Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook Brussels sprouts, look no further than your air fryer. Air-fried Brussels sprouts are a healthy, tasty side dish or snack that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste buds. With a crispy outer shell and a slightly caramelized texture, these sprouts will be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters.

Soak sprouts in water for 10 minutes to ensure they're tender

Soaking Brussels sprouts in water for 10 minutes is a great way to ensure they are tender before air frying. This extra step is especially useful if you prefer your sprouts softer in the middle. However, if you don't mind a firmer sprout, you can skip the soaking step.

The process of soaking sprouts in water is a simple yet effective way to promote tenderness. By allowing the sprouts to sit in water for a short period, the water penetrates the sprouts, making them softer and easier to cook. This technique is often used for legumes, seeds, and nuts, in addition to vegetables like Brussels sprouts.

When soaking Brussels sprouts, it is important to use pure and filtered water. Place the sprouts in a large bowl and cover them with warm tap water. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. After soaking, drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. From here, you can proceed with your air fryer recipe, following the usual steps of tossing them with oil and spices and then cooking them in the air fryer.

Keep in mind that the soaking step is optional and can be omitted if you prefer your Brussels sprouts with a firmer texture. However, if you're looking for a more tender bite, giving them a quick soak before air frying is a great way to achieve that desired softness.

Use a single layer of sprouts in the air fryer

When cooking your Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. This will help to achieve that sought-after crispiness. If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the sprouts in two batches to avoid overcrowding.

Before placing them in the air fryer, trim the ends of the sprouts and cut any larger ones in half. This helps speed up the cooking process, ensuring the sprouts are tender inside and maximizing the surface area for crisping.

Once your sprouts are prepped and arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook them. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking or rotating the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning.

If you're using frozen Brussels sprouts, you'll want to slice them into half-moons and increase the cooking time to about 20 minutes.

And that's it! You now know the secrets to achieving perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious and healthy side dish!

Cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes

Cooking your Brussels sprouts at 375°F for 10-15 minutes is a great way to get them crispy and golden brown.

First, prep your sprouts by trimming the ends and removing any brown outer leaves. If you want to ensure your sprouts are tender, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but it's a good idea if you prefer your sprouts softer in the middle.

Next, dry your sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or honey to enhance the flavor. Make sure each sprout is well-coated.

Now you're ready to cook! Place your sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to toss the sprouts and promote even browning.

Keep an eye on your sprouts towards the end of the cooking time. You want them to be crispy and golden, but not burnt. Once they're done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket of your air fryer halfway through cooking your Brussels sprouts is an important step for achieving the perfect level of crispiness. This motion helps to redistribute the sprouts, ensuring that they cook evenly.

Brussels sprouts are prone to uneven cooking, with some parts of the sprout burning while others remain undercooked. Shaking the basket helps to prevent this by exposing all sides of the sprouts to the hot air circulating in the air fryer. This is especially important for getting an even crisp across the entire surface area of the sprouts.

Different air fryers have different cooking times and temperatures, so it's important to keep an eye on your Brussels sprouts as they cook. Shaking the basket gives you an opportunity to check on their progress and adjust the cooking time as needed. If you prefer your sprouts on the darker and crispier side, you may want to cook them for a little longer. On the other hand, if you like them less crispy, you can adjust the cooking time by a few minutes less.

In addition to shaking the basket, there are a few other tips you can follow to ensure your Brussels sprouts come out perfectly crispy. Firstly, try to use sprouts of similar sizes, as this will help them cook at the same rate. Secondly, don't be afraid to use a generous amount of oil, as this is what helps the sprouts get crispy in the air fryer. Finally, make sure to remove any loose leaves from the sprouts before cooking, as these can burn easily.

By following these tips and remembering to shake the basket halfway through, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect batch of crispy, golden-brown Brussels sprouts.

Season with garlic, salt, and pepper

Seasoning Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Salt, and Pepper

Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to cook in an air fryer. The leaves turn crispy and crunchy, and the sprouts themselves can be cooked to a tender consistency. Seasoning is an important part of the cooking process, and garlic, salt, and pepper are a great combination to use.

How to Season Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Salt, and Pepper

When seasoning your Brussels sprouts, you can use either fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder. Fresh garlic will give a stronger taste, but it can burn more easily, so you need to be careful. Garlic powder is a safer option and coats the sprouts more evenly.

To season your Brussels sprouts with garlic, salt, and pepper, first trim the ends of the sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Then, cut them in half from the stem to the end. If any sprouts are very large, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly.

Place the sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat the sprouts evenly. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

Cooking the Seasoned Brussels Sprouts

Once your sprouts are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190°C). Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. If your sprouts are crowded, they will steam instead of roast, so you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to toss them and promote even cooking. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add the garlic cloves or garlic powder and toss again. Cook for a further 2-4 minutes, checking and shaking the basket often, until the sprouts are deeply crisp and golden brown.

Serving the Brussels Sprouts

Once your Brussels sprouts are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving bowl and add any desired toppings or garnishes. You can try adding some grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of honey, or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Enjoy your delicious and crispy Brussels sprouts!

Frequently asked questions