Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are simply dressed with savory seasonings and parmesan cheese. This is my new favorite way to prepare Brussels sprouts, so quick and easy to make. If you haven’t jumped on the Brussels sprout train, now is the time to hop on!
Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables and resemble miniature cabbages. The Brussels sprout gained its name from Brussels, Belgium where they were first grown in the 16th century.
I didn’t like brussel sprouts until later in life and I was so surprised when I first tasted them cooked well. When prepared well, they are somewhat nutty and sweet and should have a bit of an al-dente crunch.
Many who think they do not like Brussels have probably been exposed to poor preparation of those sprouts. If they are overcooked they can become bitter, and mushy and have a sulfur-like smell. Who would want to eat that? This air fryer method allows an almost fool-proof way to cook these tasty sprouts and keep them crispy.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THESE AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH PARMESAN
This air fryer Brussels sprout recipe is easy to prepare and a perfect side dish for the holidays. But this simple recipe makes it wonderful for any day of the week!
Brussels sprouts are healthy vegetables and are known for their many health benefits. They are low in calories and fat, plus, they have a good boost of fiber and protein per serving. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and there is research to show that they may help prevent certain cancers. Like other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts can help prevent health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
If you are a fan of Brussels sprouts you will want to try these easy recipes too: Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts and Brussels Sprouts Gratin
A FEW SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
For complete measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
- Brussels sprouts – Use fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe. You may even find a stalk of Brussels sprouts and you can cut them off yourself for the very freshest sprouts!
- Olive oil – I recommend EVOO, but you could also use peanut, avocado or vegetable oil.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Thyme – Use dried thyme for this recipe.
- Salt & pepper – plain black pepper and table salt work, or try some Kosher salt
- Parmesan cheese – You will need shredded cheese. You can find pre-shredded cheese in the grocery store or you can grate your own.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER BRUSSEL SPROUTS
In just a few minutes with only a couple of steps, you will be noshing on these tasty Brussels Sprouts!
Begin by placing the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil and the seasonings and mix until they are well coated.
Next, add the Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. Shake the basket halfway through cooking time.
Finally, remove the basket and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the sprouts. Air fry for another 4 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved. Enjoy!
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FAQ’s
Why won’t my brussels sprouts get crispy?
The air fryer is one method to achieve crispy Brussels sprouts but you can also roast them. For the crispiest roasted sprouts make sure you use enough oil – 2 tablespoons of oil for every pound of sprouts is a good rule of thumb. Roast them at a high temperature of at least 400 degrees f, but you can even turn it up to 425. Place them cut side down in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will help caramelize the flat sides and crisp up the outer leaves.
Can you put frozen brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
You can cook frozen brussels sprouts in the air fryer, but they may not come out as crispy as fresh ones. For best results make sure the sprouts are placed in a single layer with space between each one. This will allow the air to circulate properly. You may need to experiment with the cooking time as they may take longer than fresh sprouts. Cook them until the outside leaves are completely crispy. If they are bitter or mushy they will need to be cooked longer.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Fresh Brussels sprouts – You can use frozen brussels sprouts but I don’t recommend them as they are more likely to be mushy or watery.
- Olive oil – I recommend using EVOO, but you could also use peanut, avocado or vegetable oil.
- Garlic powder – You can substitute fresh garlic or garlic paste for the powder.
- Onion powder – You could also use dried minced onion or dried chives – grind each a bit so it resembles powder instead of flakes.
- Thyme – Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for this recipe or 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
- Parmesan cheese – You can substitute shredded romano or pecorino cheese.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS
- Cutting your Brussels sprouts in half will ensure extra crispy edges, especially on the flat end of the sprout. You can cut off the tough bottom core and then cut it in half.
- For best results, shake the Brussels sprouts halfway through cooking so they will be evenly air fried.
- There are so many ways to finish or garnish your Brussels sprouts. Aside from sprinkling with cheese, you can use lemon zest or fresh cracked black pepper. You can also drizzle lemon or lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, or balsamic glaze over the top of those sprouts.
- Leftover Brussel sprouts will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES
I have been working on increasing the amount of air fryer recipes here on my website. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
- Edamame Beans in the air fryer (pictured above)
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls
This week I am participating in a group with some food blogger buddies where were are sharing side dishes for the holidays. This recipe is my second of the week. I also shared a great Instant Pot Sweet Potato Mash recipe on Monday.
I have some amazing Salads and Side Dishes for you to browse here, and be sure to check out the list of Holiday Side Dishes from the others below.
Try this healthy, low-carb recipe today! These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are a tasty way to get your greens in and a versatile side dish for so many meals!
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh brussels sprouts halved and trimmed
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-coated.
- Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove the basket and add the parmesan cheese. Air fry for another 3-4 minutes or until your desired crispiness is achieved.
Nutrition
Welcome to Holiday Side Dish Week 2022 hosted by Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks. This year we have over 45 side dishes to help you plan your holiday meals.
Wednesday Holiday Side Dish Recipes:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts from An Affair from the Heart
- Apple and Chestnut Stuffing from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Homemade Rice Pilaf from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
- Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower from The Spiffy Cookie
- Old-Fashioned Candied Yams from Palatable Pastime
- One Pot Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Orzo from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Pineapple Casserole from A Day in the Life on the Far
- Potato Gratin with Gruyére, Bacon, and Leeks from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus Bundles from Blogghetti
- Pumpkin Methi Luchi from Magical Ingredients
- Roasted Pepitas from Art of Natural Living
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole from Hostess At Heart
I love how easy this is!! Thanks for the recipe!!
You sure know how to make brussels sprouts taste yummy!! Can’t get enough of these and they were SO easy to make in the air fryer! Thanks for another delicious recipe, Michaela! 🙂
This is my favourite way to make brussels sprouts and I would happily eat them as a snack.
This is my absolute favorite recipe to make Brussels sprouts! They turn out perfectly every time!
Super easy to make and comes out crispy. Adding this to my holiday menu
Another great recipe for my air fryer! Served these with dinner tonight and they turned out perfectly crisp and delicious; even my picky eaters gobbled them up!
Loved this recipe. It’s so simple and delicious. Saving to enjoy again on Thanksgiving.
One of my favorite side dishes. I love how crispy they turn out in the air fryer.
This was such an easy and foolproof way to cook brussels sprouts perfectly! I love how they turned out crispy, and not overcooked at all!
This is my favourite way to cook brussels sprouts. Perfectly crispy.