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

Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to cook in an air fryer. The air fryer's super-hot circulating air makes the outsides of the sprouts crispy and the insides tender. You can cook fresh Brussels sprouts in an air fryer by first rinsing and drying them, then cutting off the ends and slicing the sprouts in half. You can then season the sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and honey, among other options. Place the sprouts in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 360-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Characteristics of cooking fresh brussels sprouts in an air fryer

Trimming and halving the sprouts

To begin, use a sharp knife to trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown or wilted outer leaves. This step not only improves the appearance of the sprouts but also ensures that they cook evenly. It is worth noting that some recipes recommend cutting the sprouts in half from the stem to the end, while others suggest slicing them lengthwise. If you have larger sprouts, you may even need to quarter them to ensure they cook through and achieve the desired tenderness.

The halving or quartering of the sprouts is a crucial step for several reasons. Firstly, it helps the sprouts fit nicely in the air fryer basket, ensuring they cook evenly. Secondly, it increases the surface area, allowing more of the sprout to become delightfully crispy. Finally, smaller pieces of sprouts will cook faster, reducing the overall cooking time.

When trimming and halving the sprouts, it is also a good opportunity to check their freshness and texture. Look for firm and compact sprouts with bright green colours. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing, wilting, or have soft spots, as these may not cook well and could affect the overall taste and texture of your dish.

In addition to trimming and halving, some recipes suggest soaking the sprouts in warm or cold water for about 10 minutes before cooking. This step is optional but can help tenderise the sprouts and remove any excess dirt. However, if you prefer your sprouts to have a firmer texture, you may choose to skip this step.

Seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, and honey

Yes, you can cook fresh Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. Here is a recipe for seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, and honey:

First, rinse the Brussels sprouts with water to clean them, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut off the bottom stem, then cut each sprout in half. If you want to ensure even cooking, buy sprouts that are similar in size. If you have a mix of large and small sprouts, cut the larger ones in half.

Next, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. You can also add balsamic vinegar to this mixture if you want a tangy taste. Spread the sprouts evenly in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This arrangement allows for maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air, which will make the sprouts crispy.

Now, you can air-fry the sprouts at 360°F to 390°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When the sprouts are slightly browned and crispy, they are ready.

For a sweet finish, drizzle honey over the cooked sprouts and toss well. You can also add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve and enjoy!

Using oil

Yes, you can cook fresh brussels sprouts in an air fryer. In fact, some people claim that brussels sprouts are the perfect vegetable to cook in an air fryer. The hot circulating air will make the outsides crispy and the insides tender.

To cook brussels sprouts in an air fryer, start by rinsing them with water to clean them, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim the ends and cut any large sprouts in half. If you want to ensure your sprouts are tender in the middle, you can quarter them and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes. However, this step is optional.

Next, toss the sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, garlic powder, honey, or balsamic vinegar. It is recommended to use a neutral-flavoured oil, like avocado oil or olive oil, and to always use the highest-quality oil available. The amount of oil used will be less than if you were cooking the sprouts in an oven.

After the sprouts are seasoned, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the sprouts in multiple batches. Set the air fryer to 360-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The sprouts are done when they are slightly browned and tender.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is around 375°F (190°C). However, the temperature can be adjusted to anywhere between 350°F and 400°F, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for about 3 minutes to ensure the Brussels sprouts are crispy. After preheating, cook the sprouts for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts and the desired level of doneness. Smaller sprouts will take less time to cook, while larger sprouts may require additional time. If the sprouts are cut into halves or quarters, the cooking time will also be reduced.

For frozen Brussels sprouts, it is recommended to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Additionally, frozen sprouts may have a softer and mushier texture compared to fresh sprouts.

It is important to keep an eye on the Brussels sprouts while they are cooking in the air fryer to ensure they do not burn. The cooking time can be adjusted based on personal preference for doneness, with shorter cooking times resulting in firmer sprouts and longer cooking times yielding softer sprouts.

Serving suggestions

Brussels sprouts are a great source of fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. They can be cooked in an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture, similar to deep-fried sprouts. Here are some serving suggestions for air-fried Brussels sprouts:

• Garlic and Butter: For a simple yet scrumptious side dish, serve the sprouts with garlic. You can use either fresh garlic or garlic powder. If you want to add a buttery glaze, melt some butter in a bowl and add finely chopped shallots and red wine vinegar. Toss the cooked sprouts in this mixture and serve immediately.
• Cheese: For a Greek variation, toss the cooked sprouts with feta cheese. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the finished sprouts or add Parmesan and breadcrumbs with olive oil before cooking.
• Honey: Drizzle honey over the cooked sprouts for a sweet finish. For a sweet and spicy variation, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Balsamic: For a tangy twist, drizzle the sprouts with balsamic vinegar. You can also simmer the balsamic vinegar until it thickens and becomes syrupy, then whisk in some oil, lime juice, and soy sauce to create a dressing.
• Buffalo Sauce or Sweet Sriracha: These sauces can add a kick to your sprouts.
• Spices: Season the sprouts with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add red chilli flakes for a spicy kick.

Frequently asked questions