Cody Casey
Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable to cook in an air fryer. The air fryer's super-hot circulating air makes the outsides crispy and the insides tender. The cooking time is also cut in half compared to roasting them in an oven. To make Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, start by trimming the ends and removing any brown or yellow outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half or quarters if they are large, so they cook evenly. You can then season the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with garlic, Parmesan, maple syrup, or balsamic vinegar. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Cooking Brussels Sprouts in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 375°F (190°C) to 400°F |
| Cooking Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Preparation | Trim ends, remove any brown/wilted outer leaves, cut into halves or quarters |
| Oil | Neutral-flavored, avocado, olive |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic, Parmesan, balsamic, honey, lime juice, soy sauce |
| Soaking | Optional, makes sprouts more tender |
| Basket | Shake several times during cooking, cook in batches if necessary |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare brussel sprouts for air frying
Preparing brussels sprouts for air frying is a simple process. First, select sprouts of a similar size to ensure even cooking. Wash the sprouts thoroughly and dry them. Remove any excess dirt and pick off any outer leaves that may be yellow or wilted. Next, trim the ends and cut off the roots. If you have very large sprouts, cut them in half or quarter them so that all the pieces are similar in size. This will help them cook evenly and give them more surface area to become crispy.
You can optionally soak the sprouts in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking to make them more tender. If you prefer your sprouts with a bit of chew, you can skip this step.
After trimming and cutting, place the sprouts in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, avocado oil, or another high-quality neutral-flavoured oil. You can also add seasonings like kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder or cloves, and honey to taste. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the sprouts inside in a single layer, shaking the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even crisping.
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Oil and seasoning
Oil is essential for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, as it helps them become crispy and delicious. You can use a neutral-flavored oil spray, or toss the sprouts in oil before placing them in the air fryer. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil or another high-quality oil of your preference. The amount of oil used will depend on the number of Brussels sprouts you are cooking. As a guide, for one pound of sprouts, you will need one tablespoon of oil.
When it comes to seasoning, keeping it simple with just salt and pepper can be a great option. You can use kosher salt for a pure, salty taste, or regular table salt. Black pepper is a good choice, but you can also experiment with other types of pepper. Alternatively, you can get creative with your seasonings and try something like garlic powder, Parmesan, maple syrup, or balsamic vinegar. If you want to add a bit of spice, toss your sprouts in honey and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Before cooking, make sure to trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown or wilted outer leaves. Cut them in half, or into quarters if they are large, to ensure even cooking. You can also soak the sprouts in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking to make them more tender.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The ideal temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is around 375°F (190°C). Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F, while others recommend 390°F.
The cooking time varies depending on the temperature and the size of the sprouts. Smaller sprouts will take less time to cook, and larger sprouts will take longer. On average, Brussels sprouts will take between 10 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Most recipes recommend shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crisping.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the sprouts. It is recommended to keep an eye on the sprouts while they are cooking to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Some recipes suggest blanching or soaking the sprouts before cooking to ensure they are tender, while others recommend trimming the ends and cutting the sprouts in half to speed up cooking and maximise surface area for crisping.
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Shaking the air fryer basket
You should shake the air fryer basket at least twice during cooking. Some recipes suggest shaking the basket halfway through cooking, while others recommend shaking the sprouts after 8 minutes of cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and then air-frying for a second time at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes. If you are cooking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, you may find that your sprouts are ready after 10-12 minutes, so be sure to shake the basket halfway through.
If you are cooking in a larger air fryer, you may need to rotate the pans as well as shaking the basket. If you are cooking a large batch of sprouts, you may need to cook them in two batches to ensure they cook evenly.
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Serving and storing
Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve. You can transfer the sprouts to a serving platter or bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also finish with a buttery glaze, such as shallot butter, or a drizzle of honey.
Brussels sprouts are a great side dish, especially when paired with other roasted or air-fried vegetables. They can also be served as a snack with drinks.
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
When reheating stored Brussels sprouts, you can use the air fryer again to retain their crispy texture. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Some recipes suggest blanching or parboiling the sprouts before air frying to prevent them from drying out. If you choose to do this, be aware that the cooking time will be reduced, so adjust accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
First, trim the ends of the sprouts and remove any brown or yellow outer leaves. Cut them in half or quarter them if they are large so that they cook evenly. Then, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to ensure they are tender in the middle. Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the sprouts inside, making sure they are in a single layer. Drizzle them with a neutral-flavoured oil and season with salt and pepper. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The cooking time depends on the temperature of your air fryer. If cooking at 375°F (190°C), cook for 10-12 minutes. If cooking at 390°F (200°C), cook for 15 minutes. If cooking at 400°F, cook for 20 minutes. Always remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking.
To make crispy sprouts, use a neutral-flavoured oil such as avocado or olive oil. Make sure the sprouts are dry before adding the oil and ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket so that they cook evenly. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to redistribute the sprouts.
To make garlic Brussels sprouts, add some garlic cloves to the sprouts before placing them in the air fryer. Alternatively, sprinkle the sprouts with garlic powder or add slivers of garlic for the last 2-4 minutes of cooking.
