Air-Fryer Hack For Crispy Brussels Sprouts Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to cook Brussels sprouts, leaving them with a crispy outer shell and a tender inside. To make them, first, trim the ends of the sprouts and cut any large sprouts in half. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.

How to prepare brussel sprouts for the air fryer

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Ingredients

To make crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Honey (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Preparation

First, wash your Brussels sprouts thoroughly and remove any dirt or outer leaves that may be yellow or wilted. Next, cut off the root and slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This will help them fit in the air fryer basket and increase the surface area for crisping. Place the sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Toss to coat the sprouts evenly.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F. Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For extra crispy sprouts, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Tips

• Soaking the Brussels sprouts in water for 10 minutes before cooking can help tenderize them and prevent them from being too firm.
• For larger sprouts, cut them into quarters instead of halves to promote even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming and ensure even crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
• For a sweeter glaze, drizzle the cooked sprouts with balsamic vinegar, honey, or maple syrup.

The ideal temperature for crispy brussel sprouts

The ideal temperature for cooking brussel sprouts in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F.

Most recipes recommend heating the air fryer to 375°F before adding the sprouts. This is a good baseline temperature to aim for, as it ensures the sprouts become tender on the inside with a crispy exterior.

Some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 400°F for the second half of the cooking process. This higher temperature can help to achieve an even crispier texture, but it's important to keep a close eye on the sprouts to prevent burning.

It's worth noting that the specific temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sprouts and the type of air fryer being used. As such, it's always a good idea to check the sprouts regularly and adjust the temperature and time as needed.

Additionally, it's recommended to soak the sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps to tenderize them, ensuring a softer centre without sacrificing the crispiness of the exterior.

Oils to use for crispy brussel sprouts

Oils to use for crispy brussels sprouts

When it comes to making crispy brussels sprouts in an air fryer, there are a few oils that can help you achieve that perfect crispiness. Here are some options to consider:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for cooking brussels sprouts, and it can also be used in an air fryer. It has a relatively high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning. Olive oil also adds a nice flavour to the sprouts and promotes even browning.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another great option for air frying brussels sprouts. It has an even higher smoke point than olive oil, so it's ideal for high-heat cooking. Avocado oil is also flavourful and can add a subtle nutty taste to your sprouts.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a versatile cooking oil with a neutral flavour and a high smoke point. This makes it suitable for air frying as it can withstand the high temperatures without affecting the taste of your sprouts.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is light in colour and flavour, making it a good choice if you want the taste of your sprouts to shine through. It has a moderately high smoke point, so it's suitable for air frying at medium to high temperatures.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a common cooking oil that works well for air frying. It has a neutral flavour and a smoke point that is suitable for medium-high heat cooking.

When using an air fryer, remember to trim and halve your brussels sprouts before tossing them with oil and your desired seasonings. Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How long to air fry brussel sprouts

Air-frying Brussel sprouts is a great way to get them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer's super-hot circulating air cooks the insides while crisping the outsides to perfection.

The cooking time for Brussel sprouts in an air fryer depends on the size of the sprouts and the model of the air fryer. The ideal temperature for air-frying Brussel sprouts is between 375-400°F. For small to medium-sized sprouts, the cooking time is around 10-15 minutes. For larger sprouts, the cooking time can be increased by a few minutes or you can cut them into quarters. It is important to ensure that the sprouts are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and maximum exposure to the hot air.

Additionally, shaking or rotating the basket halfway through the cooking process ensures even crispness. Some recipes also recommend preheating the air fryer to 375°F for the crispiest Brussel sprouts.

Tips for the best air-fried Brussel sprouts:

• Soaking the Brussel sprouts in water for 10 minutes before air-frying can help tenderize them and make them softer in the centre.
• Trimming the ends, removing any wilted outer leaves, and cutting the sprouts in half lengthwise ensures even cooking and creates more surface area for caramelization and crispness.
• Drizzling with olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil, and tossing with seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the flavour.
• Adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can also add a tangy flavour to the sprouts.
• For extra crispness, toss the sprouts in grated Parmesan cheese before cooking.
• Cooking in batches is recommended to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast.
• Be careful not to overcook the Brussel sprouts, as this can result in a bitter, sulfurous flavour.

Seasoning options for crispy brussel sprouts

Salt and Pepper

The simplest seasoning is often the best. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the flavour of your sprouts.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is a scrumptious addition to your crispy sprouts. Thinly sliced, the garlic will crisp up in the air fryer, adding a pungent crunch to your dish.

Balsamic Glaze

For a tangy twist, toss your sprouts in a balsamic glaze. You can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened, then whisking in olive oil, lime juice, and soy sauce.

Parmesan

For a savoury kick, sprinkle your sprouts with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Feta

For a salty, tangy twist, toss your sprouts with some feta cheese.

Honey

Drizzle your sprouts with honey for a sweet finish. For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Bacon

Prepare some oven-baked bacon, then crumble it over your sprouts for a savoury, crispy twist.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps your sprouts become crispy and delicious. You don't need much, as it's an air fryer recipe.

Red Wine Vinegar

For a tangy twist, add a drizzle of red wine vinegar to your sprouts.

Shallot Butter

For a decadent finish, toss your sprouts in a shallot butter sauce. Simply melt some butter and stir through finely chopped shallots and red wine vinegar.

Frequently asked questions