Brussels sprouts are having a well-deserved moment. These vegetables come with plenty of nutrients and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. If you haven’t tried them in an air fryer yet, you’re in for a treat. The air fryer brings out their nutty flavor and creates a deliciously crispy texture, perfect for a quick and healthy side dish.
Unlike delicate vegetables like spinach or broccoli, Brussels sprouts hold up beautifully under the intense heat of an air fryer. They become golden brown on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Plus, they cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting. Let’s see which simple steps you need to follow to make them.
How to make air fryer brussels sprouts in 20 minutes
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Let’s get to it.
Ingredients you’ll need for the recipe
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Optional add-ons:
- Lemon juice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese.
- Balsamic vinegar.
- Sriracha or soy sauce.
Steps to make air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Prep the sprouts: Wash your Brussels sprouts thoroughly, removing any yellow or damaged leaves. Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half. Smaller ones (under 1 inch) can be left whole.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F for softer, gently browned sprouts or 400°F for crispy, roasted ones. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat option, run it at the desired temperature for about 5 minutes.
- Season the sprouts: In a medium bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. You can also mix in your favorite spices or seasonings for added flavor.
- Air fry: Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking, so keep some space between them. Cook at the preheated temperature for 10 minutes.
- Shake and finish: After the initial cooking time, shake the basket to redistribute the sprouts. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of the sprouts. Check doneness by poking a knife into the center —it should slide in easily when they’re ready.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy them plain or toss with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, sriracha, or soy sauce.
Pro tips for the best results on your brussels sprouts
- To obtain a crispy texture, cook at 400°F and don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Avoid burning by keeping an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking, especially if you prefer lightly browned sprouts.
- Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up.
Brussels sprouts and the air fryer are a match made in culinary heaven. If you love sprouts or are looking for a different way to taste them, this method will give you the most delicious results. Try this recipe today and elevate your veggie game in less than half an hour.