Cody Casey
Cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfectly crispy results. The high-powered air fryer can cut cooking time in half compared to roasting sprouts in an oven, and the super-hot circulating air ensures the insides are tender while the outsides crisp up. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and how crispy you like your sprouts, but generally, they will take around 10-20 minutes at 375°F to cook.
Cooking Brussels Sprouts in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 375°F (190°C) or 390°F (200°C) |
| Cooking Time | 10-20 minutes |
| Preheat Time | 3 minutes |
| Preheat Temperature | 375°F |
| Oil | Neutral-flavoured oil, avocado oil, or olive oil |
| Oil Quantity | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | Kosher salt or regular salt |
| Salt Quantity | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Other Seasonings | Black pepper, garlic, garlic powder, Parmesan, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, honey |
| Soaking Time | 10 minutes |
| Preparation | Trim ends, cut large sprouts in half or quarters |
| Basket Arrangement | Single layer |
| Basket Shaking | Halfway through |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare brussels sprouts for air frying
Preparing Brussels sprouts for air frying is a simple process. First, select Brussels sprouts of similar sizes, as this promotes even cooking. Trim the ends of the sprouts and remove any brown or wilted outer leaves. If the sprouts are larger than 1 inch in diameter, cut them in half or into quarters to ensure they cook evenly and have sufficient surface area for crisping. If you prefer your sprouts on the softer side, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking.
Once your sprouts are prepped, it's time to season them. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with additional seasonings. Try tossing the sprouts with garlic, Parmesan, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, or hot honey. You can also experiment with different types of oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, to find your preferred flavor and crispness.
After seasoning, it's important to arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air and prevents them from steaming. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sprouts in batches.
Now you're ready to start cooking! Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for the best balance of tenderness and crispness. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and your preferred level of doneness, but on average, cook the sprouts for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on your sprouts, as they can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.
With these simple preparation steps, you're well on your way to enjoying delicious, healthy, and crispy Brussels sprouts from your air fryer!
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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). Not all air fryers require preheating, but it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to this temperature for the best crisping results.
It is important to ensure that the Brussels sprouts are evenly spread out in the air fryer basket and not piled up, so that the air can circulate and they can crisp up rather than steam. Depending on the size of the air fryer, cooking may need to be done in batches to achieve this.
The cooking time for Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is around 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and crisping. The sprouts are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, but the ideal texture on the inside is a matter of personal preference. For a softer centre, it is recommended to soak the sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before cooking.
It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the sprouts and the type of air fryer being used. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the sprouts while they are cooking and adjust the timing accordingly.
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Shaking the air fryer basket
Most recipes recommend shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process. However, you may need to shake the basket more than once for the best results. For example, one source recommends shaking the basket at least twice during cooking. Another source mentions shaking the basket halfway through and then again towards the end of the cooking process.
It's also important to note that the size of your Brussels sprouts can impact how often you need to shake the basket. If your sprouts are different sizes, you may need to shake the basket more frequently to prevent smaller sprouts from burning. Aim for uniformity in size before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Finally, when shaking the basket, be sure to distribute the sprouts in a single layer to maximize their exposure to the hot, circulating air. This will help ensure even cooking and browning.
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Oil and seasoning
Brussels sprouts require very little oil when cooked in an air fryer, but the oil is essential to achieving the desired crispy texture. You can use a neutral-flavoured oil spray, or toss the sprouts in a bowl with oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or another high-quality oil of your choice. For extra flavour, you can add seasonings to the oil, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and honey.
When preparing the sprouts, it is important to ensure they are all roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. Trim the ends and cut any large sprouts in half or quarters. If you prefer your sprouts on the softer side, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding oil and seasoning. If you like them al dente, you can skip this step.
Once the sprouts are prepared and seasoned, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sprouts in batches.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or a side. The sprouts can be seasoned with a variety of flavors, ranging from sweet to savory.
For a savory side dish, a popular option is to pair the sprouts with garlic. You can add sliced or slivered garlic to the sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle garlic powder on the sprouts before air frying. If you want to add a tangy twist to the garlic sprouts, you can drizzle them with balsamic vinegar that has been simmered until thickened, and then seasoned with lime juice and soy sauce.
If you're looking for a sweeter option, you can toss the sprouts with maple syrup and Dijon mustard after air frying. For an extra crunch, top the sprouts with chopped nuts such as pistachios or walnuts.
Another sweet and savory option is to finish the sprouts with a buttery glaze. You can make a simple shallot butter by melting butter in a bowl and mixing it with finely chopped shallots and red wine vinegar. Alternatively, you can sprinkle Parmesan and shredded garlic over the sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking for a more savory dish.
For a heartier option, you can serve the sprouts with a side of sautéed mushrooms and bacon bits.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Before cooking, trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut any large sprouts in half. If any sprouts are very large, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are similar in size and cook evenly. You can also soak the sprouts in water for 10 minutes to make them tender.
Place the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Shake the basket several times throughout the cooking process to keep the air circulating and ensure the sprouts crisp evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Not all air fryers require preheating, but it is recommended for the crispiest Brussels sprouts.
Try adding a soaking step before cooking to help soften the sprouts. You can also try lowering the temperature of your air fryer, as cooking temperatures may vary depending on the brand.
