Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking times for Brussels sprouts in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the sprouts and the air fryer model. For example, one source recommends cooking sprouts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, while another suggests 15 minutes at the same temperature. However, some people report that their sprouts were burnt after 15 minutes, so it's important to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to prepare brussels sprouts for the air fryer

Ingredients

To make air fryer Brussels sprouts, you will need the following ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

First, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. If you're using fresh sprouts, you may want to soak them in water for 10 minutes to make them more tender. However, if you prefer your sprouts to have a firmer texture, you can skip this step.

Cut the sprouts in half from stem to end. For any larger sprouts, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are similar in size and will cook evenly.

Seasoning the Brussels Sprouts

In a large bowl, drizzle the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor. Toss the sprouts well to ensure they are evenly coated.

Cooking the Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot circulating air. Avoid crowding the basket, as this will cause the sprouts to steam instead of crisp.

Cook the Brussels sprouts for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to toss the sprouts and promote even cooking. For larger sprouts, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Optional Add-ons

Once the sprouts are crispy and golden brown, you can transfer them to a serving bowl and add various toppings. For example, you can drizzle them with balsamic vinegar, honey, or soy sauce for a sweet and tangy finish. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon over the sprouts for an extra savory touch.

How to season brussels sprouts for the air fryer

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in many ways to add flavour and taste. Here are some ideas for seasoning Brussels sprouts in the air fryer:

Olive Oil

A small amount of olive oil will help the Brussels sprouts become crispy and delicious. You don't need to use as much oil as you would if you were cooking them in an oven.

Salt and Pepper

Sometimes, simple is best. A light sprinkling of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the flavour of the sprouts.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is a scrumptious addition to Brussels sprouts. It gets very dark and crispy in the air fryer, adding a punchy flavour to the dish.

Balsamic Vinegar

For a tangy twist, transfer your cooked sprouts to a bowl and toss them with balsamic vinegar. You could also try a balsamic reduction, which can be made by simmering the vinegar until it becomes thick and syrupy.

Bacon

Prepare some oven-baked bacon, then crumble it over the top of your sprouts for a savoury, salty kick.

Parmesan

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over your sprouts for a tasty, savoury finish.

Feta

For a different cheesy option, toss your sprouts with a handful of feta cheese.

Honey

For a sweet finish, drizzle honey over your cooked sprouts. For a sweet and spicy variation, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Shallot Butter

While entirely optional, finishing your sprouts with a drizzle of shallot butter will take a simple side dish to the next level.

How long to cook brussels 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.

It takes around 10-15 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. The exact time will depend on the size of your sprouts and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. You want to aim for a beautiful golden brown colour.

How to cook them:

First, trim the ends of your sprouts and cut any large ones in half. You can also remove any brown outer leaves. Then, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding garlic powder at this stage. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes. Then, shake the basket to toss the sprouts and cook for another 5 minutes. For the final 2-4 minutes, you can add some garlic cloves for extra flavour.

Tips for the perfect sprouts:

• Soaking the sprouts in water for 10 minutes before cooking will make them tender in the middle.
• For crispy sprouts, ensure the air fryer is preheated to a high temperature (around 375-400°F).
• Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and crispness.
• For extra flavour, try adding a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a balsamic glaze.

Common pitfalls:

Be careful not to overcook your sprouts, as this will give them a bitter taste. Also, avoid crowding the air fryer basket, as this will cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast. If you have a lot of sprouts, cook them in batches.

Storing and reheating:

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

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 are perfectly tender and golden brown every time!

How to store leftover air-fried brussels sprouts

If you have leftover air-fried Brussels sprouts, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag to keep them fresh.

It is not recommended to freeze air-fried Brussels sprouts as they may become mushy once thawed. However, if you have a large quantity of leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat your leftover Brussels sprouts, you can use the oven or the air fryer. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 350°F and cook until warmed through.

Some other tips to keep in mind when storing Brussels sprouts:

• Remove any yellowed, wilted, or brown leaves before storing.
• Do not wash the sprouts until you are ready to cook them, as moisture can cause decay.
• If storing loose sprouts, keep them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
• If purchasing sprouts on the stalk, trim the end and store them like cut flowers in a small vase or jar in the fridge.

What to serve with air-fried brussels sprouts

Air-fried Brussels sprouts make a great side dish, especially when paired with proteins like chicken, bacon, or sausage. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried Brussels sprouts:

Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers

Chicken and Brussels sprouts are a classic combination, and grilling the chicken adds a nice smoky flavour to the dish. Adding a pesto sauce to the chicken skewers can also bring some freshness to the dish.

Bacon

Bacon is another classic pairing with Brussels sprouts. You can crumble cooked bacon over the top of your air-fried sprouts, or try wrapping the sprouts in bacon before air-frying.

Sausage

If you're looking for something a little heartier, sausage is a great option to serve with Brussels sprouts. Try a simple grilled sausage, or get creative with a dish like sautéed Brussels sprouts with sausage and pickled red onion.

Garlic

Garlic and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven. Air-frying the two together can create a delicious side dish, or you can make a garlic aioli to serve on the side.

Balsamic Vinegar

A balsamic vinegar reduction can be a delicious way to dress up your Brussels sprouts. Try simmering the vinegar until it's thickened and starting to look syrupy, then whisk in a little olive oil, lime juice, and soy sauce. Drizzle this over your air-fried sprouts for a restaurant-worthy dish.

Parmesan

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can take your Brussels sprouts to the next level. The salty, savoury flavour of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sprouts.

Frequently asked questions