Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The Secret Method

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. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure they are evenly spread out in the air fryer basket, not piled up, so the air can circulate and the veggies can crisp instead of steam. You can also soak the sprouts in water for 10 minutes before air frying to ensure they are tender in the middle.

Soak sprouts in water for 10 minutes for a softer centre

If you're looking for a softer centre to your air-fried Brussels sprouts, it's recommended that you soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking. This will ensure they're tender on the inside while still achieving that all-important crispiness on the outside.

To do this, simply trim the ends off your sprouts and cut any larger ones in half. Then, place them in a bowl and cover them with water (warm tap water is suggested by one source), leaving them to sit for around 10 minutes. After this time has passed, drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. From here, you can continue with your recipe as usual, adding oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings or flavourings you desire.

Soaking your Brussels sprouts is an entirely optional step, but it's a great way to ensure a more tender texture if that's your preference. If you don't mind your sprouts having a little more bite, you can skip the soaking step and go straight to seasoning and air-frying.

It's worth noting that some recipes suggest blanching or parboiling your sprouts before air frying, which can also help to prevent them from drying out and becoming too hard. However, the soaking method is a simpler and less time-consuming option that still yields delicious results.

Use a single layer of sprouts for even cooking

When cooking brussels sprouts in an air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. This allows the hot air to circulate around each sprout, crisping them up evenly. If you crowd the air fryer basket and pile the sprouts on top of each other, they will steam instead of crisp.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sprouts in batches to ensure they are in a single layer. If you have a larger air fryer with multiple racks or pans, you can spread the sprouts across the different levels.

It's also a good idea to give the air fryer basket a shake or rotate the pans halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispness. This will help to avoid any burnt or undercooked sprouts.

By arranging your brussels sprouts in a single layer and following the other tips mentioned in this guide, you'll be well on your way to achieving perfectly crispy and tender sprouts every time you use your air fryer.

Shake the basket to promote even cooking

Shaking the basket of your air fryer during the cooking process is a crucial step in ensuring your Brussels sprouts cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Air fryers work by blowing hot air down and around the food, making it crispy. However, if you don't shake the basket, the Brussels sprouts at the bottom of the basket may burn, while those at the top remain undercooked. Shaking the basket several times throughout the cooking process keeps the air circulating and ensures the sprouts crisp evenly.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the Brussels sprouts in batches to ensure they cook evenly. If you're cooking a large batch, keep the first batch in a warm oven while you cook the second.

When cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, it's also important to ensure they are evenly spaced out and not piled on top of each other. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisps the sprouts instead of steaming them.

Additionally, you can soak the Brussels sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before cooking to ensure they are tender in the middle.

Use a cooking temperature of 375°F to 400°F

A cooking temperature of 375°F to 400°F is ideal for air-frying Brussels sprouts. This temperature range ensures the Brussels sprouts attain a crispy texture without burning.

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming the ends off your Brussels sprouts. If you have any large sprouts, cut them in half or into quarters to ensure even cooking. This step is important as it helps speed up the cooking process, allowing the Brussels sprouts to become tender on the inside while achieving that desirable crisp on the outside.

Step 2: Seasoning

Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Then, add your desired seasonings. A simple and classic combination is kosher salt and black pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet twist. Toss the Brussels sprouts well to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Now, it's time to place the seasoned Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket. Ensure you arrange them in a single layer, giving them enough space to cook evenly. This step is crucial, as overcrowding the basket can lead to sogginess instead of the desired crispiness.

Step 4: Air Fry

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. The exact temperature within this range may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference for crispiness. Cook the Brussels sprouts for about 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or rotating the pans occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

While your Brussels sprouts are cooking, you can prepare a simple glaze to take your side dish to the next level. Melt some butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on a stovetop. Finely chop a medium shallot and add it to the melted butter, along with a teaspoon of red wine vinegar. Stir everything together, and you'll have a delicious shallot butter glaze ready to go.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once your Brussels sprouts are nicely browned and crispy, transfer them to a serving bowl. If you prepared the optional shallot butter glaze, add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the glaze and toss to combine. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious crispiness!

With these steps and the ideal cooking temperature of 375°F to 400°F, you're well on your way to becoming a Brussels sprouts air-frying master!

Use a neutral-flavoured oil spray

A neutral-flavoured oil spray is an essential tool for achieving the perfect level of crispiness when making Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master this cooking technique and ensure your Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly every time.

Choose the Right Oil

When it comes to selecting an oil spray, it's important to opt for a neutral-flavoured variety. This means that the oil has a mild taste and won't overpower the natural flavour of the Brussels sprouts. Examples of neutral-flavoured oils include avocado oil, olive oil, or any other high-quality oil of your choice.

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Before placing the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, ensure they are thoroughly washed, drained, and dried. Remove any excess dirt or outer leaves that may be yellow or wilted. Cut off the roots and halve the sprouts lengthwise; this helps them fit nicely in the air fryer basket and increases the surface area for crisping.

Seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with your chosen neutral-flavoured oil, as well as other seasonings such as kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the sprouts until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. You can also add a drizzle of honey, which not only adds sweetness but also helps with crisping.

Cooking Instructions

After seasoning, it's time to cook the Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. First, spray the air fryer basket with the neutral-flavoured oil spray to prevent sticking. Then, place the sprouts in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If your Brussels sprouts are crowded, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to 375-400°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Final Touches

Once the Brussels sprouts have reached your desired level of crispiness, turn off the air fryer and transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl. You can garnish them with some additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious, crispy results!

Frequently asked questions