a large bowl, toss the trimmed sprouts with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer, making sure they have a little space between them.
4- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are crispy and golden brown.
5- For an extra flavor boost, you can toss the air-fried Brussels sprouts with a bit of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice.
6- Serve these crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to getting perfectly crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts is making sure they’re in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding the basket will lead to steaming instead of crisping. And don’t be afraid to shake the basket a few times during cooking – this helps them brown evenly.
Serving and Storing Your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Perfect Pairings for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts make a fantastic side dish for all sorts of meals. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. And of course, they’re a must-have on the Thanksgiving table. For drinks, I love serving them with a crisp white wine or a bold craft beer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. You can also make a big batch ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Creative Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Variations
Once you nail down this basic Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe, the flavor possibilities are endless. Try tossing them with Parmesan, garlic, and lemon zest for an Italian twist. Or amp up the heat with a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne. You can even get creative with mix-ins like crispy bacon, toasted nuts, or dried cranberries.
Making Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Diet-Friendly
This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, simply skip the olive oil and toss the sprouts in melted butter or avocado oil instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen Brussels sprouts work great in the air fryer. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to get them perfectly crispy.
Q: How do I get the Brussels sprouts extra crispy?
A: The key is making sure they’re in a single layer with a little space between them in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate and get them super crispy. You can also try tossing them in a bit of cornstarch before air frying.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make a big batch of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy again.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will make about 4 servings as a side dish. You can easily scale it up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy the best crispy, golden-brown air fryer brussels sprouts in just 20 minutes! This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste and texture in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
– 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. – In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. – Arrange the brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
4. – Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the brussels sprouts are golden-brown and crispy.
5. – Serve immediately, garnished with any desired toppings such as lemon wedges, parmesan cheese, or balsamic glaze.
Notes
– For even crispier results, spread the brussels sprouts out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway.
– Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the size of your brussels sprouts and your air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. The air fryer is a total game-changer, giving the sprouts the most incredible crispy texture. And with just a few basic ingredients, you can have this recipe on the table in no time. I guarantee it’ll become a new family favorite – just like it did in my house. So what are you waiting for? Get that air fryer fired up and get ready to enjoy the best Brussels sprouts of your life!