How to make Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Brussel sprouts are garlicky and incredibly simple to prepare! Your new favorite technique to make a quick side dish is to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.

I always shied away from the air fryer, thinking it was just another appliance that would take up counter space. Then I tried it at a friend’s house and was convinced I needed to have one and I got this one air fryer. We have been very happy with and always amazed at what can be done with it

Air fryer advantages

An air fryer is essential for a compact countertop convection oven.

• An air fryer cooks food by blowing hot air down and around it, resulting in crispy results in a short time.
• Air fryers are a delight for making healthy versions of foods that are usually deep-fried, such as French fries or chicken strips.
• If you use a convection oven at home, you might not notice much of a difference between air fryer vegetables and roasted vegetables since they work in similar ways. I do find the air fryer is slightly quicker than a convection oven, but that might just be me.
• Between the convection oven and the air fryer, I think the air fryer makes things that little bit crispier, like coated chicken breasts or crispy pork chops.

If you have ever been unsure or skeptical of Brussels sprouts, this recipe could change your mind. I have always loved Brussels sprouts ever since I was young. I really love them with a cream sauce, but this, of course, is a much healthier option.

If you are in fact convinced that you don’t like Brussels sprouts, my first guess would be that you had them boiled and that they were mushy or soggy. Even if you have them in the oven and the pan is crowded or the oven isn’t hot enough.

This recipe resolves both of these issues and will ensure that your Brussels sprouts come out crispy and not soggy every single time.

Tips for crispy Brussels sprouts in the air fryer

If you are in fact convinced that you don’t like Brussels sprouts, my first guess would be that you had them boiled and that they were mushy or soggy. Even if you have them in the oven and the pan is crowded or the oven isn’t hot enough.

This recipe resolves both of these issues and will ensure that your Brussels sprouts come out crispy and not soggy every single time.

A cooking time of 375°-degree F is a great temperature for your air fryer without having to worry about burning them.

Another great tip is to shake the basket a few times during cooking time. This helps to have an even crisp on the Brussels sprouts.

Can you have too crispy of Brussels sprouts?

When I was testing this recipe, I found that there needed to be a happy medium between being crispy and being done in the middle without having the outsides charred and not being edible. You want a Brussels to sprout nicely in the middle and nicely crisp on the outside without being overly crispy.

I personally like my Brussels sprouts to be al dente. Some people prefer them cooked a little bit more. If you prefer them cooked a little more, cooked. I suggest soaking the sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before you put them in the air fryer.

When you soak the sprouts in water, it will make the centers a little bit softer. When you soak them, it tenderizes them just that little bit.

If you prefer them a little bit al dente, you can skip the soaking step.

The ingredients

• Brussel Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are a member of the Brassicaceae family of vegetables and are closely related to kale, cauliflower, and mustard greens. These vegetables resemble mini cabbages and are typically cleaned and cooked to make a great side dish, just like in this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts become crispy and delicious. Since this is an air fryer recipe, you do not need as much oil as you do in the oven.
• Salt & Pepper: I find the simplest seasonings are best for this recipe.
• Garlic: The garlic is optional, but it is a great addition to this recipe.

Directions

• Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
• *Optional * soak Brussel Sprouts for 10 minutes in water if you are wanting the centers to be a little softer when cooked.
• Drain and dry the Brussel Sprouts, toss them in olive oil and spices then add them to the air fryer.
• Cook for 5 minutes at 375°F and then move them around in the basket cook another 5 minutes and move them around. Add the garlic you want to add the garlic at the end so that the garlic does burn and then cook for another 3-5 minutes.
• Add any other desired toppings, I like to use a little bit of parmesan but they are great on their own

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are garlicky, cheesy, and incredibly simple to prepare! Your new favorite technique to make a quick side dish is to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Air Fryer, Brussel Sprouts

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 154 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer
• 1 Mixing Bowl
• 1 Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Brussel Sprouts trimmed and cleaned
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• 3 garlic cloves minced or thinly sliced

Optional Toppings

• 1 tbsp balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tsp Pomegranate molasses
• 2 tsp pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp parmesan cheese freshly grated

Instructions

 

• Trim off the ends of the Brussel sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from stem to end. If any are very large, cut them into quarters from stem to end so that all the pieces are fairly similar in size and cook evenly.

  OPTIONAL—This step makes sure the Brussels sprouts a little more tender in the middle; that said, if you don't mind a firmer sprout, you can skip it.
• Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and cover with warm tap water. Let sit 10 minutes
• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees, according to the manufacturer's instructions (for my air fryer, that's 3 minutes of preheating).
• Drain the Brussels sprouts and with a towel, lightly pat dry. Wipe out the bowl you used for soaking, then add the Brussels sprouts back to it (if you didn't soak the sprouts, simply place them in a large mixing bowl). Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with the salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then add them to your fryer basket.
• Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and shake it to toss the Brussels sprouts to promote even cooking. Cook 5 additional minutes, then slide out the basket again. The Brussels sprouts should look like they are getting nice and crispy and are almost done (if not, let them cook a minute or so longer). Add the garlic cloves and toss to coat once more. Cook 2 to 4 additional minutes, checking and shaking the basket often, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply crisp.
• If adding toppings, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl (or wipe out the mixing bowl you previously used) and stir in any desired toppings. Enjoy hot.

Keyword Air Fryer, Brussel Sprouts, Garlic