Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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These air fryer Brussels sprouts are a quick, easy, and nutrient-dense side dish, perfect for any occasion! They’re cooked with olive oil and simple seasonings, then finished off with a bright, citrusy marinade. With a crispy exterior and tender center, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for family and holiday gatherings!

💚 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ready in 20: In less than 20 minutes, you can have a crispy and flavor-packed side dish on the table. It’s perfect for those busy nights!
• Healthy: We’ve combined the health benefits of Brussels sprouts with the crispiness that only an air fryer can provide. It’s guilt-free indulgence at its finest!
• 5 ingredients: With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a gourmet-tasting dish that everyone will love.
• Perfect for entertaining: These air fryer Brussels sprouts are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for dinner parties or family gatherings. Trust us, even the skeptics will come back for seconds.

If you love air fryer Brussels sprouts, you should really check out our balsamic glaze Brussels sprouts, air fryer green beans, air fryer eggplant, and air fryer zucchini.

🥬 The best air fryer Brussels sprouts

If you’re on the hunt for a quick and easy way to prepare Brussels sprouts, look no further than the air fryer! This air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe transforms them into a gourmet side dish in less than 20 minutes from start to finish.

Contrary to popular opinion, Brussels sprouts have always been a favorite in our home, but preparing them in the air fryer elevates them to a whole new level! The outer layers become irresistibly crispy, while the inside remains perfectly tender for a mouthwatering contrast in every bite.

Once cooked, we like to toss ours in a lemon and garlic marinade, giving the sprouts a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Whether you’re serving it as an accompaniment to a main course or as a healthy snack, this dish never fails to impress!

♨️ Benefits of using an air fryer

If you’re thinking about purchasing an air fryer, we highly encourage it! It can seriously revolutionize the way you prepare vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Here’s how:

• Crispiness: Achieves a deep-fried texture, just like deep frying.
• Healthier: Uses significantly less oil, reducing total calorie and fat content.
• Consistent cooking: Ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked sprouts every time.
• Time-efficient: Typically, air fryers cook faster than traditional oven roasting.
• Easy Cleanup: Non-stick baskets make post-cooking cleanup a breeze!
• Space-saving: Air fryers are perfect for those with limited kitchen space compared to using an oven.
• Flavor preservation: Locks in the natural flavors and nutrients of veggies.
• Safety: You don’t have to worry about oil splatters as with deep frying.
• Energy efficient: Uses less energy than heating up a traditional oven.

🤔 How to choose Brussels spouts

Brussels sprouts pack a ton of flavor and nutritional benefits, but you need to know how to pick them out for the perfect results. Here’s what to check for at the grocery store:

• Size: Opt for small to medium-sized sprouts. The smaller ones are generally sweeter and more tender. It’s also best for them to be fairly uniform in size.
• Color: You want vibrant, darker green outer leaves on the sprouts. Also, avoid those with yellow or brown spots, holes, and other discolorations.
• Tightness: Look for leaves that are tightly packed, indicating freshness. Loose layers may indicate sprouts that are past their prime.
• Firmness: Quality Brussels sprouts should feel dense and firm, not soft or spongy.
• Stalks: If they’re still attached to the stalk, it should be fresh and not dried out.
• Smell: A light, earthy aroma is best. Avoid Brussels sprouts that give off any intense or off-putting smells.

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

• Brussels sprouts: These miniature cabbage-like veggies offer a nutty, slightly earthy taste. You should be able to find them at any grocery store or farmer’s market. If you can’t find any, try using broccoli or cauliflower florets.
• Olive oil: Provides a rich flavor, ensures the sprouts cook evenly, and helps achieve that desired crispiness. You can also use avocado, sunflower, or safflower oil.
• Seasonings: We like to keep the base seasonings simple with just salt and pepper. However, feel free to use other herbs and spices like garlic powder, oregano, basil, paprika, etc.
• Lemon juice: Adds a zesty tang, which contrasts beautifully with the earthiness of the sprouts. No lemons on hand? Try white wine vinegar or lime juice instead.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic punch. If you’re not a fan of fresh garlic, try minced shallots or spring onions, or omit the garlic entirely.
• Agave: We like to use agave for a hint of sweetness that balances the citrus and garlic. If you don’t have agave syrup, try maple syrup or coconut nectar instead.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer

Step 1: Heat your air fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer. Each model varies, so ensure you’re familiar with your own. We’ve found that giving it 3-5 minutes to warm up makes all the difference in achieving that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 2: Prep the sprouts

After thoroughly washing and drying your Brussels sprouts, trim off any tough bases and remove any wilted outer leaves. We recommend cutting them in half (or even quarters) for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Season the sprouts

In a large bowl, mix the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, coating them evenly. The better the coat, the more flavor-packed each bite will be!

Step 4: Air fry the sprouts

Transfer your Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket, keeping them in a single layer without too much overlapping. If your basket is on the smaller side, fry them in batches. This ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness. Trust us, patience here pays off!

Step 5: Add the sauce

While the sprouts are cooking, whisk together the lemon-garlic marinade ingredients. This blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors will elevate your sprouts to a gourmet level.

Once the Brussels sprouts are crispy and browned, toss them with the sauce mixture in a bowl. Serve them immediately while hot with your favorite mains. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥗 What to serve with air fryer Brussels sprouts

With their simplicity, air fryer Brussels sprouts work well for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings. Here are a few mains and other sides to serve them with:

• Cauliflower steaks
• Vegan meatloaf
• Vegan pot pie
• Grilled vegan chicken
• Vegan meatballs
• Red skin mashed potatoes
• Vegan cornbread
• Potatoes and green beans
• Stewed potatoes

🌡️ Storage & reheating

If you end up with any leftover air fryer Brussels sprouts, keep these storage tips in mind: 

• Fridge: Let the air fryer Brussels sprouts cool, then you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: We don’t really recommend freezing air fryer Brussels sprouts, but it is possible if it’s your only option. Once cooled, spread them out on a baking pan and flash-freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 10-12 months.
• Reheating: You can warm your air fryer Brussels sprouts in the air fryer again for 7-8 minutes at 330F until heated through. Or, you can heat them on the stovetop in a skillet over medium until warmed.
• Prep ahead: Reduce prep time on the day of cooking your Brussels sprouts in the air fryer by washing and cutting them a day or two in advance. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. You can also make the dressing and store it in a separate container.

♻️ Variations

• Quinoa salad: Combine chopped air fryer Brussels sprouts with steamed quinoa, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and creamy balsamic dressing.
• Herbaceous: Toss the sprouts with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for an earthy, savory, and hearty herb infusion.
• Citrus zest: Toss them with freshly grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Pesto: Mix the sprouts with your favorite vegan pesto for an Italian twist.
• Tangy mustard: Incorporate Dijon mustard into the sauce for a creamy bite.

🧑‍🍳 Top Tips

• Fresh: Use fresh Brussels sprouts over frozen ones for the best texture and flavor.
• Dry thoroughly: After washing, make sure the sprouts are completely dry to avoid a steamed texture in the fryer.
• Consistent size: Halve or quarter your sprouts so they are roughly the same size, ensuring even cooking.
• Preheat properly: Always give your air fryer a few minutes to preheat. This ensures even cooking from the start.
• Single layer: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are spread in a single layer without overlapping for the ideal crispy finish.
• Flip halfway: Midway through cooking, give the basket a shake, or use tongs to rotate the sprouts for equal crispiness.
• Time check: Not all air fryers are created equal! Adjust the cooking time based on your machine and desired crispiness.
• Serve hot: Air fryer Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the optimal crunch.

💬 FAQ

🍴 More air fryer recipes

If you love this air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe as much as we do, take a peek at some more flavor-packed air fryer dishes like these:

• Corn Ribs: Sweet, smoky, and tender plant-based ribs made from corn on the cob.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: Crispy, tender sweet potato cubes with warming spices.
• Air Fryer Green Beans: An easy side dish that pairs with all your favorite meals. 
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Crispy and tender potatoes cooked in minutes.
• Air Fryer Quesadillas: A quick weekday lunch or dinner recipe.
• Air Fryer Hashbrowns: Golden-brown potato patties perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
• Air Fryer Zucchini: A healthy side dish to complement any meal.
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls: Crispy, tender, and ultra-cheesy.