Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook Brussels sprouts, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cooking time is also much quicker than in an oven, taking around 10-15 minutes. To make them, trim the ends of the sprouts and cut any large ones in half. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, before placing them in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan to taste.

How to season brussel sprouts for the air fryer

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish. To season your Brussels sprouts for the air fryer, you can follow these steps:

• Prepare your Brussels sprouts: Start by trimming the ends off your Brussels sprouts and removing any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from stem to end. If any are very large, cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are similar in size and will cook evenly.
• Soaking (optional): If you prefer your Brussels sprouts to be softer and more tender in the middle, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This step is optional, and you can skip it if you like your sprouts to have a firmer texture.
• Pat dry and toss with oil and seasonings: After soaking, drain the Brussels sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. Then, add them back to a clean, dry bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with your desired seasonings and toss to coat the sprouts evenly. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Add to the air fryer: Once your sprouts are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This helps maximize their exposure to the hot, circulating air and promotes even cooking and crispiness.
• Air fry: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the Brussels sprouts for about 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Remember to shake or rotate the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even crispness.
• Add toppings (optional): Once your Brussels sprouts are crispy and tender, you can transfer them to a serving bowl and add any desired toppings or sauces. Some options include balsamic glaze, honey, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or crumbled bacon.

By following these steps and adjusting the seasonings to your taste, you can create delicious and crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to your liking.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for the air fryer

Trimming and halving

First, trim the ends of the sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. If any are large, cut them in half or into quarters so that all the pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly.

Soaking (optional)

If you prefer your sprouts to be softer in the middle, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before air frying. This step is not necessary if you like your sprouts to have a firmer texture.

Seasoning

After draining and drying the sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or red pepper flakes.

Air frying

Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to toss the sprouts and ensure even cooking.

Adding toppings (optional)

Once the sprouts are crispy and golden brown, you can add toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, honey, or crumbled bacon.

How long to cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer

Brussels sprouts are a great 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 cooking time will depend on the size of your sprouts and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer:

First, trim the ends from the sprouts and cut any large ones in half. Then, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese.

Next, place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Tips for the best results:

• Soak the sprouts in water for 10 minutes before cooking if you want them softer in the middle.
• Cut the sprouts in half before cooking to create more surface area for caramelization and to make them easier to eat.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure adequate airflow around each sprout.
• Avoid overcooking, as this will give Brussels sprouts a bitter flavor.

Serving suggestions:

Brussels sprouts make a great side dish for proteins like chicken, steak, pork, or fish. You can also dress them up with a balsamic glaze, hot honey, or a maple mustard dressing.

Enjoy your crispy, tender, and delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts!

How to avoid overcooking brussel sprouts in the air fryer

How to Avoid Overcooking Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Brussels sprouts are a popular choice for air fryer cooking, as the super-hot circulating air can make the insides tender and the outsides crisp to perfection. However, it's important to keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Here are some tips to help you avoid overcooking Brussels sprouts in your air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Not all air fryers require preheating, but for the crispiest Brussels sprouts, it is recommended to start with a hot air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (some recipes suggest 400°F, but be cautious as this may be too hot and cause burning).
• Prepare the sprouts: Trim the ends from the sprouts and cut any large ones in half. This helps speed up cooking and ensures even cooking.
• Toss with oil and seasonings: Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. This helps to enhance the flavour and crispiness of the sprouts.
• Arrange in a single layer: Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air. This helps to prevent steaming and promotes even cooking.
• Cook in batches if needed: If your air fryer basket is crowded, cook the sprouts in batches to ensure even cooking. You can keep the first batch warm in a low oven while cooking the second batch.
• Shake the basket regularly: During cooking, shake or rotate the basket several times to ensure even cooking and crispness. This helps to prevent burning and promotes even browning.
• Adjust cooking time as needed: The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your sprouts. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed. For most air fryers, the sprouts will be ready in around 10-15 minutes.
• Soak for a softer centre: If you prefer your sprouts to have a softer centre, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before air frying. This tenderises the sprouts without making them soggy.
• Add toppings after cooking: If you want to add toppings like cheese, honey, or a balsamic glaze, do so after cooking to prevent overcooking the sprouts.

By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts from your air fryer every time!

How to store leftover air-fried brussel sprouts

If you have leftover air-fried Brussels sprouts, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer or oven and heat for 2 to 3 minutes at 350–380°F (175–190°C).

It is not recommended to freeze Brussels sprouts as they will become mushy once thawed. However, if you have a large quantity leftover, you can freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently asked questions