Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts: How Long To Cook?

Cooking frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and tasty side dish. The sprouts are cooked from frozen, with no need for thawing, and can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior and tender interior, and the sprouts can be seasoned to taste.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an optional step when making frozen Brussels sprouts, but it can help to increase crispiness and charred taste. If you decide to preheat your air fryer, set it to 400°F (204°C) for 3-5 minutes, or according to your model's specific instructions. While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen Brussels sprouts by coating them with oil and seasoning, if desired. This step will help to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

It's important to note that not all air fryers require preheating, and some sources suggest that you can skip this step if you're in a hurry. Additionally, some air fryer models may have specific preheating instructions, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for the most accurate information.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with adding the Brussels sprouts and following the rest of your recipe instructions.

Add oil and seasoning

Adding oil and seasoning to your frozen Brussels sprouts is a crucial step in ensuring they taste delicious and have a crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it's important to note that you should not thaw or defrost your frozen Brussels sprouts before adding oil and seasoning. Working with them in their frozen state will help ensure they don't become soggy and will lead to a crispier end result.

Now, onto the oil and seasoning! You can use a variety of oils for this step, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. You only need a small amount of oil—just enough to help the sprouts develop a crispy texture as they cook. Simply drizzle or spray the oil over the frozen sprouts and toss them gently to ensure an even coating.

When it comes to seasoning, you have a lot of flexibility to customise the flavours to your taste. A simple and classic option is to use just salt and pepper. You can also add other spices and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper powder, or even a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavour. Simply sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the oiled sprouts and toss again to ensure they are evenly coated.

If you're feeling creative, you can also experiment with different types of salt. For example, try using a flavoured salt like garlic salt or a spicy option like Slap Ya Mama, as suggested by a home cook on Reddit.

Once your sprouts are coated in oil and seasoning, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each sprout, leading to even cooking and maximum crispiness.

So, to recap: add oil and your choice of seasonings to frozen (not thawed) Brussels sprouts, toss to coat, and then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to delicious, crispy Brussels sprouts!

Air fry for 10 minutes

So, you've decided to air fry your Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes. Great choice! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect sprouts:

Step 1: Preparation

First, gather your ingredients and tools. You'll need frozen Brussels sprouts, olive oil or another oil of your choice, and an air fryer. You can also prepare any spices or seasonings you'd like to add. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Preheating and Coating

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is optional, as some air fryers don't require preheating, but it can help increase crispiness. While the air fryer is preheating, add your frozen sprouts to a mixing bowl and coat them with oil. This step helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking. Toss the sprouts to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Seasoning (Optional)

If you want to add seasoning, this is the time to do it! Sprinkle your desired spices and seasonings over the oiled sprouts and toss again to ensure an even coating. You can also skip this step if you prefer your sprouts unseasoned.

Step 4: Air Frying

Place the sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded or stacked. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

After 10 minutes, your sprouts should be cooked through and starting to crisp up. Check to see if they have reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, you can continue air frying in short intervals until they are perfect for you.

Step 6: Serving

Once your sprouts are done, it's time to serve them! Air fryer Brussels sprouts go well with a variety of main dishes and can be garnished with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your delicious and healthy side dish!

Cut sprouts in half

Cutting your sprouts in half is an optional step when cooking frozen Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. However, it is highly recommended as it allows you to achieve a yummy crispy texture on the edges, making all the difference.

If you decide to cut your sprouts, you should do so after the initial cooking. For example, if you are following the recipe that cooks the sprouts at 400°F for 10 minutes, you would then take them out and halve them before adding seasonings and cooking for a further 10-20 minutes.

You can also cut the sprouts in half if you are cooking them from fresh. In this case, you should first wash and trim the woody bottoms off your sprouts before cutting them in half or into quarters so they are all roughly the same size. This ensures that the outsides do not become overcooked before the insides are done.

Add more seasoning and air fry for another 10-20 minutes

Now that you've seasoned your sprouts, it's time to put them back in the air fryer for another 10-20 minutes. This will give them a chance to absorb the flavours of the spices and herbs you've added, as well as giving them a crispy texture.

As before, you'll want to make sure that the sprouts are spread out in an even layer in the air fryer basket. This will ensure that they cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your sprouts, the cooking time may vary. Smaller sprouts will take less time to cook, while larger sprouts may need a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Once they're done to your liking, take them out of the air fryer and serve them hot. You can also sprinkle on some more seasoning or add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour. Enjoy!

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