Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to cook in an air fryer. They are healthier than deep-fried sprouts, and the super-hot circulating air makes them tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can also add a variety of seasonings to your sprouts, such as garlic, Parmesan, maple syrup, or balsamic vinegar. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure they are evenly spread out in the air fryer basket, and to shake the basket several times throughout cooking.

Cooking Brussels Sprouts in an Air Fryer

Trimming and halving the sprouts

To begin trimming, use a sharp knife to slice off the root or stem end of each sprout. You can then peel away any loose, yellowed, or wilted outer leaves. If you come across any sprouts that are significantly larger than the rest, cut them in half lengthwise from stem to end. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent burning. If you have very large sprouts, you may even need to quarter them to ensure uniform sizing.

Halving the sprouts is particularly useful if you plan to season them with oil, butter, or other flavourings. The increased surface area allows for better coating, resulting in more flavourful and crispy sprouts. Additionally, halved sprouts are easier to fit into the air fryer basket, ensuring they cook more evenly.

If you prefer your sprouts on the firmer side, you can skip the soaking step before trimming and halving. However, if you like them softer, consider soaking the sprouts in warm water for about 10 minutes before trimming and halving. This will help them become more tender before they go into the air fryer.

Seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, and Parmesan

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

Brussels sprouts cooked in an air fryer can be seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and Parmesan. The air fryer can help you achieve the perfect balance of crispy and tender sprouts, packed with flavor.

To start, trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown or discolored outer leaves. You can then cut them in half lengthwise or quarter them to ensure even cooking and more surface area for crisping. If you prefer your sprouts softer, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking.

Next, in a medium bowl, toss the trimmed sprouts with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add some Parmesan cheese at this stage for an extra cheesy kick. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or 400 degrees Fahrenheit if you prefer a hotter temperature.

Place the seasoned sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness. Depending on your desired level of doneness, air fry for 8-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top of the sprouts halfway through the cooking process.

Once the sprouts are crispy and tender, remove them from the air fryer and season with additional salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve these delicious sprouts as a side dish or enjoy them as a healthy snack.

Feel free to experiment with additional toppings, such as a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavorful Brussels sprouts!

Soaking the sprouts in water

After soaking, simply drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. Then, add them back to the bowl and drizzle with oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly. You can also add some minced garlic, onion, or bacon for extra flavour. Once your sprouts are nicely coated, they are ready to be added to the air fryer.

It is important to note that soaking is not a necessary step. If you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you can skip the soaking step altogether and simply trim, season, and cook them. However, if you prefer your sprouts on the softer side, soaking is a great way to achieve that desired texture.

Additionally, if you want to add a special touch to your sprouts, you can finish them with a buttery glaze or a balsamic reduction. This will take your sprouts to the next level and make them truly irresistible.

Cooking time and temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C). Not all air fryers require preheating, but for the crispiest sprouts, it is best to start with a hot air fryer.

The cooking time will vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the sprouts. Most recipes recommend cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, while others suggest cooking for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for a second time at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes.

It is important to keep an eye on the sprouts while they are cooking, as they can burn easily. If you prefer your sprouts to be less crispy, you may want to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

Shaking the air fryer basket

When shaking the basket, it is essential to do so gently and carefully to avoid splattering any hot oil or burning yourself. It is also a good idea to use tongs or heat-resistant gloves for added safety. The shaking motion should be enough to toss the sprouts around and ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

The ideal time to shake the air fryer basket depends on the cooking time and your desired level of crispness. For most recipes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process is recommended. For example, if you are cooking the sprouts at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, shake the basket after the first 5 minutes. This allows the sprouts to cook evenly and ensures that all sides get crispy.

In some cases, you may need to shake the basket multiple times throughout the cooking process. This is especially true if you are cooking the sprouts for a longer period or at a higher temperature. For instance, if you are cooking them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shake the basket halfway through, at around the 10-minute mark. You can also check on the sprouts and give the basket a gentle shake every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions