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

Yes, you can cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. In fact, many people prefer to cook them this way as it makes them crispy and slightly caramelised on the outside, while keeping them tender and soft on the inside.

The cooking time is also reduced when using an air fryer, and you can season them with a variety of flavours, such as balsamic vinegar, garlic, chilli, or bacon.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Trimming and Soaking

Start by trimming the ends off your sprouts and removing any brown outer leaves. If you want to ensure your sprouts are tender in the middle, soak them in warm tap water for 10 minutes. This is an especially good idea if you're using frozen sprouts. If you don't mind a firmer sprout, you can skip this step.

Seasoning

Once you've drained and dried your sprouts, it's time to season them. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, chilli, or chopped crispy bacon.

Air Frying

Arrange the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so the air can circulate. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times throughout to ensure even cooking. If you're using frozen sprouts, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Toppings and Serving

Once your sprouts are crispy and tender, transfer them to a serving bowl and add any desired toppings. Some tasty options include balsamic glaze, honey, Parmesan cheese, or feta cheese. Enjoy your delicious and healthy side dish!

How long to cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer

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

How long to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer:

There are a few factors that will determine how long you should cook your Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. These include whether you are cooking them from fresh or frozen, the size of your air fryer, and how crispy you like your sprouts.

If you are cooking fresh sprouts, trim them, and place them in a bowl. Drizzle over some olive oil, season well, and toss to coat. If you like your sprouts softer in the middle, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before this step.

Arrange the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through. If you are cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

If you like your sprouts very crispy, you can cook them for 5 minutes, toss, then cook for another 5 minutes, and finally cook for a further 2-4 minutes after adding garlic.

You can add a variety of toppings to your sprouts, including balsamic vinegar, bacon, Parmesan, feta, or honey.

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.

Seasoning Options:

• Salt and Pepper: Sometimes the simplest seasonings are the best.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a scrumptious addition.
• Balsamic Glaze: Toss the sprouts in a balsamic glaze.
• Bacon: Prepare some oven-baked bacon and crumble it over the sprouts.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts.
• Feta: Toss the cooked sprouts with a handful of feta cheese.
• Honey: Drizzle honey over the cooked sprouts for a sweet finish. For a sweet and spicy variation, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Shallot Butter: Finish with a buttery glaze.
• Hot Honey: Toss your sprouts in 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.
• Chilli: Add some chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
• Chopped Crispy Bacon: Toss sprouts with bacon for a salty, savoury kick.

General Cooking Instructions:

• Trim the ends from the sprouts and cut any large ones in half.
• Toss the sprouts with olive oil and your choice of seasoning.
• Arrange the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through.
• If you like your sprouts softer, soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking.
• If you are using frozen sprouts, you will need to slice them in half, air fry them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, and shake the basket halfway through.

What to serve with brussel sprouts

Yes, you can cook brussel sprouts in an air fryer. They become slightly caramelised with a crispy outer shell and can be seasoned with a variety of sweet and savoury flavours.

There are lots of options for what to serve with brussel sprouts, as they go with many different types of meat and other dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Fish, such as salmon or shrimp
• Pork, such as pork chops or pork tenderloin
• Beef, such as steak or burgers
• Chicken, such as chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks
• Sausages
• Scalloped potatoes with a cheese sauce
• Roasted duck
• Lamb

You could also serve brussel sprouts with rice, salad, bread, or other roasted vegetables.

How to store leftover brussel sprouts

Yes, you can cook Brussel sprouts in an air fryer. Here's 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 to help you do just that:

• Remove any brown or yellow leaves from the sprouts to prevent rotting. These discoloured leaves can indicate the start of spoilage, and removing them will help extend the sprouts' shelf life.
• Avoid washing the sprouts before storing them. Washing can increase moisture, leading to faster spoilage. Only wash the sprouts right before you intend to use them.
• Store the sprouts in an airtight container or a plastic bag with a secure zip closure. Proper containment will help maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Place the container or bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The sprouts will stay fresh and crisp for a longer period when stored in a cold, humid environment.
• Consume the sprouts within 3 to 5 days. While they can last up to a week in the fridge, their taste becomes stronger and less sweet over time. For optimal flavour and quality, it is best to eat them within a few days.

Additionally, if you want to freeze your leftover Brussel sprouts, here's a quick method:

• Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours.
• Transfer the frozen sprouts to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Frozen Brussel sprouts can last for about a year when stored this way.

However, please note that freezing Brussel sprouts may alter their texture, making them mushy once thawed. So, if you plan to freeze them, consider blanching the sprouts before freezing to preserve their texture and nutritional content better.

Frequently asked questions