Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

There are many ways to make Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, and the cooking time is usually cut in half compared to other cooking methods. The sprouts should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To achieve this, it is recommended to soak the sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before cooking them. You can also try lowering the temperature of your air fryer, as they all cook a bit differently.

To make Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, first trim the ends off the sprouts and cut any large sprouts in half. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 15 minutes at 375°F to 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. For additional flavour, you can toss the sprouts with a glaze, such as balsamic vinegar, honey, or maple syrup, or sprinkle them with cheese, such as Parmesan or feta.

Trimming and halving the sprouts

• Start by removing any brown or wilted outer leaves from the sprouts. These leaves are usually tough and unappetizing, so it's best to get rid of them.
• Using a sharp knife, trim off the tough ends of the stems. You want to remove just enough so that the sprouts can sit flat in the air fryer basket.
• If you have any large sprouts, cut them in half through the stem. This will help them cook more evenly and ensure a crisp texture. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.
• If you prefer your Brussels sprouts to be softer in the center, you can optionally soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the sprouts without making them soggy.
• After trimming and halving (or quartering), it's important to dry the sprouts thoroughly. Use a towel to pat them dry or let them air dry before proceeding to the next step.
• Place the trimmed and halved sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of kosher salt and black pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cinnamon.
• Toss the sprouts well to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. This step is key to getting delicious, flavorful Brussels sprouts.
• Now your sprouts are ready for the air fryer! Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space to cook evenly.

Remember, the key to successful air-fried Brussels sprouts is ensuring they are dry, well-coated with oil, and seasoned to your liking. This preparation will result in crispy, flavorful sprouts that you can enjoy as a side dish or snack.

Seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic

Seasoning Brussels Sprouts with Salt, Pepper, and Garlic

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.

Preparation

Before seasoning, you will need to prepare the Brussels sprouts. Start by trimming the ends 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 fairly similar in size and will cook evenly.

Seasoning

For seasoning, you will need salt, pepper, and garlic. You can use fresh garlic cloves, thinly sliced, or garlic powder. If you are using fresh garlic, add it to the Brussels sprouts during the last 2 to 4 minutes of cooking. If you are using garlic powder, toss it with the sprouts, oil, salt, and pepper before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking

Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you are using fresh garlic, add it after shaking the basket and continue cooking for another 2 to 4 minutes, until the garlic is golden brown.

Tips

• If you want your Brussels sprouts to be softer in the center, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before cooking.
• Make sure the sprouts are dry before adding oil and seasoning. This will help ensure they get crispy in the air fryer.
• Use enough oil to thoroughly coat the sprouts. This will help them get crispy and prevent them from drying out.
• If your sprouts are still tough after air frying, try lowering the temperature or cooking for a few minutes longer.
• You can also try steaming the sprouts before air frying to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

Air frying for 15 minutes

Now that your Brussels sprouts are prepped and ready to go, it's time to cook them! Place the sprouts in your air fryer basket, ensuring they're in a single layer with space around each one for the hot air to circulate. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C) and air fry for 15 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time, open your air fryer and give the basket a good shake to toss the sprouts and ensure even cooking. Close the air fryer and continue cooking until the end of the cycle.

Your Brussels sprouts are now ready! They should be crispy and browned on the outside, with tender insides. If you prefer your sprouts softer, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes before air frying, or lower the temperature of your air fryer a little.

You can also add some extra flavour by tossing the sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, honey, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Adding toppings like balsamic vinegar or Parmesan

When it comes to toppings, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan are both excellent choices to enhance the flavour of your air-fried Brussels sprouts.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a great way to add a tangy, sweet and acidic kick to your sprouts. For a simple approach, drizzle balsamic vinegar over your sprouts after cooking them in the air fryer. For a more complex flavour, you can simmer the balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens, then whisk in olive oil, lime juice and soy sauce to taste. This will create a dressing that you can drizzle over your sprouts, adding freshness and depth to your dish.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is another popular topping for air-fried Brussels sprouts, adding a savoury, salty and nutty flavour. For the best results, use grated Parmesan cheese. You can sprinkle it over your sprouts before cooking them in the air fryer, or mix it with other ingredients like Italian seasoning and breadcrumbs for an even more flavourful coating.

Creative Combinations

You can also get creative and combine these toppings to create unique flavour profiles. For example, you could drizzle your Parmesan-sprinkled sprouts with a balsamic reduction, or mix grated Parmesan into your balsamic dressing. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients and seasonings to find your favourite combinations!

Storing and reheating

Firstly, it is not recommended to freeze your sprouts as they will become mushy once thawed. However, if you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Always thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To store your sprouts in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container and they will last for up to four days.

To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you prefer.

Now you can enjoy your delicious, crispy Brussels sprouts again and again!

Frequently asked questions