Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this brussels sprouts air fryer recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Brussels Sprouts – Look for sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking. Cut them in half lengthwise, and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or browned. Olive Oil – This helps with browning and caramelization. I like extra virgin olive oil here, but any cooking oil, such as avocado oil, works great. Balsamic Vinegar – Adds sweetness and a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip this to just make plain air fryer brussels sprouts. Garlic Powder – This coats the sprouts more evenly than minced garlic would. Plus, unlike fresh garlic, it won’t burn. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – I have a good starting point on the recipe card below, but you can adjust both to taste after roasting. Don’t wait to add all the salt and pepper until the end, though, or the inside will taste very bland.
How To Cook Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Common Questions
How long to cook brussels sprouts in the air fryer? Crispy air fryer brussels sprouts take about 10 minutes to cook, or a few minutes longer for larger sprouts. Should you cut brussels sprouts in half before cooking? Yes, I always cut brussels sprouts in half before cooking, as it creates more surface area for them to caramelize and get crispy. It also makes them easier to eat. (You can even cut larger ones into quarters!) Can you cook frozen brussels sprouts in the air fryer? Yes, you can air fry frozen sprouts, but they won’t get quite as caramelized or crispy. Fresh tastes better, but I have had success cooking frozen ones when my husband placed my sprouts in the freezer by mistake one day (oops!). The method is similar to roasted frozen brussels sprouts. Air fry them for 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees F to soft, then cut in half, toss with seasonings, and air fry at 400 degrees F until crispy.
Recipe Variations
Parmesan cheese – Toss the sprouts in grated parmesan before cooking. It creates this crispy crust on them that I totally can’t resist, a little bit like my smashed brussels sprouts. Sometimes I just sprinkle on some shredded parmesan at the end, though. Lemon – Swap the balsamic vinegar with a tablespoon of lemon juice (or lime juice) instead. You could add a teaspoon of lemon zest, too. Bacon – You can toss leftover chopped air fryer bacon with the cooked brussels, or just add chopped raw bacon to the basket and it will be crispy by the time the sprouts are done. I discovered that this works the same way as my roasted brussels sprouts and bacon. Seasonings – Try adding Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or simply crushed red pepper flakes together with the garlic powder. You’d want to omit the salt and pepper if using Cajun, since it already has salt and is spicy. Sweetness – Add a couple tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (or try my natural sugar-free honey or sugar-free maple syrup) before roasting for a sweet caramelized finish. Or sometimes I amp up the balsamic flavor in this dish by topping with balsamic glaze at the end. So good! More Veggies – When I just need to clean out my fridge or pantry, I mix the sprouts with other veggies. The key is to choose ones that have a cook time on the longer side. Root vegetables (like carrots, beets, rutabaga, or parsnips), and winter squash (like butternut squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin) all work well to cook together with the brussels sprouts in the air fryer.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. I love them with fried eggs or cloud eggs for breakfast the next day! Reheat: You might not be too surprised that I prefer to reheat my brussels sprouts in the air fryer, the same way I cooked them. The microwave heats them fine, but leaves them mushy, so I don’t recommend it. Freeze: Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s best to spread them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet first and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from sticking together. You can thaw the sprouts before reheating, or just air fry from frozen at a lower temperature (300 degrees F).
What To Serve With Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
I’m a protein-and-veggies kind of girl for dinner. I guess that explains why I make these air fryer brussels sprouts so often? Here are some of my favorite main dishes to serve with them:
Chicken – I love to serve my crispy brussels sprouts with equally crispy baked chicken legs (or crispy baked chicken thighs), air fryer chicken wings, or chicken leg quarters. If you prefer chicken breast, it doesn’t have to be boring! Take it up a notch with lemon and garlic chicken or garlic butter chicken. Steak – Make air fryer steak for a casual dinner cooked in the same appliance, or make your meal extra special with a filet mignon or ribeye. Pork – Pork chops are a solid choice I’ve learned to love! Try pan seared pork chops or air fryer pork chops for the simplest prep, or stuffed pork chops if you want to get fancy. Fish – Make a quick and simple dinner with air fryer cod or air fryer shrimp. If you want to cook your main course on the stovetop while you have the brussels sprouts in the air fryer, my personal favorite is pan seared salmon, but pan fried tilapia and parmesan crusted tilapia are close seconds.
My Favorite Air Fryer
The larger basket in my air fryer reduces the necessity to cook foods in batches. I can fit an entire pound of brussels sprouts in one go! Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
