Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but cooking them in an air fryer might be the key to making them more appetising. Air fryers are a great way to make healthy, fast food that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They work by blowing hot air around the food, and they can be used to cook a variety of vegetables, including Brussels sprouts.

Cooking Brussels Sprouts in an Air Fryer

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

To get the perfect level of crispiness, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your Brussels sprouts are all of a similar size. This will help them cook evenly, so some don't burn while others are only slightly crispy. If your sprouts vary in size, try cutting the larger ones in half or even into quarters so that they are all roughly the same.

Next, you'll want to coat your sprouts in oil. This is essential to getting that crispy texture in the air fryer. Use a neutral-flavoured oil, like avocado or olive oil, and make sure each sprout is evenly coated. Don't be afraid to use a little extra oil if needed! You can also add seasonings at this stage, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or honey, to enhance the flavour.

Now, it's time to cook the sprouts. Preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the sprouts out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not piled on top of each other. This allows the air to circulate and helps the sprouts get crispy. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to redistribute the sprouts and promote even cooking.

Finally, check on your sprouts. They should be crispy and golden brown. If they're not quite there yet, cook them for a few minutes longer. If you're happy with the level of crispiness, turn off the air fryer and transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl. You can add some extra toppings like Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, or a buttery glaze for a delicious finish.

With these steps, you'll achieve the perfect level of crispiness for your Brussels sprouts, every time!

Oil and seasoning

When it comes to oil and seasoning, you don't need to use as much oil in an air fryer as you would in a conventional oven. A light coating of oil is all you need to help the Brussels sprouts become crispy and delicious. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil, grape seed oil, or any oil of your preference.

For seasoning, salt and pepper are the most common choices, but you can also add garlic (either in slivers or as powder) for a pungent, crispy kick. If you want to get creative, you can season your sprouts with balsamic vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, or even a buttery glaze.

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing your Brussels sprouts with oil and seasoning:

• Start by trimming the ends of the sprouts and cutting any larger ones in half or quarters to ensure even cooking.
• Place the sprouts in a bowl and drizzle with oil. You can also use an oil sprayer to lightly coat the sprouts.
• Add your desired seasonings and toss or stir the sprouts to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Spread the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket to maximize their exposure to the hot, circulating air.
• Cook according to your recipe's instructions, shaking the basket occasionally to prevent burning.

Feel free to experiment with different oils and seasonings to find your favorite combinations. You can also try finishing your sprouts with toppings like Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, or bacon bits.

Soaking and softening

To soften your sprouts, simply soak them in water for around 10 minutes before prepping. You can also try salt water, which will help to season the sprouts throughout. If you're using salt water, make sure to rinse the sprouts afterwards to remove the salt, as well as any dirt or debris. After soaking, thoroughly drain and pat the sprouts dry.

If you want to ensure your sprouts are extra tender, you can also try trimming and halving them before soaking. This will help to eliminate part of the woody stem, allowing the inside and outside to cook at a similar rate. However, this step is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer your sprouts to have a firmer texture.

Once your sprouts are nice and soft, it's time to cook them! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. You may not need to preheat depending on your air fryer model, but it's best to do so for the crispiest sprouts. Then, toss your sprouts in a large mixing bowl with oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the sprouts are well coated.

Now you're ready to air fry! Place your sprouts in the air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer with space between them so they cook evenly. Cook for a total of 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For the crispiest sprouts, you may want to cook them for an additional few minutes.

And that's it! You now have perfectly softened and cooked Brussels sprouts with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender centre. Enjoy!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying Brussels sprouts depend on the desired texture and level of doneness. For softer Brussels sprouts, it is recommended to soak them in water for about 10 minutes before air frying. This helps to soften them, and you can also try lowering the temperature of the air fryer.

For crispy Brussels sprouts, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, and optionally soak them in water for a softer centre. Drain, dry, and toss them with oil, salt, and pepper, or other desired seasonings. Place them in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring even spacing for proper air circulation.

The cooking time at this temperature is typically around 10-12 minutes, but some sources recommend cooking for 5 minutes, tossing, and then cooking for another 5 minutes. This is followed by adding garlic and cooking for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, resulting in a total cooking time of 12-14 minutes. It is important to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

For a higher temperature, you can set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This results in a darker and crispier sprout.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the Brussels sprouts. Using frozen Brussels sprouts may require additional cooking time and will result in a softer texture.

Storing and reheating

Brussels sprouts cooked in an air fryer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you wish to freeze them, it is recommended to use a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. However, it is important to note that thawed Brussels sprouts tend to become mushy, so some sources do not recommend freezing them.

To reheat the Brussels sprouts, you can use the oven, microwave, or the air fryer itself. For the oven, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and rewarm them at 350 degrees F. Alternatively, you can use the microwave until they are warmed through. If you want to re-crisp them, bake them in the oven at 400 degrees F just until warm, being careful not to burn them.

If you prefer to use the air fryer for reheating, simply place the sprouts in the air fryer and heat them at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes at 380 degrees F. This will help maintain the crispy texture that the air fryer is known for.

By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy delicious and crispy Brussels sprouts cooked in an air fryer multiple times and make the most of your cooking efforts.

Frequently asked questions