Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a quick and easy way to cook this popular vegetable. The air fryer's super-hot circulating air makes the sprouts tender on the inside while crisping the outside to perfection. The cooking time is also reduced by half compared to roasting in an oven.

To make air fryer Brussels sprouts, first trim the ends and cut any large sprouts in half. Then, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or fresh garlic. Next, arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

You can also get creative with your Brussels sprouts by adding a balsamic glaze, hot honey, or a maple mustard dressing. So, how long do you need to roast Brussels sprouts in an air fryer? About 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness and the size of your sprouts!

How to season air fryer brussel sprouts

Preparation

Start by trimming the ends of the Brussel 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 cook evenly.

Seasoning

There are many ways to season your Brussel sprouts. Here are some ideas:

• Salt and Pepper – Sometimes the simplest seasonings are the best.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is a scrumptious addition.
• Balsamic – Transfer your cooked sprouts to a bowl and toss with balsamic vinegar or glaze.
• Bacon – Prepare some oven-baked bacon, then crumble it over the top of the finished sprouts.
• Parmesan – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of your finished sprouts.
• Feta – Toss the cooked sprouts with a handful of feta cheese.
• Honey – For a sweet finish, drizzle honey over the cooked sprouts. For a sweet and spicy variation, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Shallot Butter – For a simple weeknight side dish, finish your air fryer Brussel sprouts with a drizzle of shallot butter.

Cooking

Once you have seasoned your sprouts, add them to your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you are using garlic, add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.

How to cook air fryer brussel sprouts

Ingredients

• 1 pound of Brussel sprouts
• 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
• ¼- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1-3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

Method

First, trim the ends off the Brussel sprouts and remove 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 fairly similar in size and will cook evenly.

Next, place the Brussel sprouts in a large bowl and cover with warm tap water. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This step is optional and will make the Brussel sprouts a little more tender in the middle. If you don't mind a firmer sprout, you can skip it.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Drain the Brussel sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. Add them back to the bowl and drizzle with oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Add the Brussel sprouts to your air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Slide out the basket and shake to toss the Brussel sprouts, then cook for another 5 minutes. The sprouts should be getting crispy and almost done. If not, let them cook for a little longer. Add the garlic cloves and toss to coat once more. Cook for another 2-4 minutes, checking and shaking the basket often, until the Brussel sprouts are deeply crisp.

Finally, add any desired toppings and serve!

Tips

• To store, refrigerate the Brussel sprouts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, use a baking sheet in the oven or the air fryer at 350°F.
• If you want to freeze the Brussel sprouts, be aware that they will get mushy once thawed. However, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How long to cook brussel 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.

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 garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or other spices and seasonings. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

How long to cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer:

You can also cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. First, slice them into halves or quarters. Then, toss them with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer:

• Soaking the sprouts in water for 10 minutes before cooking can help to tenderize them and prevent them from drying out.
• For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, preheat your air fryer before adding the sprouts.
• To prevent overcrowding, cook the sprouts in batches if necessary.
• For extra flavor, try tossing the cooked sprouts with a glaze or sauce, such as balsamic vinegar, honey, or butter.

As a general rule, fresh Brussels sprouts will take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 375°F, while frozen sprouts will take closer to 20 minutes at 400°F. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on your sprouts to avoid overcooking.

Should you cut brussel sprouts in half before cooking?

Yes, you should cut brussel sprouts in half before cooking. This is because cutting them in half creates more surface area for the brussel sprouts to become crispy and caramelized. It also makes them easier to eat. If you have particularly large brussel sprouts, you can even cut them into quarters.

If you are cooking frozen brussel sprouts, you should slice them into half-moons before air frying.

How to store air fryer brussel sprouts

To store air fryer Brussels sprouts, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, it's best to use a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. However, note that Brussels sprouts will become mushy once thawed, so it's not recommended.

Frequently asked questions