Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts turn out perfectly crispy and are one of the best recipes when you need a healthy side dish. They only take a few minutes to cook perfectly in the air fryer and then you can add all types of toppings like balsamic vinegar, bacon, honey, garlic, onion, or parmesan cheese! And yes, if you cook them in the air fryer, your kids will LOVE them!

What I Love About Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

As a mom of 6 busy kids, there is nothing better than a recipe that covers all the basic momma must-haves: easy, delicious, healthy, and something the kids will actually eat! Now, stop doubting that this recipe is a kid-friendly one. Yes, they are brussel sprouts, which have a horrible reputation, but that’s because they are prepared the wrong way!

Air fryer brussel sprouts transform a kid-hated veggie into a crispy bite of deliciousness on the outside and so tender on the inside. Plus, since they get roasted inside the air fryer, that caramelization also adds some sweetness. Seriously, I make two recipes when they are on the menu because we are obsessed with them. All of us!

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Ingredients

If you love whole-food recipes, these brussel sprouts are just for you! Nothing but healthy, whole ingredients from top to bottom.

• Fresh brussel sprouts, cut in half lengthwise
• Canola or olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic powder

How To Make Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

If you’ve roasted vegetables in a regular oven before, the process will be very similar. But, using the air fryer requires less oil and significantly less time.

1. Cut brussel sprouts lengthwise from stem to tip, keeping the stem intact so the sprout doesn’t fall apart.
2. Toss sprouts with oil and seasonings.
3. Air fry the brussel sprouts at 380 degrees for 5 minutes.
4. Shake the air fryer basket to toss the sprout around and roast for another 5 minutes.
5. Shake the basket one more time and air fry for 3 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

My brussel sprouts were bitter and tough

Here’s the key to sweeter, more tender brussel spouts in the air fryer, or any way you cook them. You want to pick small sprouts at the store. The bigger they are when they are harvested, the more bitter and tough they tend to be. Go small and you’ll have a completely different end result!

How long to cook brussel sprouts in an air fryer?

As long as you don’t overcrowd your basket, it will take about 13-15 minutes at 380 degrees to cook brussel sprouts in an air fryer. Anything less than that and the insides won’t get tender. Anything longer than that and the outside leaves of the sprouts will begin to burn.

Can I make air fryer brussel sprouts using frozen sprouts?

Yes, you can use frozen ones when making this recipe in an air fryer but the end result will be a bit different because of the excess moisture. They will be a bit mushier on the inside and not quite as crisp on the outside. To use frozen brussel sprouts, keep the recipe the same but increase the third cook time in the air fryer to 5-7 minutes.

Does an air fryer fry food?

No, an air fryer does not fry food in the way Americans view fried food, immersed in hot oil. In fact, an air fryer is simply a countertop convection oven that does an amazing job of quickly roasting foods at high temperatures. It’s that convection feature that gives any food you cook in an air fryer the signature crispiness.

Recipe Variations

Being a home cook provides endless opportunities to experiment with recipes, personalizing them to your tastes and creativity. Any of the following variations would be great spin-offs of this brussel sprouts recipe:

1. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top of the roasted brussel sprouts. I like to use a balsamic syrup because it adds both acidity and sweetness. You can also use plain balsamic vinegar but just add a few shakes over the top so it doesn’t overpower the sprouts.
2. Grate fresh parmesan cheese on top of the finished brussel sprouts. And please, don’t use the pre-grated cheese or stuff in the green can. A simple Google search will tell you why.
3. Add chopped bacon if you want both some protein and an extra boost of flavor. Add the already-cooked bacon pieces to the last 3 minutes in the air fryer.
4. Drizzle honey over the top of the air fryer brussel sprouts for added sweetness. This is especially helpful if your sprouts are a bit on the bitter side. Don’t go crazy. Use 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon over the finished, hot sprouts and toss to coat.

How to Cook Brussel Sprouts in an Air Fryer Video

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