Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Brussels Sprouts, Anytime!

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen Brussels sprouts quickly. The sprouts will be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This method is also healthy, low-calorie, and low-carb. You can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer in three simple steps. First, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, spread the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Finally, air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F.

If you are using frozen Brussels sprouts, it is recommended to cook them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

If you are using fresh Brussels sprouts, the cooking time will vary between 10 and 15 minutes at 375°F or 390°F. Again, shaking the basket halfway through will ensure even cooking.

It is important to note that air fryers vary in temperatures, wattages, and sizes, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Olive oil

You can also use olive oil spray, which is a convenient way to ensure the sprouts are evenly coated without using too much oil.

Some recipes suggest adding other oils, like avocado oil, for a more neutral taste, or using the fat from frying bacon for extra flavour.

The amount of olive oil you'll need will depend on the quantity of sprouts you're cooking, but it's generally around 1-3 teaspoons for a 16oz bag of sprouts.

Seasoning

Before cooking your sprouts in the air fryer, you can season them with a variety of ingredients. A simple and classic option is to toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or Korean gochugaru (red pepper powder) for a spicier kick. If you're feeling creative, try adding balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese to the mix before cooking.

After cooking your sprouts in the air fryer, you can also add a variety of toppings and garnishes. Some popular options include buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, tahini, or a squeeze of fresh lemon. You can also get creative and make a balsamic glaze or a honey balsamic reduction to drizzle over your sprouts. If you're feeling indulgent, try tossing them in melted butter or adding some crispy bacon.

• Salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and finely shredded mozzarella
• Red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
• Garlic powder, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and red chilli flakes
• Olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic glaze, and Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, maple syrup, and Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, honey, and red pepper flakes

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. Here's a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces of frozen Brussels sprouts
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• In the basket of the air fryer (or a separate mixing bowl), toss the frozen Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Ensure they are in an even layer so the hot air can circulate around them for better cooking and crisping.
• Set the air fryer to 390°F.
• Cook the Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes and shake the basket to toss them.
• Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the outside leaves are crisp and slightly charred. The time may vary depending on the model of air fryer you use.
• Serve with parmesan and lemon or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Now, here are some reasons why you shouldn't overcrowd your air fryer:

Air fryers are small, efficient convection ovens that cook food by blowing hot air around it. This results in crispy fried foods without the need for a pot of hot oil. However, if you fill the air fryer basket to the brim, the air cannot circulate properly. This impedes airflow and results in steaming instead of crisping. Therefore, it is generally recommended to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and a golden, well-crisped result.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how much food to load into your specific air fryer model.
• Avoid stacking food on top of each other. This restricts airflow and traps steam, which is the enemy of crispy food.
• Cook in single layers rather than all at once. This allows for better airflow and more effective cooking.
• If you need to cook a large quantity of food, consider getting an air fryer with a larger basket so that everything can cook at once without overcrowding.
• For vegetables like Brussels sprouts, which can be stacked without compromising the results, make sure to stir or shake them about halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• If you are cooking smaller items like vegetables, keep them at least 1/4-inch wide to prevent them from falling through the basket cracks.
• When in doubt, cook in batches. Air fryer cooking is generally faster than roasting or frying, so you can quickly cook multiple batches without much additional time or effort.

Cut sprouts in half for crispier edges

Cutting your Brussels sprouts in half is a great way to get them extra crispy when cooking them in an air fryer. While this step is optional, it is highly recommended for those who want to achieve a yummy crispy texture on the edges.

If you are using frozen Brussels sprouts, you can simply use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut them in half after air frying them for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial air frying will thaw them and soften them enough to be cut.

Once you have cut your Brussels sprouts in half, you can add your desired spices and air fry them for another 10 to 20 minutes, checking every 5 minutes, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

This method of cutting them in half will ensure that you get those delicious, crispy edges that make air-fried Brussels sprouts so tasty!

Frequently asked questions