Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

If you’ve ever struggled to make brussels sprouts that people actually beg for, let me introduce you to my not-so-secret weapon: the air fryer. These little green gems transform into crispy, golden perfection with minimal effort—no babysitting a hot oven or dealing with soggy results. I swear by my air fryer for brussels sprouts now, especially after too many sad, steamed versions that even my dog wouldn’t eat (true story). The magic happens in under 20 minutes, and you get that irresistible crunch outside with a tender center that makes everyone at my table reach for seconds. Trust me, once you try air fryer brussels sprouts this way, you’ll never go back to boring boiled sprouts again.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Once you try these crispy little flavor bombs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

• Crazy crispy texture – That perfect golden-brown crunch outside with a tender center? Air frying delivers what roasting just can’t match.
• Ready in under 20 minutes – No waiting for the oven to preheat or checking every 5 minutes. Set it and (almost) forget it.
• Healthier than deep frying – Just a tablespoon of oil gives you all that crispiness without the grease.
• Easy cleanup – One bowl for tossing, one basket to wash. My kind of cooking math.
• Endlessly customizable – Add parmesan, balsamic, or chili flakes to make them your own.

Seriously, these might just turn brussels sprouts haters into believers. I’ve seen it happen at my own dinner table!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple ingredients can create something so magical. Here’s what you’ll need for the crispiest, most addictive brussels sprouts of your life:

• 1 pound brussels sprouts – Look for bright green, firm sprouts about the size of a walnut (trim off any brown ends and slice them in half from stem to tip)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just enough to coat every nook and cranny for that perfect golden crisp (I use regular, but avocado oil works great too)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – My grandma always said “salt makes flavors sing,” and she wasn’t wrong
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – The secret weapon that adds depth without burning like fresh garlic can
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – Trust me, this little pinch makes all the difference

See? Nothing complicated – just good stuff that probably already lives in your kitchen. Now let’s make some magic happen!

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Making these crispy little beauties is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been air frying brussels sprouts all along. Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

First things first – trim off any dry or brown ends from your brussels sprouts. Then, slice them in half from stem to tip. This not only helps them cook evenly but also gives you those flat, crispy edges we all love. Pro tip: If some are way bigger than others, cut them into quarters so everything cooks at the same pace.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss your halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t be shy – make sure every nook and cranny gets coated. This is where the magic starts, so give it a good mix!

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – trust me, this step matters for that perfect crisp. Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the basket (no overcrowding, or they’ll steam instead of crisp). Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and crispy on the outside but still tender inside. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

After burning one too many batches (oops!), I’ve perfected these foolproof tricks for air fryer brussels sprouts that come out perfect every time:

• Give them space! Overcrowding the basket steams them instead of crisping. Work in batches if needed – it’s worth the wait.
• Shake it like you mean it – That halfway shake ensures even browning on all sides. I give mine a little dance while I’m at it.
• Taste as you go – Start with less salt and add more after cooking if needed. Same with spices – I often add a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have brussels sprouts that even picky eaters will devour!

Variations for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

The beauty of these crispy sprouts is how easily you can dress them up! Here are my favorite ways to switch things up:

• Balsamic glaze drizzle – A sweet-tart finish that caramelizes beautifully (add it in the last 2 minutes)
• Parmesan shower – Toss with grated parm right after cooking – it melts into salty perfection
• Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix
• Maple bacon twist – Toss with crumbled bacon and a touch of maple syrup for a sweet-savory punch

The possibilities are endless – have fun making these your own signature side!

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer brussels sprouts are so versatile, they can shine as a side or even the star of the show. I love pairing them with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a complete meal. For game nights, they make a surprisingly addictive snack with a side of garlic aioli or sriracha mayo. Trust me, they disappear fast!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the good news – if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), they keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that irresistible crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that perfect crunch we worked so hard for!

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Nutrition

Now let’s talk numbers – because I know you’re wondering if something this delicious can actually be good for you! (Spoiler: It totally is.) Here’s the breakdown per serving:

• 80 calories – Basically guilt-free snacking territory
• 4g fat – All that crispiness from just a tablespoon of olive oil
• 10g carbs – Mostly fiber-rich goodness from the sprouts themselves
• 3g protein – Who knew these little guys packed a protein punch?

Of course, nutrition will vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients and any fun toppings you add. But compared to deep-fried veggies or butter-drenched versions, these air fryer brussels sprouts let you enjoy that perfect crisp without the heavy calorie load. My philosophy? When healthy tastes this good, eating well becomes something to celebrate, not endure!

FAQs About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

After making these crispy delights for years (and fielding countless questions from friends), here are the answers to everything you might wonder about air fryer brussels sprouts:

Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! No need to thaw – just toss them frozen with oil and spices. They’ll need an extra 3-5 minutes in the air fryer. The texture won’t be quite as crisp as fresh, but still delicious in a pinch.

Why are my brussels sprouts burning?
Two likely culprits: temperature too high (stick to 375°F) or overcrowding. If they’re packed too tight, the hot air can’t circulate properly. Also, smaller sprouts cook faster – keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark!

Do I really need to preheat the air fryer?
I know it’s tempting to skip, but trust me – that 3-minute preheat makes all the difference for that perfect crisp. Think of it like preheating an oven for cookies. It’s worth the wait!

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the raw, seasoned sprouts in an airtight container for 2 days before cooking. For reheating leftovers, the air fryer brings back the crispiness better than a microwave ever could.

My sprouts still taste bitter – help!
Older sprouts tend to be more bitter. Try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to your seasoning mix – the sweetness balances it beautifully. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness too!

Try This Recipe and Share Your Results in the Comments!

Now that you’ve got all the tips, tricks, and secrets to making the crispiest air fryer brussels sprouts, it’s your turn to give it a go! I promise, once you taste that golden, crunchy perfection, you’ll be hooked. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with balsamic glaze, parmesan, or a spicy kick, these sprouts are sure to become a regular in your kitchen. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—did you add your own twist? Did they convert a brussels sprouts skeptic at your table? Drop a comment below and let me know how it went. Happy air frying!

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