Hot Air Fryer: Perfectly Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but cooking them in an air fryer might be the best way to make them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer's super-hot circulating air cooks the sprouts evenly, and the results are impressive.

The air fryer's ability to caramelize the outside of the sprouts while keeping the inside tender is a significant advantage over cooking them in a conventional oven. The sprouts can also be seasoned with a variety of flavors, from sweet to savory, and the cooking time is cut in half compared to other cooking methods.

To make Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, first trim and halve the sprouts. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese. Spread the sprouts in an even layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 375°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

So, if you're looking for a new way to cook Brussels sprouts, give the air fryer a try. It might just be the secret to making this vegetable more appealing to even the pickiest of eaters.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Step 1: Buying and Storing Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are typically available fresh, frozen, or packaged. If they are in season, it is best to buy them fresh, either on a stalk or loose. This ensures they are as fresh and hearty as possible. If you are unable to find fresh sprouts, frozen sprouts can be used, but they may require slightly different preparation methods.

Step 2: Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

Start by rinsing the sprouts with water to clean them. If you have bought them on a stalk, you can remove them by pushing them downwards with your fingers. Cut off the bottom stems of the sprouts and cut any large sprouts in half, or even quarters, so that all the pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly. If you want softer sprouts, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before cooking. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Seasoning the Brussels Sprouts

After patting the sprouts dry with a paper towel, place them in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, red chili flakes, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Step 4: Cooking the Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to toss the sprouts and promote even browning. The sprouts are ready when they are crispy and slightly browned on the outside.

Step 5: Serving the Brussels Sprouts

Remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. You can drizzle them with lime juice or a glaze, such as balsamic vinegar or honey, for extra flavor. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack and are best served hot.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:

• Try to buy similar-sized Brussels sprouts so that they cook evenly.
• If you are doubling the recipe, cook in multiple batches as the second batch will cook more quickly in the already heated air fryer.
• You can experiment with different toppings and seasonings, such as Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, or honey, to find your favorite combinations.
• If using frozen Brussels sprouts, spread them in the air fryer basket, cook at a higher temperature, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to season brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Season Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to cook in an air fryer. The super-hot circulating air makes their insides tender while crisping the outsides to perfection.

Preparation

First, trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut any large sprouts in half. If you like your Brussels sprouts softer, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. However, if you prefer a firmer sprout, you can skip this step. After soaking, lightly pat the sprouts dry with a towel. Then, drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves, depending on your preference.

Cooking

Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot air. Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. If you are using garlic, add it during the last 2-4 minutes of cooking.

Serving

Once the Brussels sprouts are crispy and tender, you can add various toppings like balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or honey. You can also crumble some bacon over them or serve them with a side of steak.

Storage

Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in the oven or air fryer at 350°F.

How long to cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer.

How long to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer:

To cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 390°F. Then, prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming the ends and cutting any large sprouts in half. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them evenly in the air fryer basket.

Cook the sprouts for a total of 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through or a few times throughout to ensure even cooking and crispness. If you prefer your Brussels sprouts softer, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking.

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 390°F. Not all air fryers require preheating, but it is recommended for crispier Brussels sprouts.
• Prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming the ends and halving any large sprouts. You can also remove any brown outer leaves.
• Toss the sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or fresh garlic.
• Spread the sprouts evenly in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot air.
• Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to toss and promote even cooking.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, then shake the basket again. The sprouts should be getting crispy and almost done.
• If desired, add thinly sliced garlic cloves and toss to coat.
• Cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, checking and shaking the basket often, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply crisp.

Tips for crispy Brussels sprouts:

• Halve Brussels sprouts that are larger than 1 inch to speed up cooking and maximize surface area for crisping.
• Spread the sprouts out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp the sprouts.
• For softer Brussels sprouts, soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Shake the air fryer basket several times throughout cooking to keep the air circulating and ensure even crispness.
• If desired, finish with a buttery glaze, such as a shallot butter drizzle, for extra flavor.

Serving suggestions:

Once your Brussels sprouts are cooked to your desired level of crispness, you can add various toppings or serve them as is. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic: Toss the cooked sprouts with balsamic vinegar or reduced balsamic glaze.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the finished sprouts.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta: Toss the cooked sprouts with feta cheese.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey: Drizzle honey over the cooked sprouts for a sweet finish, or add red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.

Storage and reheating instructions:

• To store: Refrigerate cooked Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
• To freeze: While not recommended due to potential sogginess, you can freeze cooked sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and healthy air-fried Brussels sprouts!

How to store leftover air-fried brussel sprouts

If you have leftover air-fried Brussels sprouts, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When it comes to reheating, you can use the oven, air fryer, or microwave. If you want to reheat them in the oven or air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F. If you're using the microwave, simply heat them until they're warmed through.

It's not recommended to freeze Brussels sprouts as they tend to become mushy once thawed. However, if you have a large quantity of leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and consuming.

How to reheat leftover brussel sprouts

If you're looking to reheat leftover Brussels sprouts, there are a few ways to go about it. Here's a detailed guide on how to get them tasting as good as new:

Oven

Reheating Brussels sprouts in the oven is a great option, especially if you're going for that crispy texture. Here's what you need to do:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
• Spread the leftover Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven and heat for 10-12 minutes.
• Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and adjust the time as needed.

Air Fryer

If you're short on time or want to retain that crispy texture, using an air fryer is an excellent option:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C).
• Place the leftover Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded.
• Reheat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the quantity and desired crispiness.
• Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and adjust the time as needed.

Microwave

While the oven and air fryer methods are ideal for crispiness, you can also use a microwave for a quicker reheat:

• Place the Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe container.
• Add a small amount of water or butter/oil to help retain moisture.
• Cover the container and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until they're heated through.
• The time will depend on your microwave and the quantity, so adjust as needed.

Stovetop

Reheating Brussels sprouts on the stovetop is another option, especially if you want to combine them with other ingredients:

• Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the leftover Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're heated through.
• You can also add other ingredients like garlic, onions, or bacon for extra flavour.

Tips for Best Results:

• When reheating, it's best to use the same method the Brussels sprouts were initially cooked with.
• If your Brussels sprouts are looking soggy, try spreading them out on a baking sheet and reheating them in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
• Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to a loss of nutrients and an undesirable texture.
• If you're reheating a large quantity, consider doing it in batches to ensure even heating.

Frequently asked questions