Discover the quickest way to cook Brussels sprouts to golden brown perfection.
For the past decade, I’ve tried many different methods of cooking Brussels sprouts because they’re a staple in my household. It was tricky at first, because they’re like mini cabbages—bitter and leafy when raw, but mild and tender when cooked. It took me a while to master the art of getting them “just right,” so that all the flavors come out delectably. Roasting them in the oven can take up to 30 minutes. But with an air fryer, the process speeds up. After only a few minutes, these green veggies turn golden brown with a hint of char.
Caramelized with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, air-fryer Brussels sprouts taste sweet, tangy, and savory. The use of fresh garlic also brings out an earthy element, which goes well with many different kinds of main dishes. Since they’re both tender on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside, each bite of air-fryer Brussels is incredibly satisfying. So far, I haven’t gotten any complaints when making this dish. Even the picky eaters in my family enjoy it! Try it out with your loved ones and taste for yourself.
Explore some tasty topping options!
In all of my years making Brussels sprouts, I’ve discovered some delightful and even tantalizing ways to garnish them. Of course, the seasonings they already have are flavorful, but sometimes, I crave a more savory finish to balance out the acidic sweetness. That’s when I grate some fresh Parmesan on top, savoring how well it complements everything else. On the other hand, sometimes I like it hot and spicy, and that’s when I sprinkle some red chili pepper flakes over the Brussels sprouts. Last but not least, when I want a nutty and crunchy complement, I top them off with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts. The more you craft air-fryer Brussels sprouts, the more you can play with potential toppings. Enjoy it to the fullest!
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure your air-fryer Brussels sprouts have cooled before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate them for 4-5 days. I don’t recommend freezing them because this tends to make them mushy. If you want them to stay tender but not too soft, enjoy them sooner rather than later. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, until they’re sizzling with warmth again.
Similar recipes to try
So, it’s clear that air-frying Brussels sprouts is quick and easy. But what about all the other ways to serve them? Well, if you like the classic oven-baked style, try Roasted Frozen Brussels Sprouts or Roasted BBQ Bacon Brussels Sprouts, which have a more robust flavor. On the other hand, if you’d like them even more tender, craft some Smashed Brussels Sprouts by boiling, smashing, and then roasting them. Last but definitely not least, if you want to spruce up your diet by eating them raw, try Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad—it’s bright and refreshing, without any bitterness.
Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts under running water. Trim the ends and remove any outer brown leaves. Cut each sprout in half for even cooking (cut larger ones in quarters if needed).
- Place the sprouts in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss until the sprouts are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the basket and cook for 5 minutes. Shake the basket and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Give the basket a good shake again and add the garlic slices. Continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes or until the sprouts are crisp and lightly browned.
- Remove the sprouts from the air fryer. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, toss gently, and serve hot.
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