Air Fryer Broasted Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Broasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook them, as it requires little to no oil and produces a crispy texture. The key to achieving the perfect level of crispiness is to ensure that the sprouts are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and to shake the basket periodically during cooking to promote even cooking. Additionally, preheating the air fryer and trimming the ends of the sprouts can enhance the crispiness of the final product. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and balsamic vinegar can be used to enhance the flavour of the sprouts. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sprouts and the desired level of crispiness, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer.

How to prepare the brussel sprouts

Preparing the Brussels sprouts is a simple process. First, trim the ends off the sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. If you're using fresh sprouts, you can buy them on a stalk, as individual sprouts, or packaged. You can also use frozen sprouts, but they won't get as crispy. If you want crispier sprouts, cut any large sprouts in half or into quarters to increase the surface area. If you want softer sprouts, soak them in water for about 10 minutes before cooking.

Next, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce. Make sure the sprouts are well coated.

Finally, arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches to ensure they're not crowded, as this will help them get crispy. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're crispy and golden brown.

How to season the brussel sprouts

Seasoning your Brussels sprouts is a key step in achieving a delicious flavor and ensuring they don't taste bland. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your Brussels sprouts for air frying:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need Brussels sprouts (of course!), olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice, and some seasonings. A simple and classic combination is garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. However, you can get creative and experiment with other spices and seasonings that you like. For example, you could try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese. You might also want to add some balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Now, it's time to season your sprouts. Start by trimming the ends off your Brussels sprouts and cutting any larger ones in half or quarters so that they cook evenly. Place the sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Then, add your desired seasonings and mix well to ensure the sprouts are evenly coated. You can also try soaking the sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before this step if you prefer them to be softer and more tender.

Once your sprouts are seasoned to perfection, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they are in a single layer and have enough space to cook evenly. Spread the sprouts evenly in the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of crispness. Remember to shake the basket occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

How long to cook the brussel sprouts for

The cooking time for your Brussel sprouts will depend on the size of your sprouts and your air fryer. If you are using frozen sprouts, you will need to adjust the temperature and cooking time.

For fresh sprouts, trim the ends and cut any large sprouts in half. If you want your sprouts to be softer in the centre, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking. However, if you prefer your sprouts to have some chew, you can skip this step.

When you are ready to cook your sprouts, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip this step. Place your sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air.

For fresh sprouts, air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If your sprouts are smaller, check on them after 8 minutes to ensure they do not burn. If your sprouts are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time or cut them into quarters.

For frozen sprouts, slice them into half-moons and toss with olive oil and seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How to store leftovers

Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed within three to four days of purchase, as they develop a stronger and less sweet taste over time. If you have cooked your sprouts in an air fryer and have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To store your leftover Brussels sprouts, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and pop them in the fridge. This will keep them fresh for up to five days, but it is recommended to eat them within two days for the best quality and taste.

If you have a large batch of leftovers and want to freeze them, it is possible, but be aware that Brussels sprouts tend to become mushy once thawed. If you still wish to freeze them, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container and store them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat your Brussels sprouts, you can use the oven, air fryer, or stovetop. Warm them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or pop them back into the air fryer at the same temperature. You can also try tossing them in a pan over medium heat with a little oil or butter until warmed through.

Now you can enjoy your crispy, tasty Brussels sprouts leftovers!

What to serve with the brussel sprouts

There are many options for what to serve with your air-fried Brussels sprouts. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Proteins

Brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various proteins. For meat-eaters, roasted chicken, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, steak, salmon, and lamb are all excellent options. If you're looking for something more plant-based, try pairing your sprouts with tofu or tempeh.

Carbohydrates

If you're looking for a heartier meal, serve your Brussels sprouts with roasted red potatoes, sweet potatoes, or furikake salmon and rice. For a more indulgent option, try mashed potatoes.

Salads and Vegetables

Brussels sprouts can also be served as part of a salad or vegetable side dish. Try pairing them with kabocha squash, spinach, carrots, or a combination of farro and sweet potatoes.

Cheese

Cheese is a classic pairing with Brussels sprouts. Try pecorino romano, blue cheese, parmesan, cheddar, or gruyere.

Sauces and Seasonings

To add extra flavour to your meal, consider serving your Brussels sprouts with a sauce or seasoning. A balsamic glaze, honey, or bacon bits are all tasty options.

Other Options

If you're looking for something a little more creative, try making vegan tacos with Brussels sprouts and avocado slices, topped with a tomatillo and jalapeno salsa. Or, for a true British classic, serve your sprouts with a traditional Sunday roast dinner, complete with roast chicken or beef, potatoes, and other vegetables.

Frequently asked questions