Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Baking Time Perfection

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a quick and easy way to get crispy, tender, and caramelized sprouts. The air fryer's super-hot circulating air makes the insides tender while crisping the outsides to perfection. The cooking time is also halved compared to traditional oven roasting. The ideal cooking temperature is 375°F, and the sprouts should be cooked for around 15 minutes, depending on their size.

How to season brussel sprouts in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts

Start by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and removing any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from the stem to the end. If any are very large, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are similar in size and will cook evenly.

Step 2: (Optional) Soak the Brussels sprouts

If you prefer your Brussels sprouts to be softer in the centre, place them in a large bowl and cover them with warm tap water for about 10 minutes. This step is not necessary if you like your sprouts to have a firmer texture.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Not all air fryers require preheating, but it is recommended for crispier Brussels sprouts.

Step 4: Season the Brussels sprouts

Drain the Brussels sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss the sprouts to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Cook the Brussels sprouts

Place the seasoned sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to toss the sprouts and promote even cooking. Cook for another 5 minutes, then shake the basket again.

Step 6: Add garlic (optional)

Add thinly sliced garlic cloves to the sprouts and toss to coat. Cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the sprouts are deeply crisp.

Step 7: Add desired toppings (optional)

Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and add any desired toppings, such as balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or honey.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy

Serve the Brussels sprouts immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

How to cook brussel sprouts in an air fryer

How to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half, or into quarters if they are very large, so that all the pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly.
• (Optional) If you prefer your Brussels sprouts to be softer in the centre, soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
• Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches to ensure they aren't crowded.
• Cook for 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and shake to toss the sprouts. Cook for another 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and toss again.
• Add the garlic (if using) and cook for a further 2-4 minutes.
• Add any desired toppings and serve immediately.

Tips

• To ensure your sprouts cook evenly, shake the basket several times throughout the cooking process to keep the air circulating.
• If you are cooking frozen Brussels sprouts, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• To store, place the sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How long to cook brussel sprouts in an 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 model. You'll know they're done when they're crispy and golden brown.

How to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer:

First, trim the ends off your sprouts and cut any large ones in half. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or red pepper flakes for extra flavour.

Next, place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 5 minutes. Then, shake the basket to toss the sprouts and cook for another 5 minutes.

For an extra crispy finish, cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Tips:

• Soaking the sprouts in water for 10 minutes before cooking will make them softer in the centre.
• For frozen sprouts, slice them into halves or quarters and cook at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Avoid crowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
• Shake the basket a few times during cooking to keep the air circulating and promote even crisping.
• For a buttery glaze, toss the cooked sprouts with shallot butter.

Storing and Reheating:

Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your crispy Brussels sprouts as a side dish with chicken, steak, pork, or fish.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried Brussels sprouts!

How to avoid overcooking brussel sprouts in an air fryer

To avoid overcooking brussel sprouts in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the size of the sprouts matters. For even cooking, look for sprouts that are similar in size. Cut them in half lengthwise, and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or browned. If you have larger sprouts, you can cut them into quarters.

Secondly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the sprouts in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. If needed, cook the sprouts in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast and may lead to uneven cooking.

Thirdly, pay attention to the cooking time. Brussel sprouts in an air fryer typically take around 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on their size. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as this can result in a bitter, sulfur flavour. Check for doneness after about 10 minutes, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, you can soak the sprouts in water before cooking to make them a little more tender. This step is optional, but it can help ensure that the sprouts don't turn out too firm. Simply place the sprouts in a bowl of warm water and let them sit for about 10 minutes before cooking.

Finally, some air fryers may require preheating, especially if you want the crispiest sprouts. However, not all air fryers require this step, so refer to your air fryer's instructions. In general, preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F before adding the sprouts.

How to reheat brussel sprouts

To reheat your Brussels sprouts, you can use either the oven or the air fryer. If you're using the oven, place the sprouts on a baking sheet and rewarm them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using the air fryer, reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit as well.

If you're looking to reheat frozen Brussels sprouts, it's best to spread them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze them until they're solid. Then, transfer them to a bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from sticking together. You can thaw the sprouts before reheating, or you can air fry them from frozen at a lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions