Roasting Brussels Sprouts In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook Brussels sprouts, then look no further than your air fryer. Air-fried Brussels sprouts are slightly caramelized with a crispy outer shell and tender on the inside. The high heat of the air fryer means they cook faster than in an oven, and you can also get creative with seasonings and flavors like balsamic vinegar, Parmesan, or even bacon.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: garlic, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, lemon, Parmesan cheese, bacon, chilli, hazelnuts, or any other seasoning of your choice

Method

• Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves.
• Cut the sprouts in half from stem to end. If any are very large, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly.
• If you prefer your sprouts to be softer in the middle, soak them in water for 10 minutes. This is an optional step, and you can skip it if you prefer your sprouts to be firmer.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C.
• Drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. If you soaked them, wipe out the bowl and add the sprouts back in. If you didn't soak them, place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle the sprouts with oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat them evenly.
• Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. If your sprouts don't all fit in a single layer, cook them in batches.
• Cook for 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and shake it to toss the sprouts. This helps them cook evenly.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and toss the sprouts again.
• If you are adding garlic, do so now and toss to coat the sprouts.
• Cook for a further 2-4 minutes, checking and shaking the basket often, until the sprouts are crispy.
• If desired, add toppings such as balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, or bacon.
• Enjoy your crispy Brussels sprouts!

Storage

Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer at 350°F/180°C.

How to season brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Season Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy veggie option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Basic Seasoning

The simplest way to season your sprouts is with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some ground black pepper. This basic combination lets the natural flavour of the sprouts shine through.

Garlic

Fresh garlic cloves can be added to the air fryer with the sprouts for the last few minutes of cooking. This gives a scrumptious, crispy, and dark finish. Alternatively, garlic powder can be used to season the sprouts before cooking. This will coat the sprouts more evenly than fresh garlic and won't burn.

Balsamic Vinegar

Adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the sprouts before cooking gives them a tangy, sweet finish. For a classic side dish, you can also toss the sprouts in a balsamic glaze.

Parmesan

Sprinkling grated parmesan over the sprouts before or after cooking gives them a delicious, crispy crust.

Lemon

Lemon juice can be used in place of balsamic vinegar to give the sprouts a tangy twist. Lemon zest can also be added for extra zing.

Spices

For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot honey to your sprouts. For a nutty flavour, toss them in a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios or walnuts.

Meat

Adding meat to your sprouts is a great way to make the dish more substantial. Crispy bacon is a perfect partner for sprouts and can be added to the air fryer for the last few minutes of cooking.

Other Veggies

Brussels sprouts can be mixed with other veggies in the air fryer, such as root vegetables (like carrots, beets, rutabaga, or parsnips) or winter squash (like butternut squash, acorn squash, or pumpkin). Just be sure to choose veggies with a similar cooking time.

How long to cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook Brussel sprouts, giving them a crispy texture in a short amount of time. The cooking time will depend on the size of your sprouts and your desired texture, but most recipes recommend cooking Brussel sprouts in the air fryer for around 10 to 15 minutes.

Preparation

Before cooking, trim the ends of the sprouts and remove any brown or wilted outer leaves. For even cooking, cut the sprouts in half, or into quarters if they are large. If you prefer your sprouts to be softer in the middle, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice.

Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to toss them and ensure even cooking. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes. For softer sprouts, add a few more minutes of cooking time. If you are adding garlic, toss it with the sprouts and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

For a simple side dish, transfer the cooked sprouts to a serving bowl and enjoy while hot. For extra flavour, try tossing the sprouts with balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or honey. You can also add bacon or other meats, or serve with a buttery glaze.

Storing and Reheating

Brussel sprouts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as it can make the sprouts mushy.

How to store, reheat and freeze leftover brussel sprouts

Storing leftover brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating leftover brussels sprouts

Leftover brussels sprouts can be reheated in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. To reheat in the oven, spread the sprouts in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Freezing leftover brussels sprouts

Although it is not recommended, you can freeze leftover brussels sprouts. Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 to 12 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that frozen and thawed sprouts may become soggy.

What to serve with air-fried brussel sprouts

There are many options for what to serve with air-fried Brussels sprouts. Here are some ideas:

Proteins

Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of proteins, including:

• Chicken – try crispy baked chicken legs, air fryer chicken wings, chicken leg quarters, lemon and garlic chicken, or garlic butter chicken.
• Steak – cook a filet mignon or ribeye, or keep it simple and cook your steak in the air fryer alongside the sprouts.
• Pork – pork chops, stuffed pork chops, or air fryer pork chops are solid choices.
• Fish – air fryer cod or air fryer shrimp are good options for a quick and simple dinner. For stovetop cooking, pan-seared salmon is a favourite.
• Bacon – try wrapping your protein in bacon, like these maple bacon-wrapped pork chops, or add chopped bacon to the air fryer with the sprouts.

Carbohydrates

If you're looking for a carbohydrate side dish to serve with your Brussels sprouts, consider:

• Scalloped potatoes with a cheese sauce
• Mashed potatoes – try these miso mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Pasta – try this simple lemon ricotta pasta or an easy chicken alfredo
• Fritters – these healthy corn and zucchini fritters would be a crispy and delicious pairing

Other Vegetables

Brussels sprouts can also be served with other vegetables, such as:

• Carrots – try this roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots side dish
• Beets, rutabaga, parsnips, or winter squash (like butternut squash, acorn squash, or pumpkin)
• Potatoes – try these roasted chicken thighs and vegetables, or roast potatoes as part of a British Sunday roast dinner

Sauces and Seasonings

To add extra flavour to your Brussels sprouts, try serving them with:

• Shallot butter – this three-ingredient drizzle can be added to the sprouts after cooking
• Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
• Parmesan cheese – try tossing the sprouts in grated parmesan before or after cooking
• Honey or maple syrup – add a couple of tablespoons before roasting for a sweet, caramelised finish
• Red wine vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cajun seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Frequently asked questions