Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, look no further than air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts. In under 20 minutes, you can transform frozen Brussels sprouts into a delicious and healthy dish that's crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer is perfect for getting those yummy, crispy edges, and you can easily dress up the sprouts with various seasonings and sauces to suit your taste. So, if you're short on time and want a tasty veggie dish, give air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts a try!

Choosing and preparing your Brussels sprouts

When choosing your Brussels sprouts, it is best to opt for fresh sprouts over frozen ones. This is because fresh sprouts will yield a crispier final dish. If you are using frozen sprouts, it is important to note that you should not thaw them before cooking, as this will make them soggy.

Once you have chosen your sprouts, it is time to prepare them for cooking. If you have purchased a stalk of sprouts, simply remove them from the stalk by pushing them downwards with your fingers. If you have bought your sprouts in a bag, rinse them with water to clean them and then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Next, cut the bottom stem off of each sprout and then cut each sprout in half. If any of the sprouts are particularly large, you may need to cut them into quarters so that all the pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly. This step is important as it will help to ensure that your sprouts are tender and crispy, rather than soggy.

After cutting your sprouts, place them in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or red pepper flakes to taste. Once your sprouts are coated in oil and seasonings, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

The cooking time for your frozen Brussels sprouts will depend on the model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the timings given here. As a general rule, the air fryer should be set to a high temperature to achieve the desired crispiness.

One source recommends cooking frozen sprouts at 380°F for 12-14 minutes. Another suggests cooking at 390°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for a further 8-10 minutes. A third source recommends cooking at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, while a fourth suggests 400°F for 10 minutes, followed by a further 10-20 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the sprouts are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and not stacked or piled, so that they cook evenly. You may need to cook the sprouts in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking will help to ensure even cooking and browning.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

When it comes to seasoning and flavour combinations, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Parmesan and lemon: A sprinkle of parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a delightful salty and tangy contrast to the sprouts.
• Balsamic vinegar glaze: Drizzling a balsamic vinegar glaze over the sprouts can give them a sweet and tangy flavour profile.
• Tahini and everything bagel seasoning: For a creamy and nutty taste with a hint of spice, toss the sprouts in tahini and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese: Combining buffalo sauce with blue cheese, either as a dressing or crumbled on top, creates a classic flavour pairing that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Maple Dijon vinaigrette: A sweet and tangy vinaigrette made with maple syrup and Dijon mustard can add a unique flavour dimension to the sprouts.
• Garlic and thyme mayonnaise: For a more indulgent option, try dipping the sprouts in garlic and thyme mayonnaise for a creamy, savoury experience.
• Honey: Drizzling honey over the sprouts adds a touch of sweetness and can be enhanced with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Feta cheese: Tossing the sprouts with feta cheese creates a Greek-inspired variation that is salty and tangy.
• Bacon: Adding bacon to the sprouts, either crumbled on top or mixed in, provides a classic flavour combination that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Shallot butter: Finishing the sprouts with a drizzle of shallot butter takes this simple side dish to the next level. To make the shallot butter, simply melt butter and mix it with finely chopped shallots and red wine vinegar.
• Red pepper flakes: Adding red pepper flakes to the sprouts will give them a spicy kick.
• Avocado oil: Using avocado oil instead of olive oil can give the sprouts a more neutral taste, allowing the flavours of the seasonings to shine through.
• Minced garlic: Using minced garlic instead of garlic powder can enhance the garlic flavour and give the sprouts a more intense taste.
• Rice vinegar: If you don't have lemon juice on hand, a touch of rice vinegar can add a similar acidic kick to the dish.

Cutting and serving your sprouts

Now that you've cooked your sprouts in the air fryer, it's time to cut and serve them. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect presentation and taste:

Cutting Your Sprouts

• If you're using fresh sprouts, start by removing them from the stalk. You can do this easily by pushing them downwards with your fingers, and they should pop out.
• Rinse the sprouts with water to clean them and then pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Cut the bottom stem of each sprout, and then cut each sprout in half. This will help them cook evenly and ensure a crispy texture.
• If you're using frozen sprouts, you can cut them in half after air frying for 10 minutes. This will give them a chance to soften slightly, making them easier to cut.

Serving Your Sprouts

• For a simple and tasty option, serve your sprouts with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This adds a nice balance of brightness and saltiness.
• Drizzle a balsamic vinegar glaze over your sprouts for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
• For a creamy and tangy option, toss your sprouts in buffalo sauce and garnish them with blue cheese or serve them with a side of blue cheese dressing.
• If you're looking for a more indulgent option, drizzle your sprouts with melted butter. This will add a mouthwatering richness to your dish.
• For a Greek-inspired twist, add feta cheese to your cooked sprouts. The salty and tangy flavour of feta pairs perfectly with the earthy sprouts.
• Honey can also be drizzled over the sprouts for a sweet finish. For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Storing and reheating your sprouts

Storing:

If you have leftover sprouts, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for 2-4 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer or pop them in the oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Freezing:

While you can freeze your sprouts, be aware that they may become mushy once thawed. If you wish to freeze them, place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Now you know how to store and reheat your sprouts, you can enjoy them as a side dish or snack whenever you like!

Frequently asked questions