Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts: How Long To Cook Them?

Cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, crispy result. The high heat of the air fryer means they take less time to cook than in an oven, and they can be seasoned with a variety of sweet and savoury flavours.

The key to getting crispy sprouts is to ensure they are dry before cooking and to coat them in oil. They should be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air.

How to prepare sprouts for the air fryer

Preparing sprouts for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, you'll want to trim the ends off your sprouts and cut any larger ones in half to ensure even cooking. If you're using fresh sprouts, remove any brown or wilted outer leaves. You can also cut the sprouts into quarters if they're on the larger side.

Next, give your sprouts a quick rinse and dry them thoroughly with a towel. This step is important as any remaining moisture can affect how crispy your sprouts turn out.

Now it's time to season. Place your sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat them evenly. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want softer sprouts, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before drying and seasoning.

Once your sprouts are prepared, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not crowded. This ensures maximum exposure to the hot air circulating in the fryer.

Cook your sprouts for about 5 minutes, then shake the basket or toss the sprouts to ensure even cooking. Return them to the air fryer for another 5 minutes or so. If you're adding any additional ingredients like garlic, do so now and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy and tender air-fried Brussels sprouts. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to find your favorite combinations. Enjoy!

How to season sprouts for the air fryer

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to add flavour and taste. Here are some ideas for seasoning sprouts before air frying:

• Salt and Pepper – Simple yet classic, salt and pepper are a great way to season sprouts and enhance their natural flavour.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder can be added to the sprouts for a scrumptious, savoury taste.
• Olive Oil – Drizzling olive oil over the sprouts helps them become crispy and delicious.
• Balsamic Vinegar – For a classic side dish, drizzle and toss the sprouts in balsamic vinegar.
• Honey – For a sweet finish, drizzle honey over the cooked sprouts. For a sweet and spicy variation, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Parmesan – Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts for a savoury, umami flavour.
• Spices – Get creative and experiment with different spices like paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning to find your favourite flavour combination.
• Bacon – Prepare some oven-baked bacon and crumble it over the sprouts for a salty, crispy addition.
• Feta – Toss the cooked sprouts with feta cheese for a salty, tangy twist.
• Mustard and Maple Syrup – Stir together Dijon mustard and maple syrup, then toss the dressing with the sprouts for a sweet and tangy flavour.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match different seasonings and ingredients to find your favourite way to season sprouts for the air fryer.

How to cook sprouts in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Parmesan (optional)
• Honey (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method:

Start by trimming the ends off your sprouts and removing any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half, or into quarters if they're on the larger side, so that all the pieces are a similar size. This will help them cook evenly.

If you like your sprouts a little softer in the middle, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before cooking. This step is optional—if you prefer your sprouts to have a firmer texture, simply skip it!

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, dry the sprouts if you soaked them, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or paprika.

Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with adequate space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then remove the basket and shake it to toss them and promote even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes.

At this point, your sprouts should be getting nice and crispy and almost done. If they need a little longer, cook for another minute or so. If you're using garlic, add it now and toss to coat the sprouts. Cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, checking and shaking the basket frequently, until the sprouts are deeply crisp.

If you like, you can add toppings such as balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, honey, or red pepper flakes. Enjoy your sprouts hot as a side dish or snack!

Storage:

You can store any leftover sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

How to make sprouts crispy in the air fryer

How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound of Brussels sprouts
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Optional toppings: balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, bacon, honey, red pepper flakes, etc.

Method

• Preparation: Start by trimming the ends off your Brussels sprouts and removing any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half, or into quarters if they are very large, to ensure even cooking.
• Soaking (optional): If you prefer your Brussels sprouts a little softer, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This step is not necessary if you like your sprouts to have a firmer texture.
• Drying: After soaking, drain the Brussels sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. This step is important to ensure they don't steam in the air fryer.
• Seasoning: Place the sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Toss well to ensure an even coating.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and shake to toss the sprouts.
• Cooking: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes. Toss the sprouts again and add any optional ingredients like garlic cloves or sliced bacon. Cook for a final 2-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Serving: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and add any desired toppings or seasonings. Enjoy them while they're hot and crispy!

Tips for Success:

• For the crispiest results, ensure your air fryer is preheated and the sprouts are in a single layer with space to circulate air.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake the basket and toss the sprouts periodically to ensure even cooking and browning.
• If your Brussels sprouts are still tough after air frying, try the soaking step or lower the temperature of your air fryer slightly.
• For a sweet and savory twist, toss the sprouts with balsamic vinegar, honey, or Parmesan cheese before serving.

Storing and Reheating:

• These Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place the sprouts on a baking sheet in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.

Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and healthy side dish!

How to store leftoverssection

Storing leftover Brussels sprouts is easy. Simply place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them, but be aware that they may become mushy once thawed. To freeze, use a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your Brussels sprouts again, reheat them in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. If you're using the oven or air fryer, bake them at 350°F until they're warmed through.

• Make sure the sprouts are completely cool before storing them in the airtight container.
• If you're using a bag to freeze your sprouts, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing it.
• Label your container or bag with the date, so you know when three months have passed.
• When reheating, keep an eye on the sprouts to avoid burning them.
• You can also get creative and use your leftover sprouts in other dishes like salads, frittatas, or stir-fries.
• If your sprouts start to smell funky or develop mold, discard them immediately.

Frequently asked questions