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

Air fryers are a great way to cook Brussels sprouts, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The high-temperature air circulating inside the fryer ensures the vegetables are cooked evenly. To make Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, first, preheat the appliance to 375-400°F. Then, trim the ends of the sprouts, cutting any large ones in half. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, before arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. For an extra flavour boost, toss the sprouts with shallot butter, balsamic glaze, or hot honey.

Trimming and halving the sprouts

• Start by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts. Use a sharp knife to cut off the tough, dry ends from each sprout. You can do this step a few hours or even a couple of days ahead of time if you're preparing in advance.
• Remove any discoloured or brown outer leaves. You want the sprouts to be fresh and vibrant, so get rid of any leaves that don't look their best.
• Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise, from the stem to the end. This will help them cook evenly and ensure a nice crispy texture. If you have any very large sprouts, you might want to cut them into quarters to ensure they cook through.
• If you're aiming for softer centres and crispier outsides, you can soak the sprouts in water for 8-10 minutes before cooking. This is an optional step, but it can help to soften the sprouts. Drain the water and pat the sprouts dry before moving on to the next step.
• Place the trimmed and halved sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or your choice of seasonings. Toss the sprouts to ensure they're evenly coated.
• If you're using garlic, you can add it now. Minced or thinly sliced fresh garlic can be added to the sprouts and tossed together. Alternatively, you can use garlic powder, which is less likely to burn.
• Transfer the seasoned sprouts to the air fryer basket. Make sure they're in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this will affect the cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. Many recipes recommend around 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer and desired level of doneness. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts that are ready for cooking in your air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C). However, some sources suggest cooking at 400°F, while others suggest 390°F.

The cooking time will depend on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the sprouts. For sprouts that are crispy outside and tender inside, it is recommended to soak the sprouts in water for 8-10 minutes before cooking. This step can be skipped if a firmer sprout is preferred.

After trimming the ends and cutting the sprouts in half, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and optionally, garlic or garlic powder. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For frozen Brussels 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.

Soaking the sprouts

To soak the sprouts, place them in a large bowl and cover them with warm tap water. Allow them to sit for around 10 minutes. After this time, drain the sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. If you want the centres to be even softer, you can soak them for longer, up to 15 minutes.

Once soaked, you can proceed to season and cook the sprouts as usual.

Adding toppings

Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle your sprouts with a balsamic glaze for a classic flavour combination. If you want to take it up a notch, add some crispy bacon into the mix. You can also try drizzling them with balsamic vinegar or a reduction made by simmering the vinegar until thickened.

Honey

For a sweet and spicy kick, toss your sprouts with honey and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can drizzle them with honey and lime juice or elderflower vinegar for a unique twist.

Parmesan

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over your sprouts for a savoury, umami boost. For extra flavour, add some minced garlic to the sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking.

Nuts

To add some crunch and texture, top your sprouts with toasted pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, or almonds.

Mustard

For a tangy and savoury twist, stir together some maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then toss this dressing with your sprouts right out of the air fryer.

Feta

For a salty and creamy addition, toss your sprouts with some crumbled feta cheese.

Mushrooms

Add some halved mushrooms to the air fryer basket halfway through cooking for an earthy, savoury note.

Bacon

Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and add them to the sprouts in the air fryer for a smoky, savoury treat.

Soy Sauce

For an umami boost, drizzle your sprouts with soy sauce. You can also try a dressing made with soy sauce, lime juice, and thickened balsamic vinegar.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique combinations!

Storing and reheating

Storing

You can store your Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F to get them crispy again. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave, but this won't make them crispy.

Frequently asked questions