Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are crispy at the edges and tender in the center. This easy Brussels Sprouts recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. Not only are they absolutely delicious and addictive, but they are also quick to make.

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If you’re reading this post, you are probably already a fan of brussels sprouts. To be honest, I didn’t always love them and I’m certain it’s because the ones I tried were bitter and not prepared correctly. I avoided them for years until I learned the basics. Read through these tips and suggestions and you’ll be on your way to making Brussels Sprouts that you will crave. Our entire family loves these now and they are a staple like Roasted Potatoes for us.

What are Brussels Sprouts?

Brussel sprouts are a member of the Gemmifera group of cabbages, also known as Brassica Oleracea. Although they look like mini cabbages, they are different. Cabbage has large leaves while Brussel sprouts are buds and they are denser in texture while cabbage is milder in flavor.

There are so many ways to cook brussels sprouts. If you love Brussels Sprouts, make sure to try our Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

The ingredients for this recipe are so simple and you most likely already have them on hard.

• Brussels Sprouts – Use fresh, not frozen.
• Garlic Powder – We used garlic powder because it’s less likely to burn, but you can use thinly sliced garlic instead.
• Salt – We use fine sea salt and you can add more to taste.
• Pepper – Fresh or ground pepper will work, add more or less to your personal preference.
• Oil – Olive oil keeps the buds from drying as they are cooked and adds crispiness. We used light olive oil but vegetable oil or peanut oil will work just fine.

Are Brussels Sprouts Healthy?

Brussel Sprouts have so many health benefits and we love any excuse to eat them from these crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts to Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad. Here are just a few reasons why the vegetables are so loved:

• High in Nutrients
• High in Fiber
• Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
• High in Vitamins

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

1. Trim – Cut off the ends of the Brussels Sprouts and remove any discolored leaves.
2. Slice the Brussels Sprouts in half (keep it whole if it’s a really small bud).
3. Drizzle oil and seasoning over the Brussels Sprouts.
4. Gently toss to combine.
5. Air Fry – Transfer to the air fryer basket and cook until desired tenderness.

Pro Tip: The most time-consuming part of preparing brussels sprouts is in trimming. You can trim them several hours or even 2 days ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to start cooking.

Variations

There are so many different variations to serving and cooking Brussels Sprouts, here are some of our favorite flavor combinations:

• Bacon – Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and add to the basket when cooking.
• Cheese – Grate fresh parmesan cheese when serving.
• Mushrooms – Halve mushrooms and add into the basket halfway through cooking.
• Nuts – Garnish the cooked Brussels Sprouts with toasted pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, or almonds.
• Glaze – Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze when serving.

Tips for the BEST Brussels Sprouts

• Buy Fresh – Always use fresh and not frozen vegetables and cook within 3 days of buying brussels sprouts for the best flavor. They tend to get bitter with longer storage.
• Uniform in Size – For even cooking, keep the size the same. If you have different-sized buds in the bag, half the larger ones and keep the smaller ones whole so they cook evenly.
• Soak for Softness – If you want the insides soft and outsides crispy, soak in water 8-10 minutes before cooking, then drain the water and pat dry before seasoning. This is an optional step and we often skip it.

Serve With

Brussels Sprouts are a great side dish for major holidays like Thanksgiving, but also a simple side dish for a weeknight dinner. An Air Fryer is a great shortcut to get these on the table fast. These sprouts are also very versatile and pair well with many main courses, such as:

• Pan-Seared Steak
• Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
• Juicy Roast Turkey
• Instant Pot Ribs
• Homemade Meatloaf

Make-Ahead

• Prep Ahead – you can trim and cut your fresh brussels sprouts, store in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 1 to 2 days.
• Refrigerate Leftovers – once sprouts are cooled to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
• Reheat – As a rule of thumb, the best way to reheat is to use the same method that was used to cook the food. To re-crisp brussels sprouts, it’s best to reheat them in the air fryer. A microwave will work quickly but won’t re-crisp the brussels sprouts.
• Freezing – We don’t recommend freezing uncooked Brussels Sprouts as they will get mushy. You can freeze the cooked buds for 3 months in a freezer bag.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, try more Air Fryer Recipes:

• Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
• Juicy Air Fryer Shrimp
• Air Fryer Salmon Filets