Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy and delicious side dish with crispy, golden-brown edges and tender centres. They are tossed with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then cooked in the air fryer until perfectly roasted. The result is a tasty vegetable side that is full of flavour and takes much less time than traditional oven roasting.

This simple recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients and requires very little preparation. You can serve these Brussels sprouts alongside roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, or your favourite weeknight meals. They are also easy to customise with Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze, honey, or crispy bacon.

If you usually find Brussels sprouts a little bitter, cooking them in the air fryer can make a big difference. The high heat helps caramelise their natural sugars, giving them a slightly sweet, nutty flavour and delicious crispy edges.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.

Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Trim the ends and remove any damaged or yellow outer leaves.
Olive oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts brown evenly and develop crispy edges. Avocado oil is another good option.
Garlic powder: Adds savoury garlic flavour without burning as easily as fresh minced garlic.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavour of the Brussels sprouts.
Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and seasoning.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, savoury finish. Freshly grated Parmesan works particularly well.
Lemon juice (optional): A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavour just before serving.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Making Brussels sprouts in the air fryer is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps for deliciously crispy results.

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts

Wash the Brussels sprouts under cold running water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim off the tough ends and remove any loose, damaged, or yellow leaves.

Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. If you have particularly large sprouts, cut them into quarters so they cook more evenly.

Step 2: Season the Brussels sprouts

Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Toss everything together until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated. Make sure the oil and seasonings reach the cut sides and outer leaves.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if your model requires preheating.

Preheating helps the Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately and encourages better browning.

Step 4: Arrange in the air fryer basket

Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with as many cut sides facing down as possible.

Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you are cooking a large batch, work in two batches to allow hot air to circulate around the sprouts.

Step 5: Air fry until crispy

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

Check the Brussels sprouts after about 12 minutes. They should be golden brown on the outside, with crispy leaves and tender centres. Larger pieces may need a few extra minutes.

Step 6: Add your favourite toppings and serve

Transfer the cooked Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or add a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Serve immediately while they are warm and crispy.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change the flavours. Here are some delicious ways to customise your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.

1. Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

For a cheesy, savoury version, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking. You can also add a little extra garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavour.

2. Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

For a sweet and tangy flavour, drizzle the cooked Brussels sprouts with a mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar. Toss gently before serving. Adding the glaze after cooking helps prevent the honey from burning.

3. Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Cook a few slices of bacon separately until crispy, then crumble them over the cooked Brussels sprouts. The smoky, salty bacon pairs beautifully with their naturally sweet flavour.

4. Spicy Brussels Sprouts

If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mixture before air frying.

5. Lemon Herb Brussels Sprouts

Add dried Italian seasoning or fresh thyme before cooking. Finish with fresh lemon juice and a little lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavour.

6. Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts

Mix a little maple syrup with Dijon mustard and drizzle over the Brussels sprouts after cooking. This combination gives them a sweet, tangy flavour that works especially well with roasted meats.

Cooking Tips

For the best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, keep these simple tips in mind:

Choose similar-sized Brussels sprouts: Try to use sprouts that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Dry them thoroughly: Excess water can create steam instead of helping the sprouts roast. Make sure they are completely dry before adding the oil.
Cut them in half: Halving the Brussels sprouts exposes the inside to the hot air and creates more delicious caramelised surfaces.
Don’t use too much oil: A light coating is enough to help them brown. Too much oil can make the leaves greasy.
Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer whenever possible. Cook in batches if necessary.
Shake the basket halfway through: This helps them brown more evenly and prevents some pieces from cooking faster than others.
Adjust the cooking time: Small Brussels sprouts may cook faster, while larger ones may need a few additional minutes. Check for tenderness with a fork.
Add delicate toppings at the end: Parmesan, honey, balsamic glaze, and fresh lemon juice are best added near the end or after cooking.
Serve immediately: Brussels sprouts taste best straight from the air fryer when their outer leaves are still crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Brussels sprouts take in the air fryer?

Brussels sprouts generally take 12–16 minutes in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C). The exact time depends on their size, how full the basket is, and your air fryer model. Shake the basket halfway through cooking and check that the centres are tender.

What temperature is best for air frying Brussels sprouts?

A temperature of 375°F (190°C) works well for Brussels sprouts. It gives them enough time to become tender inside while developing golden-brown, crispy edges.

Should I cut Brussels sprouts in half before air frying?

Yes. Cutting them in half lengthwise helps them cook more evenly and creates a larger surface area for browning. You can quarter particularly large Brussels sprouts.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, although the texture may be softer than fresh ones. For better results, cook them from frozen rather than thawing them first. Start at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times. Check that they are heated through and tender, and add extra time if needed. They may not become as crispy as fresh Brussels sprouts.

Do I need to soak Brussels sprouts before air frying?

No. Soaking is not necessary. Simply wash them, trim the ends, remove any damaged leaves, and dry them thoroughly before seasoning.

How do I make Brussels sprouts extra crispy?

The key is to dry them well, use a light coating of oil, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the cut sides facing down when possible and cook until the outer leaves are golden and crisp.

Can I prepare Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Yes. You can wash, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best results, season them just before cooking.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?

Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.

How do I reheat Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?

To bring back some of their crispiness, place the leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Make sure leftovers are reheated to 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?

They make a delicious side dish for roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, turkey, salmon, or meatloaf. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or your favourite vegetarian main course.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Print Recipe

The easiest recipe for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, ready in less than 30 minutes. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside.

Author: Brandy
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh brussels sprouts
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Trim the Brussels Sprouts and remove any discolored leaves. Slice the Brussels Sprout in half lengthwise from stem to end and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle oil and seasoning over the Brussels Sprouts and toss to combine.
Transfer brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and Air Fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or to your desired doneness and crispiness. Remove the basket and shake halfway through the cooking time for even browning.