Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air frying Brussels sprouts is the perfect way to get that crispy, caramelized texture without the oil and mess of traditional frying. The air fryer ensures that each sprout is evenly cooked, with a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender inside. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a tasty, low-carb, and healthy side dish in no time. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even beginner cooks will have success!
Ingredients
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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1-2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: Balsamic glaze or parmesan cheese for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half to ensure even cooking.
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In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
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Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s okay if some overlap, but try not to overcrowd them for the best results.
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Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The Brussels sprouts should be crispy and golden brown on the outside, with a tender interior.
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Remove from the air fryer and garnish with optional balsamic glaze or parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 people
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Brussels Sprouts: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give your Brussels sprouts a spicy kick.
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Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze after cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor boost.
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Cheesy Brussels Sprouts: After air frying, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or any cheese of your choice over the Brussels sprouts for a cheesy, savory twist.
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Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: Toss the Brussels sprouts in a mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar before air frying for a sweet and tangy glaze.
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Garlic Herb Brussels Sprouts: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mix for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
While Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, they can also be reheated in the microwave. However, they won’t retain the same crispy texture when microwaved.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer! Just toss them with olive oil and seasoning, and cook at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. They may not be quite as crispy as fresh Brussels sprouts, but they’ll still taste great.
How do I make sure my Brussels sprouts are crispy?
The key to crispy Brussels sprouts is to make sure they are well-coated with oil and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, so try to arrange the sprouts in a single layer for the best results.
Can I make these Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
You can prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming and halving them ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, toss them with oil and seasoning, then air fry as directed. However, it’s best to eat them fresh for maximum crispiness.
How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from smelling too strong?
Brussels sprouts can sometimes have a strong odor when cooked. To reduce this, make sure they are cooked at a high enough temperature to get them crispy, as this can help reduce the smell. You can also try soaking them in water with a little vinegar before cooking to neutralize the odor.
Can I use other seasonings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. You can use smoked paprika, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Are Air Fryer Brussels sprouts healthy?
Yes, Air Fryer Brussels sprouts are a healthy side dish. They’re low in calories, packed with vitamins, and have a minimal amount of oil compared to traditional frying methods, making them a great option for those looking to eat healthily.
Can I cook other vegetables in the air fryer with Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can cook other vegetables in the air fryer at the same time as Brussels sprouts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetables you are using. Root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes work well when cooked with Brussels sprouts.
Can I make these Brussels sprouts without oil?
Yes, you can omit the oil and still achieve a good result. However, the Brussels sprouts may not get as crispy. If you’re avoiding oil, consider using a spray oil for a lighter coating.
Can I make Air Fryer Brussels sprouts with a different kind of oil?
Yes, you can use any oil of your choice, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or even sesame oil, for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy, healthy, and delicious way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. With their crispy, caramelized exterior and tender interior, they make for a perfect side dish or snack. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts enthusiast or someone looking to try them for the first time, this air fryer recipe will surely impress. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty, crispy treat that’s sure to become a regular part of your cooking repertoire.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are crispy, tender, and delicious without the need for deep frying. The air fryer cooks them to golden perfection with minimal oil, making them a healthy and flavorful side dish or snack. Easy, quick, and packed with flavor, this recipe is a great way to enjoy Brussels sprouts!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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1-2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Balsamic glaze or parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the Air Fryer:
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
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Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
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Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
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Cut the Brussels sprouts in half to ensure even cooking.
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Season the Brussels Sprouts:
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In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts:
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Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for the best results.
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and crispy on the outside with a tender interior.
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Serve:
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Remove from the air fryer and garnish with optional balsamic glaze or freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
Spicy Brussels Sprouts: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give your Brussels sprouts a spicy kick.Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze after cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor boost.Cheesy Brussels Sprouts: After air frying, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or any cheese of your choice over the Brussels sprouts for a cheesy, savory twist.Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: Toss the Brussels sprouts in a mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar before air frying for a sweet and tangy glaze.Garlic Herb Brussels Sprouts: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mix for added flavor.