Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer brussels sprouts are a quick and easy dish to make, taking less than 30 minutes. The sprouts are cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, then shaken and cooked for a further 8-10 minutes. The sprouts should be cut in half lengthwise and seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The high temperature and air circulation of the air fryer ensure that the sprouts become tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for air frying

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

First, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut any larger sprouts in half. If you want to ensure your Brussels sprouts are tender in the middle, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before air frying. This is an optional step, but it helps to soften them.

Next, drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. Place the sprouts in a large mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese, depending on your preference.

Once the sprouts are seasoned, transfer them to the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot air circulating in the air fryer.

Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook the sprouts for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispness. For frozen Brussels sprouts, air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

Finally, remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Air frying temperature and duration

The ideal temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F. Cooking at this temperature for 10 to 15 minutes will give you crispy Brussels sprouts that are tender on the inside.

Preheating the air fryer

Not all air fryers require preheating. However, if you want the crispiest Brussels sprouts, it is best to start with a hot air fryer. Preheat your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the sprouts.

Preparing the Brussels sprouts

Start by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cutting any large sprouts in half. You can also remove any brown outer leaves. If you prefer your sprouts to be softer in the centre, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before cooking. After soaking, be sure to pat the sprouts dry before adding them to the air fryer.

Cooking the sprouts

Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend of your choice.

Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then shake or rotate the basket to ensure even cooking. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes. At this point, you can add any additional ingredients, such as garlic, and cook for a further 2 to 4 minutes.

Customising your sprouts

Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of sweet and savoury flavours. Here are some ideas for customising your sprouts:

• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle and toss the sprouts in a balsamic glaze for a classic side dish.
• Hot honey: Toss the sprouts in honey and your favourite hot spice, such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Maple mustard: Stir together maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then toss with the sprouts when they come out of the air fryer.
• Parmesan garlic: During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle minced garlic and shredded Parmesan over the sprouts.

Air fryer basket arrangement

When arranging your Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer with adequate space around each sprout. This allows for maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air, promoting even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sprouts in batches.

For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 390°F before adding the sprouts.

Before placing them in the basket, trim the ends of the sprouts and cut any large sprouts in half. You can also quarter the larger sprouts to speed up the cooking process and maximize surface area for crisping. Additionally, consider tossing the sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, to enhance the flavor.

During the cooking process, remember to shake or rotate the basket periodically to ensure even crispness. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and desired level of doneness, but on average, it takes around 15 minutes at 375°F or 390°F to achieve crispy Brussels sprouts.

By following these steps and paying attention to the arrangement in the air fryer basket, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy Brussels sprouts!

Air fryer basket shaking

Shaking the basket of your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your Brussels sprouts cook evenly and achieve the desired level of crispness. Here are some tips and instructions for air fryer basket shaking:

Shaking the basket helps to ensure that air circulates around all the Brussels sprouts, especially when they are stacked in more than one layer. This results in more uniform cooking, with all sides of the sprouts becoming evenly crispy. Shaking also allows you to check the colour and cooking progress, ensuring that your sprouts don't burn or dry out.

The frequency of shaking depends on the type of food you are cooking. For smaller items like French fries or chicken wings, it is recommended to shake the basket every few minutes or halfway through the cooking process. For Brussels sprouts, it is generally advised to shake the basket once, halfway through the cooking time. However, shaking the basket a little more will not harm your sprouts.

How to Shake the Basket:

To shake the basket, simply follow these steps:

• Remove the basket from the air fryer by pulling it out using the handle.
• Shake the basket over the sink to ensure any loose crumbs or grease do not make a mess.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and ensure that the food is well mixed, with the lower layers coming to the top and vice versa.

Additional Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the basket. Cooking in batches or investing in a larger air fryer will ensure better results.
• Grease your air fryer basket with a light coating of oil to prevent food from sticking.
• Avoid using aerosol spray cans as they can cause chipping in the basket. Instead, opt for a good-quality oil mister or bottle.
• If you are cooking greasy foods, pouring a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons) into the bottom of the basket can help to reduce smoke. Alternatively, placing a slice of bread in the bottom of the unit can soak up excess grease.

Air fryer alternatives

To cook brussel sprouts in an air fryer, trim the ends and cut any large sprouts in half. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Now, if you don't have an air fryer, there are a few alternatives you can use to achieve similar results. Here are some options for air fryer alternatives:

• Halogen ovens: These are said to be amazing alternatives to air fryers and are a fraction of the price. They consist of a glass bowl with a lid containing halogen bulbs and a fan. The infrared radiation created by the bulbs is circulated by the fan, cooking the food. They are available at various retailers, such as Amazon and Argos.
• Convection ovens: Convection ovens are essentially larger versions of air fryers. They use a powerful fan to circulate hot air, allowing for faster cooking and more uniform browning. Convection ovens are great for roasting meats, cooking pizza, baking, and roasting vegetables. You can use a perforated tray or an oven-safe cooling rack in a convection oven to get similar results to an air fryer.
• Traditional ovens: If you don't have an air fryer, you can also use a traditional oven to cook brussel sprouts. Simply place the sprouts on a baking sheet, mix them with oil, season, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the outside.
• Toaster ovens: Some toaster ovens also have air fryer functions, allowing you to save space in your kitchen. These combo appliances are great for cooking smaller portions or for those who don't want to heat up a full-size oven.
• Solo air fryer ovens: If you're only interested in the air frying function, you can opt for a solo air fryer oven. These are typically more affordable than full-size air fryers and can be a great option for those who want to cook smaller portions.

Frequently asked questions