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

Air fryers are a great way to cook Brussels sprouts, giving them a crispy texture and bringing out their sweetness. The high heat of an air fryer means that Brussels sprouts cook quickly and evenly, with a tender inside and a crunchy exterior. The circulating hot air means that, unlike roasting, there is no need to worry about soggy sprouts.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Ingredients

To prepare Brussels sprouts for the air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Preparation

First, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown or wilted outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise, and cut any large sprouts into quarters. If you want your Brussels sprouts to be softer, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking.

Next, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Make sure the sprouts are coated evenly.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.

For frozen Brussels sprouts, slice them into half-moons and toss with olive oil and seasonings. Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Serving

Brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish and can be served with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, steak, pork, or fish. For a sweet and savory finish, you can also toss them with balsamic vinegar, honey, or Parmesan cheese before serving.

How long to cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Brussel sprouts can be cooked in an air fryer in around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the sprouts and the desired texture. Smaller sprouts will take around 10 minutes to cook, while larger sprouts may take up to 15 minutes. If you prefer softer Brussel sprouts, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking, or blanch them first.

First, trim the ends off the Brussel sprouts and cut any large sprouts in half. Then, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. You can also add additional ingredients like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.

Cooking Brussel sprouts in an air fryer results in a crispy, tender texture that is difficult to achieve with other cooking methods. The air fryer also reduces the cooking time compared to roasting in the oven, making it a quick and convenient option. Additionally, air frying is a healthy cooking method that requires less oil than traditional frying.

• Soak the Brussel sprouts in water for 10 minutes before cooking if you prefer them softer.
• Cut larger sprouts in half to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Shake the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even browning.
• Add additional ingredients like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

What temperature to cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook brussel sprouts in an air fryer. To get the best results, you should heat your air fryer to 375°F or 390°F. Not all air fryers require preheating, but for the crispiest sprouts, it is best to start with a hot air fryer.

Once your air fryer is up to temperature, trim the ends from your sprouts and cut any large ones in half. You should also add any seasonings at this point. A simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper will work, but you can also add garlic, garlic powder, or any other spices you like.

After prepping your sprouts, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket for maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. Then, air fry for 15 minutes, shaking or rotating the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispness.

If you prefer your sprouts to be softer in the centre, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before air frying.

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 the insides tender while the outsides crisp to perfection.

Basic Seasoning

The simplest seasonings are often the best. You can use olive oil, salt, and pepper to season your sprouts. You can also add garlic or garlic powder for extra flavour.

Balsamic Glaze

A classic way to season your sprouts is to drizzle and toss them in a balsamic glaze. You can also add a bit of bacon for extra flavour.

Hot Honey

If you like your food spicy, toss your sprouts in a drizzle of honey and your favourite hot spice, such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Maple Mustard

Stir together maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then toss the dressing with the sprouts right when they come out of the air fryer. You can also add chopped nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, for some extra crunch.

Parmesan Garlic

During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle minced garlic and shredded Parmesan over the sprouts.

Soaking

If your sprouts are still tough after air frying, you might need to add a soaking step. Soak them in water for about 10 minutes before cooking to help soften them.

Bacon

You can toss leftover chopped bacon with the cooked sprouts, or just add chopped raw bacon to the basket. It will be crispy by the time the sprouts are done.

Lemon

Swap the balsamic vinegar with lemon or lime juice instead. You could also add a teaspoon of lemon zest.

Seasonings

Try adding Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic powder.

Sweetness

Add a couple of tablespoons of honey or maple syrup before roasting for a sweet, caramelized finish.

How to store leftover brussel sprouts

Yes, you can cook Brussel sprouts in an air fryer. Now, let's discuss how to store leftover Brussel sprouts.

Storing leftover Brussel sprouts properly is essential to maintain their freshness, crispness, and flavour. Here are some detailed instructions:

• Remove any yellowed or wilted leaves: Before storing your Brussel sprouts, remove any outer leaves that appear yellowed or wilted. This will help prevent the spread of decay and ensure the sprouts remain fresh for longer.
• Use a plastic bag and the crisper drawer: Store fresh, unwashed, and untrimmed Brussel sprouts in a plastic bag within the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If you purchased loose sprouts in a cardboard container, remove them from the container and place them directly into the plastic bag.
• Keep Brussel sprouts on the stalk: If you bought your Brussel sprouts on the stalk, keep them that way! The stalk helps maintain moisture and freshness. Simply trim the stalk as you would a bouquet of flowers, place it in a glass of water, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, snip off the desired number of sprouts.
• Use an airtight container: If you've already trimmed, cut, or shredded your Brussel sprouts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to prep them no more than one to two days in advance.
• Avoid washing until ready to use: Avoid washing your Brussel sprouts until you're ready to prepare them. Moisture can accelerate decay, so it's best to keep them dry during storage.
• Opt for colder temperatures: Brussel sprouts prefer colder temperatures, ideally around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure your refrigerator is set to a temperature that will keep them nice and chilly.
• Discard sprouts with black spots or strong odours: If you notice any sprouts with black spots or an unpleasant odour, it's best to discard them. These sprouts have likely passed their prime and won't taste very pleasant.
• Store cut Brussel sprouts separately: If you have cut or shredded Brussel sprouts, store them separately from whole sprouts. Cut sprouts tend to spoil faster, so it's best to use them within three to four days.
• Consider freezing for longer storage: If you have a large quantity of leftover Brussel sprouts and want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Spread them on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Frozen Brussel sprouts can last for about a year.
• Reheat gently: When you're ready to enjoy your leftover Brussel sprouts, reheat them gently in the oven or air fryer at a moderate temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help retain their texture and flavour.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure your leftover Brussel sprouts remain fresh, crisp, and tasty for as long as possible!

Frequently asked questions