Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts: The Perfect Timing And Temperature

Air fryers are a great way to cook Brussels sprouts, and the best part is that it only takes about 10-15 minutes! The sprouts come out crispy and tender, with a caramelized outer shell. You can also add a variety of seasonings to jazz up your sprouts, such as garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, try a balsamic glaze, hot honey, or maple mustard. So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish, air fryer Brussels sprouts are the way to go!

How to season brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Season Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

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

• Salt and Pepper – Sometimes, keeping it simple is best. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the natural flavour of Brussels sprouts.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is a scrumptious addition to Brussels sprouts. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer.
• Balsamic Glaze – Drizzle your sprouts with a balsamic glaze for a classic flavour combination.
• Honey – For a sweet finish, drizzle honey over your cooked sprouts. For a sweet and spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Parmesan – Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over your sprouts for a savoury finish.
• Spices – Get creative and experiment with different spices! You can add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a unique flavour profile.

• Trim and Halve the Brussels Sprouts – Cut off the ends of the sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from stem to end. For larger sprouts, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are similar in size and will cook evenly.
• Soaking (Optional) – If you prefer your sprouts to be softer in the centre, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This step is not necessary if you like your sprouts to have a firmer texture.
• Drizzle with Oil and Seasonings – After draining and drying the sprouts, place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. Toss to coat the sprouts evenly.
• Add to the Air Fryer – Place the seasoned sprouts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for maximum exposure to the hot air.
• Cook and Toss – Cook the sprouts at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, tossing them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. If using garlic, add it towards the end of the cooking process and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.
• Add Toppings (Optional) – Once the sprouts are cooked to your desired level of doneness, transfer them to a serving bowl and add any desired toppings, such as cheese or a drizzle of honey.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts!

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
• Garlic (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Honey (optional)
• Parmesan (optional)
• Feta (optional)

Method

• Trim the ends off 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.
• (Optional) If you prefer your sprouts to be softer in the middle, soak them in water for 10 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C.
• Drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel.
• Place the sprouts in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then toss to coat evenly.
• Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 5 minutes, then remove the basket and shake to toss the sprouts.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, then toss again.
• If using garlic, add it now and cook for a further 2-4 minutes.
• If desired, add toppings such as balsamic vinegar, honey, Parmesan or feta.

Tips

• To store, place the sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, use the oven or air fryer at 350°F/180°C.
• Freezing is not recommended as the sprouts may become mushy.

How long to cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Brussels sprouts are a fantastic vegetable to cook in an air fryer. The super-hot circulating air makes the insides tender while the outsides crisp to perfection.

Depending on the size of your sprouts, air fryers can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts. Smaller sprouts will take less time, while larger sprouts may need a few extra minutes. It's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can result in a bitter taste.

How to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer:

First, trim the ends of the sprouts and cut any large ones in half. You can also add a soaking step before cooking to help soften them and ensure they are tender inside. Then, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 375°F for 5 minutes. Shake the basket to toss the sprouts, then cook for another 5 minutes. For larger sprouts, you may need to cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.

Tips for the best results:

• Soak the sprouts in water for 10 minutes before cooking if you prefer them softer and more tender.
• Cut the sprouts in half before cooking to increase the surface area for caramelization and make them easier to eat.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming. Cook in batches if needed.
• Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even crispness.
• Finish with a buttery glaze or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

How to know when they are done:

Your Brussels sprouts are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Storing and reheating:

Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, it is best to use the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness, but you can also use a microwave.

Cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy results. With a few simple tips, you can ensure your sprouts turn out perfectly every time!

How to get tender brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Prepping the sprouts

First, you'll want to trim the ends of your sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. If any are particularly large, cut them in half or into quarters so that all the pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly. If you want to ensure your sprouts are tender in the middle, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking. This step is optional, but it will help to soften them before air frying. After soaking, be sure to pat your sprouts dry before adding any oil or seasoning.

Cooking the sprouts

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Drizzle your sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, or fresh garlic cloves, for extra flavour. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Serving the sprouts

For a simple side dish, transfer your cooked sprouts to a bowl and enjoy! If you want to get creative, you can try tossing your sprouts in a balsamic glaze, or drizzling with honey and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a salty kick, sprinkle over some freshly grated parmesan cheese, or crumble over some crispy bacon.

Storing and reheating

You can store leftover sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer or on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

How to reheat brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Preparation

Before reheating your Brussel sprouts, ensure that they are not frozen. If they are, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Set your air fryer to 350°F. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket and reheat for 2-4 minutes. If you are reheating a large batch, you may need to work in batches to ensure even heating.

Serving

Once warmed through, your Brussel sprouts are ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions