Brussels sprouts, a mild, slightly bitter cruciferous vegetable, have a bit of a bad rep, but we're here to show you they can be downright delicious-especially when made in the air fryer. Picture this: crispy, salty, and slightly caramelized sprouts that you just can't get enough of.
Yeah, it's time to give these little green gems another chance.
Pamper your palate with these air fryer Brussels sprouts for a side dish that's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, roasted at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes until caramelized.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ready to make Brussels sprouts your new favorite veggie? Here's what you'll need:
- Brussels sprouts: About a pound, trimmed and halved
- Olive oil: Just a couple of tablespoons to help them get crispy
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for that classic taste.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Trim and halve: Keep them consistent in size by trimming the bottoms and cutting them in half. This ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
- Preheat the air fryer: Trust us on this one - a properly preheated basket helps get that same crisp finish you see in crispy air fryer chicken wings, preheat to 375°F for best results.
- Don't overcrowd: Give those sprouts some room to breathe! If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of roast - leave at least ½ inch between sprouts so hot air can circulate.
Variations and Substitutions
Not into garlic? Swap it out for onion powder or a sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese for a new twist.
Want some zing? Try a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking to boost the flavor.
Add some crispy bacon bits or drizzle with honey to wow your palate; these pair especially well with moist cornbread variations for hearty sides, with bacon adding smoky saltiness while honey creates a sticky-sweet glaze.
To serve alongside heartier mains like beef, consider easy side dishes for beef.
Simple Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well-coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts out in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a good shake to ensure even cooking. Pop it back in for another 5 minutes, then check on them. The sprouts should be turning crispy and nearly done (if they need a bit more time, cook for another 2 minutes). Shaking the basket frequently, until the sprouts are perfectly crispy.
- Once they're crispy and golden brown, take them out and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
- Dive in and enjoy your new favorite way to eat Brussels sprouts!
Nutrition
For a larger collection of quick air fryer meals, see easy air fryer recipes for beginners. For a simple, crispy fry option to practice air-fryer technique, try crispy fries for air fryer beginners.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
