Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook Brussels sprouts, then look no further than your air fryer! This handy appliance can help you achieve crispy, tender, and flavourful sprouts in just a few simple steps. The air fryer's super-hot circulating air cooks the sprouts to perfection, with a crunchy outside and soft inside.

To make roasted Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, start by trimming and halving the sprouts. Then, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves for extra flavour. Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

With an air fryer, you can enjoy delicious and healthy Brussels sprouts that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. So, get your air fryer ready and give this recipe a try!

Prepping the sprouts: trim, halve or quarter, and toss with oil, salt and pepper

To prep Brussels sprouts for the air fryer, start by trimming the ends off each sprout and removing any brown outer leaves. If you're after particularly tender sprouts, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes before cooking. However, if you prefer your sprouts to have a firmer texture, you can skip this step.

Next, cut the sprouts in half from the stem to the end. If any sprouts are particularly large, cut them into quarters to ensure all pieces are a similar size and will cook evenly. If you've soaked your sprouts, pat them dry with a towel before proceeding.

Now it's time to season your sprouts. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle over some kosher salt and black pepper, then toss everything together to ensure the sprouts are evenly coated.

Your sprouts are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Air fryer settings: cook at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through

Now that you've prepped your sprouts, it's time to cook them!

Air Fryer Settings

Set your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. A temperature of 375°F is perfect for air frying Brussels sprouts without burning them. If you want them even crispier, you can set your air fryer to 400°F. Not all air fryers require preheating, but for the crispiest sprouts, it is best to start with a hot air fryer.

Cooking Time

Air fry your sprouts for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on the type of air fryer you are using and the size of your sprouts. So, keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to redistribute the sprouts and ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Tips for the Best Results

• Soaking your sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before air frying can help soften them and prevent them from being too tough after cooking.
• For the crispiest sprouts, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to maximize their exposure to the hot, circulating air.
• If your sprouts are different sizes, try to cut them into similar-sized pieces before air frying to promote even cooking.
• Be generous with your oil! The oil helps the sprouts get crispy, so make sure each one is coated evenly.

Soaking the sprouts: for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure they're tender

Soaking the sprouts in water for 10 minutes before air frying them is a great way to ensure they are tender. This method is especially useful if you prefer your Brussels sprouts softer in the centre.

The sprouts should be placed in a large bowl and covered with warm tap water. They should then be left to sit for 10 minutes. After this, they should be drained and patted dry with a towel. This process will make the middles of the sprouts softer, without making them soggy.

It is important to note that this step is optional. If you prefer your sprouts to have a firmer texture, you can skip the soaking step.

Seasoning: add garlic, shallot butter, balsamic vinegar, or honey

Seasoning is key to adding flavour to your roasted Brussels sprouts. Here are some ways you can season your sprouts using garlic, shallot butter, balsamic vinegar, or honey:

Garlic

If you're a fan of garlic, you can add garlic cloves or thinly sliced garlic to your Brussels sprouts for a scrumptious, savoury addition. You can also use garlic powder as an alternative to fresh garlic to avoid burning.

Shallot Butter

For an extra indulgent touch, you can finish your air fryer Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of shallot butter. To make the shallot butter, simply melt some butter and add finely chopped shallots and red wine vinegar. Toss your sprouts in this buttery glaze for a restaurant-style side dish.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, sweet and sour kick to your Brussels sprouts. To use balsamic vinegar, simmer it in a saucepan until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Then, whisk in some olive oil, lime juice, and soy sauce to taste. Drizzle this dressing over your cooked sprouts for a flavour boost.

Honey

For a touch of sweetness, you can drizzle honey over your roasted Brussels sprouts. If you like spice, you can also add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to create a sweet and spicy glaze.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of these seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile!

Storing and reheating: store in an airtight container for up to four days and reheat in the oven or air fryer

Roasted brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When it's time to reheat them, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Brussels sprouts are best when they're fresh, but they can last up to a week in the fridge. However, their taste gets stronger and less sweet with time, so it's best to prepare them within three to four days of purchase.

If you're storing uncooked brussels sprouts, keep them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Remove any yellowed or wilted leaves first, and don't wash them until you're ready to prepare them as the moisture can cause decay.

Frequently asked questions