The key to crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts is using small, fresh sprouts, coating them with just the right amount of oil, and roasting them in the air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes at a lower temperature. It’s often assumed that cooking at a high heat is what makes food crispy, but for these tasty Brussels, using a lower heat will result in browned, yet tender, vegetables! For more satisfying vegetable side dishes, try my hasselback potatoes, collard greens recipe, or roasted carrots recipe.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Brussels Sprouts – fresh Brussels sprouts should be colorful, firm to the touch, and have tight leaves. Smaller Brussels sprouts are typically more tender.Trim the stems and peel away any outer leaves that are yellow or dry. Balsamic Vinegar – a high-quality balsamic vinegar balances the olive oil for a classic taste for a vegetable side that pairs with any main course. This ingredient will add color to the Brussels sprouts, so don’t assume the Brussels are cooked based just on color and look for the outer leaves to truly brown and curl slightly. Salt and Pepper – adding a small amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper before cooking offers a nice neutral seasoning. Add additional salt and pepper to taste after air frying. Garlic – sliced or minced garlic added in the last 2 minutes of cooking time deepens the flavor of this dish and gives it a true steakhouse feel. Freshly sliced or minced garlic will offer the most flavor, but you can also substitute ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. If you choose to use garlic powder, make sure to sprinkle it evenly over the Brussels.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat the air fryer to 340°F. Trim the ends of sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise and place in a large bowl.
- Toss with the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the air fryer basket and arrange into a single layer.
- Air fry until golden brown and tender, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic in the last 2 minutes of the cook time. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
Air fry at 340°F. For the best results, use a lower temperature. This allows time for the sprouts to soften and gives a roasted, not bitter, flavor to the Brussels sprouts. If you’ve used a higher setting to air fry other parts of your meal, be sure to allow the air fryer to cool to 340°F. A hotter temperature will burn the Brussels sprouts instead of cooking them more quickly. Try seasoning with other flavors. This recipe is fun to personalize with your favorite flavors or cheeses. Swap the salt for soy sauce or sprinkle the cooked Brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes after roasting. Use fresh Brussels sprouts. The cook time and temperature for this recipe is best for fresh Brussels sprouts, not frozen. The freshest Brussels sprouts will be firm and have no or minimal brown spots. Instead of getting a sealed bag, select Brussels sprouts from the open produce section of the store. Stir or shake well. The Brussels sprouts will crisp most evenly if they are stirred well at least twice during the cook time. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly around the vegetables, ensuring an even roast. If your air fryer has a handled basket, you can also shake it to toss the Brussels around.
If you’ve tried this recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
