Air-Fryer Hack: Frozen Brussels Sprouts, Anytime

Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. In fact, it's one of the easiest ways to cook them, taking less than 20 minutes to turn frozen vegetables into a perfect side dish. They'll be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

How to prepare frozen Brussels sprouts

Preparing frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

First, take your Brussels sprouts out of the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket. Ensure that you have a single layer of sprouts so they cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches if you have a lot of sprouts or a smaller air fryer.

Step 2: Initial Fry

Set the temperature to between 375-400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Season

After the initial fry, take the sprouts out of the air fryer and cut them in half. Place them in a medium bowl and toss with your chosen seasonings and oil. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even balsamic vinegar for a tangy taste.

Step 4: Final Fry

Return the seasoned sprouts to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are crispy to your liking. Shake the basket halfway through to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Your sprouts are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as they are, or add some grated vegan parmesan cheese, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even some hot honey for an extra kick.

Tips:

• No need to thaw the sprouts before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake the basket halfway through to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
• If your sprouts are still hard after cooking, try soaking them in water for about 10 minutes before cooking next time.

What to serve with Brussels sprouts

Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. They are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sauces. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Brussels sprouts:

Proteins

• Grilled chicken breasts
• Crispy shrimp
• Chipotle chicken
• Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin
• Salmon fillets
• Honey garlic-glazed salmon
• Grilled marinated flank steak
• Stuffed pork chops
• Garlic butter-baked cod
• Turkey breast
• Chicken thighs
• Mississippi pot roast
• Beef stew
• Burgers
• Herb-baked fish fillets
• Barbecue pork ribs
• Roast beef sirloin
• Bacon

Carbohydrates

• Wild rice
• Parmesan-crusted tilapia
• Fettuccine pasta
• Baked ziti with ricotta cheese
• Burrito bowl
• Baked macaroni and cheese
• Gnocchi
• Polenta
• Mashed potatoes
• Quinoa
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Spaghetti aglio e olio

Salads and Vegetables

• Roasted beetroot salad
• Goat cheese and walnut salad
• Maple-glazed carrots
• Spinach with garlic
• Caprese skewers
• Soba noodle salad
• Green beans
• Roasted veggies

Sauces and Seasonings

• Balsamic vinegar glaze
• Tahini and everything bagel seasoning
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing
• Maple Dijon vinaigrette
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How long to air fry frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but generally, it should take around 15-20 minutes.

• Set your air fryer to 375°F (some air fryers set temperature in increments of 10, so 370°F or 380°F is fine too).
• Place the frozen sprouts directly into the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. If you are using fresh sprouts, start by washing and trimming the woody ends off your sprouts. Cut them into halves or quarters so they are all roughly the same size.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and add the sprouts to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, broth, water, or soy sauce, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir gently and return the sprouts to the air fryer in a single layer.
• Cook for another 4-6 minutes or 8-10 minutes, until the sprouts are starting to crisp and brown. Fresh sprouts are more likely to get crispy, but frozen sprouts will still taste great.
• If desired, prepare any toppings while the sprouts are cooking. Some suggestions include vegan parmesan cheese, vegan bacon bits, balsamic glaze, or a bottled salad dressing.
• Serve the sprouts hot with your desired toppings and enjoy!

Note: If you prefer softer sprouts, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking. This will make them more tender, but be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the air fryer.

Do I need to thaw frozen Brussels sprouts to air fry them?

You do not need to thaw frozen Brussels sprouts before air frying them. In fact, cooking them from frozen is recommended for this method.

To cook frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes. Remove the basket and shake it to toss the sprouts, then return to the air fryer and cook for another 5–10 minutes. The sprouts are done when they reach your desired level of crispiness.

You can season the sprouts before or after cooking. Seasoning options include salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and ginger.

Can I put frozen Brussels sprouts in the oven?

Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the oven! If you don't have an air fryer but still want to make delicious crispy Brussels sprouts, the oven is a great alternative.

To make frozen Brussels sprouts in the oven, preheat your oven to 450°F. Take a baking sheet and toss the frozen sprouts with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. There's no need to cut or halve them. Bake for 10 minutes, then toss them and place them back in the oven for about another 10 minutes, or until the outsides are crispy. The inside will be tender and soft, giving you a nice contrast of textures.

If your oven has a convection setting, be sure to turn that on, as it works in a similar way to an air fryer, cooking your Brussels sprouts faster and making them crispier.

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