Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate way to transform this humble vegetable into a golden, crunchy, flavor-packed side dish. Gone are the days of mushy, bitter sprouts. With the magic of the air fryer, you get perfectly caramelized edges, tender centers, and a satisfying crisp in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re serving them as a healthy side, holiday favorite, or even a snack, this recipe will convert even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics.
Ingredients
Making crispy Brussels sprouts in the air fryer requires only a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in flavor and texture.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Flavor Boosters
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Why These Ingredients Work
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh sprouts work best. Frozen can be used but won’t be as crispy.
- Olive oil: Helps promote browning and crispiness.
- Salt: Draws out moisture and enhances flavor.
- Garlic powder & spices: Add depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the sprouts.
How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Follow these detailed steps to achieve maximum crispiness.
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends of each sprout and remove any loose or damaged outer leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise. For larger sprouts, cut into quarters for even cooking.
Why this matters: Cutting them allows more surface area to crisp and caramelize.
Step 2: Soak for Extra Crisp (Optional but Recommended)
Place halved sprouts in a bowl of water and let them soak for 10–15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels.
Why soak?
Soaking hydrates the centers, allowing the outer leaves to crisp beautifully without drying out the inside.
Step 3: Season Properly
In a large bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any additional spices. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
Tip: Don’t drown them in oil. A light, even coating is enough.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating ensures immediate searing and better caramelization.
Step 5: Air Fry
Place sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
If you want extra crispiness, cook an additional 2–3 minutes at 400°F.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add toppings immediately while hot so they stick properly.
You Must Know
Before making crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, here are key things that guarantee success:
1. Dry Sprouts = Crispy Sprouts
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing or soaking, dry thoroughly.
2. Don’t Overcrowd
Air needs to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Size Matters
Uniform cutting ensures even cooking.
4. High Heat Is Your Friend
Brussels sprouts need heat to caramelize and reduce bitterness.
5. Fresh Is Best
Fresh Brussels sprouts produce superior texture compared to frozen.
Topping Variations
Once you master the base recipe, the topping options are endless.
1. Garlic Parmesan
Toss hot sprouts with grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Sweet & Spicy
Drizzle honey and sprinkle red pepper flakes.
3. Balsamic Glaze
Add a balsamic reduction for a tangy-sweet finish.
4. Bacon Crumble
Top with crispy bacon bits for savory depth.
5. Asian-Inspired
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle sesame seeds.
6. Mediterranean
Add crumbled feta, olives, and fresh parsley.
Make It A Meal
Crispy Brussels sprouts are versatile enough to pair with many dishes.
Serve With Protein
- Grilled chicken breast
- Air fryer salmon
- Steak or roast beef
- Tofu or tempeh
Add to Bowls
Create a nourishing bowl with:
- Quinoa or rice
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Chickpeas
- Avocado
Holiday Side Dish
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special dinners.
Turn Into a Salad
Toss cooled sprouts with arugula, cranberries, and nuts.
Pro Tips
Here are advanced tips to take your Brussels sprouts to the next level.
1. Use High-Quality Olive Oil
Better oil = better flavor.
2. Add Baking Powder (Secret Trick)
A tiny pinch of baking powder helps draw moisture out and increases crispiness.
3. Shake, Don’t Stir
Shaking the basket prevents breaking delicate leaves.
4. Finish With Acid
A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar balances richness.
5. Crisp the Leaves Separately
Loose outer leaves crisp faster—add them in the last 5 minutes if you want ultra crunch.
6. Storage & Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
Recipe FAQs
Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
Most common reasons:
- Overcrowded basket
- Too much oil
- Not dried properly
- Temperature too low
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but thaw and dry thoroughly. Texture won’t be as crispy as fresh.
Do I need to soak them?
It’s optional but recommended for best texture.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I make them without oil?
You can reduce oil, but completely oil-free sprouts won’t crisp as well.
What temperature is best?
375°F to 400°F gives optimal crispiness without burning.
Are Brussels sprouts healthy?
Yes. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts prove that vegetables can be just as satisfying as any indulgent side dish. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. The air fryer transforms Brussels sprouts into crispy, caramelized bites that even picky eaters will love.
Once you try them this way, you may never go back to roasting in the oven again.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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.
