Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook Brussels sprouts, resulting in a tender inside and a crispy outside. The high-temperature air ensures the sprouts are cooked evenly, and the cooking time is cut in half compared to other methods. The sprouts can be seasoned with a variety of flavours, including balsamic glaze, hot honey, maple mustard, parmesan garlic, lemon, lime, soy sauce, and bacon.

To make Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, first trim the ends and cut any large sprouts in half. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for around 15 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway through.

Trimming and halving/quartering the sprouts

• Start by removing any brown or wilted outer leaves from the sprouts. You want to ensure that the sprouts are fresh and crisp.
• Using a sharp knife, trim off the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts. This step is crucial as it removes the woody part of the sprout, making it more tender and easier to cook evenly.
• Depending on the size of the sprouts, you may need to halve or quarter them. Aim for pieces that are fairly similar in size so they cook at the same rate. Halving or quartering increases the surface area, allowing for more browning and crispiness.
• If you're working with particularly large sprouts, cut them into quarters. This will help them cook through more quickly and ensure even cooking.
• Once trimmed and cut, place the sprouts in a large bowl and cover them with warm tap water (optional). This soaking step, recommended by some, helps to tenderize the sprouts and ensure they're softer in the centre. Soak for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a towel.
• If you skipped the soaking step, simply place the trimmed and cut sprouts into a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle them with your desired seasonings. You can go with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or add garlic powder for extra flavour. Toss the sprouts well to ensure they're evenly coated.
• Now your Brussels sprouts are ready for the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the sprouts, but on average, they should be cooked for around 10 to 15 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the sprouts are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and maximum exposure to the hot air. Shaking or rotating the basket halfway through the cooking process is crucial to ensure even browning and crispness.

For those who prefer their Brussels sprouts softer, it is recommended to soak them in water for about 10 minutes before air frying. This helps to tenderize the sprouts without making them soggy. Additionally, trimming the ends and cutting larger sprouts in half can help speed up the cooking process and maximize the surface area for crisping.

When cooking frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, it is best to slice them into halves or quarters and increase the cooking time accordingly. For frozen sprouts, a temperature of 400°F for about 20 minutes should suffice, with the basket shaken halfway through.

Soaking the sprouts

If you don't mind a firmer sprout, you can skip the soaking step. However, if you are using frozen sprouts, you may still want to soak them to help them cook more evenly.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned and flavoured in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Balsamic Glaze

A classic way to add flavour to Brussels sprouts is to drizzle them with a balsamic glaze. This can be done by simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it thickens and becomes syrupy. You can also add a little bacon to the mix, as suggested by Well Plated.

Hot Honey

If you like your food spicy, then tossing your sprouts in honey and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.

Maple Mustard

Stir together maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then toss the dressing with the Brussels sprouts right when they come out of the air fryer. For an extra crunch, add some chopped nuts such as pistachios or walnuts.

Parmesan Garlic

During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle some minced garlic and shredded Parmesan cheese over the sprouts. This will add a nice savoury touch.

Lemon

Instead of using balsamic vinegar, you could swap it out for lemon (or lime) juice. You could also add some lemon zest for an extra zesty kick.

Bacon

You can add some chopped bacon to the air fryer with the sprouts, or sprinkle some on top at the end. This will add a nice salty, crispy touch.

Seasonings

Try adding some Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the mix. If you're using Cajun seasoning, omit the salt and pepper as it already contains these ingredients.

Sweetness

Add a couple of tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the sprouts before roasting for a sweet, caramelized finish. You could also try a balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy combo.

Reheating and storing

You can reheat your sprouts in the microwave, but they will lose their crispiness. For this reason, it is better to reheat them in the oven or the air fryer at 350°F.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you have lots of leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. However, they will get mushy once thawed, so it is not recommended. If you do choose to freeze them, it is best to spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them before transferring to a container. This will prevent them from sticking together.

Frequently asked questions