Achieve Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Every Time: Your New Favorite Side Dish
Are you ready to transform your perception of Brussels sprouts? Forget the mushy, boiled versions of your childhood. These **Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts** are a game-changer! Imagine perfectly crispy edges, a tender interior, savory bits of bacon, a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan, and a irresistible drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey – all cooked to perfection in a mere ten minutes. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience that will have even the most skeptical eaters asking for seconds. Get ready to add this quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying recipe to your regular meal rotation.
Honestly, I am completely obsessed with this Brussels sprouts recipe. It has quickly become my absolute favorite way to prepare one of my top vegetables. The combination of the salty, crispy bacon bits, the satisfying crunch of the air-fried sprouts, and the rich, savory flavor of Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan) is simply divine. But what truly elevates this dish is the finishing touch: a generous drizzle of hot honey. That sweet heat creates a flavor explosion that is so incredibly delicious, it’s hard to stop eating them!
While I’ve always enjoyed roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven, nothing quite compares to the unparalleled crispness that the air fryer delivers. The circulating hot air creates a deeply satisfying texture that mimics deep frying without all the added oil. These crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts make an exceptional side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Try them alongside my popular Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, a succulent Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin, or even fresh or frozen Air Fryer Salmon for a complete and healthy meal.
Looking for more pairings? These savory Brussels sprouts would also be fantastic with a batch of Garlic Parmesan Wings from It’s a Keeper, offering a balanced and flavorful spread for any occasion.
The air fryer truly has a magical way of making healthy vegetables taste extraordinary. It’s not just for Brussels sprouts; it works wonders on other greens too, like my Air Fryer Zucchini and Air Fryer Cauliflower. I’m always looking for new air fryer vegetable ideas, so let me know what other air fryer veggies you’d love to see featured here!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe isn’t just good; it’s genuinely fantastic. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen and why I think you’ll fall in love with it too:
- Incredibly FAST: Who has hours to spend on a side dish? With just ten minutes of cook time in the air fryer, you can have perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts ready to serve. This speed makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, impressive addition to your meal.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to search for obscure items. This recipe uses basic ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, many of which you likely already have on hand. It’s proof that delicious food doesn’t need a complicated ingredient list.
- Veggies that Taste Like a Snack: This is my secret weapon for getting more greens into my diet, and yours too! The crispy edges created by the air fryer are irresistibly addictive, making these sprouts feel more like a gourmet snack than a healthy vegetable. It’s an excellent way to effortlessly incorporate those nutrient-packed green containers into your daily intake.
- Healthy and Diet-Friendly: Being naturally low-carb and gluten-free, this recipe fits beautifully into a variety of dietary preferences. The air fryer achieves that coveted crunchy texture with minimal oil, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy regularly.
- A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or entertaining guests, these Brussels sprouts are consistently a hit. The combination of savory, salty, sweet, and spicy notes creates a complex flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need for this incredibly flavorful dish:
- Brussels Sprouts: I often opt for a bag of pre-trimmed Brussels sprouts from the grocery store to save time on busy days. This makes preparation a breeze! If you find them still on the stalk, don’t worry – simply trim them off and halve them. For a unique presentation, you could even try a recipe like this on-the-stalk roasted Brussels sprouts from Nutmeg Nanny, though for air frying, individual sprouts are best. Look for firm, green sprouts without yellowing leaves.
- Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Cooking Oil Spray: A little oil is essential for that perfect crisp. My preferred method is to coat the sprouts lightly but evenly with avocado oil spray. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which is great for air frying, but extra virgin olive oil works too. The spray ensures a light, even coating without excess oil.
- Shaved or Shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful salty, sharp, and umami flavor that complements the sprouts beautifully. I particularly love the distinctive bite of fresh Locatelli cheese, but any good quality Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will do. You can use pre-shredded for convenience or freshly grate it for superior flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Coarse kosher salt is my favorite for seasoning vegetables as it adheres well and provides a burst of flavor. However, any salt you have on hand will work just fine. Salt is crucial for enhancing the natural sweetness and crispness of the sprouts.
- Nitrate-Free Turkey Bacon: This is my secret ingredient for convincing even my most bacon-loving family members to devour Brussels sprouts. There’s something undeniably delicious about crispy bacon paired with tender-crisp sprouts. For maximum crispiness, I highly recommend making Air Fryer Turkey Bacon – it’s a game-changer! Make sure to dice it small so it cooks quickly and gets extra crispy with the sprouts.
- Hot Honey: The magical finishing touch! Initially, I considered using balsamic glaze, similar to my Shredded Brussels Sprouts dish. But a craving for something sweet and spicy, especially when I was feeling a bit under the weather, led me to hot honey, and it truly gave me life. Adding it to these Brussels sprouts was a life-changing decision – trust me on this one. The sweet heat perfectly balances the savory richness of the dish. My favorite brand of hot honey is this one, but feel free to explore!
Can’t get enough of hot honey? You absolutely must try this incredible Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta for another delightful sweet and spicy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing these crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts is incredibly simple. For the complete recipe, including precise measurements and detailed nutritional information, please refer to the recipe card below. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly cooked sprouts every time:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Preheating is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and that desired crispy texture right from the start. It’s just like preheating an oven!
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Thoroughly wash your Brussels sprouts under cold water. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so make sure they are very dry. Using a sharp knife, trim off the very ends of the sprouts and remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves. Then, cut each sprout in half lengthwise. If you have particularly large sprouts, you might want to cut them into thirds to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up all over.
- Season and Load the Air Fryer: Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Coat them with olive oil cooking spray or a light drizzle of avocado oil, tossing well to ensure every sprout is lightly covered. This oil is key for crisping. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt, tossing again. Next, arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket. For the best results, avoid overcrowding the basket. Overlapping sprouts will steam instead of crisp. Then, evenly distribute the diced turkey bacon over the sprouts.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the Brussels sprouts and bacon for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to shake the air fryer basket vigorously halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark). This helps to redistribute the sprouts and bacon, ensuring all sides get exposed to the hot air for maximum crispiness. Check for doneness – they should be tender-crisp and nicely browned. If they need a little more time to reach your desired level of crispiness, add an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Flavor: Once cooked, transfer the crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon to a serving bowl. Sprinkle them with 1-2 tablespoons of shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. The cheese will slightly melt from the residual heat, adding an extra layer of savory goodness. Finally, drizzle generously with hot honey. The sweet and spicy contrast is truly what makes this dish unforgettable.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your perfectly crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts right away while they are warm and at their peak crispiness!
Recommended Equipment
To make this recipe as quick and easy as possible, a good quality air fryer is essential. It’s the star of the show for achieving that irresistible crispness without deep-frying. Any basket-style air fryer will work beautifully. A large mixing bowl for seasoning and a sharp knife for trimming are also helpful. Having a pair of tongs to shake the basket or easily toss the sprouts can also make the process smoother.
Substitutions and Flavor Variations
One of the best things about this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe is how adaptable it is! While the hot honey and bacon combination is incredibly popular, there are countless ways to customize your crispy Brussels sprouts to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand:
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic: If hot honey isn’t your preferred flavor profile, a classic balsamic glaze is a fantastic alternative. You can drizzle balsamic glaze over the cooked sprouts for a tangy sweetness, or even toss them with a splash of good quality balsamic vinegar before air frying for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Vegan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Easily make this a plant-based side dish by omitting the bacon entirely. To add back some of that satisfying crunch and healthy fats, consider tossing in some roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts after cooking. For a sweet topping, simply swap the hot honey for a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Topped with Feta Cheese: Want to switch up the cheese? Crumbled feta cheese offers a salty, tangy counterpoint that is absolutely delicious with the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts. Goat cheese or even a mild cheddar could also be interesting alternatives.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be shy about adding more spices! A dash of freshly ground black pepper, a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor. For a trendy twist, try a dusting of everything bagel seasoning after cooking. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of coconut aminos can give it an Asian-inspired flair. The possibilities are endless – go crazy and find your favorite combination!
- Bulk Up This Side Dish: Turn this side into a heartier offering by adding other roasted vegetables. Cubed butternut squash air-fried alongside the sprouts adds a sweet, creamy element. For a touch of festive color and chewy texture, stir in some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds after cooking. This makes it a perfect dish for holiday gatherings!
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Toss with finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme before air frying, or sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives after cooking for a bright finish.
- Spicy Kick (without hot honey): If you love heat but prefer not to use hot honey, a pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the sprouts before cooking will add a spicy kick. A dash of cayenne pepper could also do the trick.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This recipe is not only delicious but also practical for meal prep, helping you stay organized and enjoy healthy meals throughout the week. Here’s how to best manage your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:
- To Prep Ahead: To save time on cooking day, you can wash and trim your Brussels sprouts in advance. After preparing them, ensure they are thoroughly dried (this is crucial for crispiness!) and store them in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to cook, they’ll be prepped and ready to go. For the best texture, plan to air fry this dish right before serving.
- To Store Leftovers: Any leftover Air Fryer Brussels sprouts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for up to 4 days. While they won’t be quite as crispy as freshly made, they will still be incredibly flavorful.
- To Reheat: The best way to bring back some of that coveted crispiness for leftovers is to reheat them in your air fryer. Simply place the refrigerated sprouts back into the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and lightly re-crisped. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as this will make them soft and mushy.
- To Freeze: Generally, I do not recommend freezing cooked Brussels sprouts as they tend to become quite mushy and lose their desirable texture upon thawing and reheating. However, if you absolutely need to freeze them to prevent waste, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. When ready to enjoy, air fry them directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, shaking occasionally, until heated through and re-crisped. Be aware that the texture will be softer than freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about air frying Brussels sprouts? We’ve got answers to help you get the best results every time.
No, generally you do not need to soak Brussels sprouts before air frying. Soaking can sometimes lead to a more tender sprout, which some prefer, or it can help with very large, dense sprouts. However, for this recipe, a quick wash and thorough drying are all that’s needed. They will cook perfectly in about ten minutes without any soaking, achieving that ideal tender-crisp texture.
Absolutely, yes! You can easily air fry frozen Brussels sprouts. The key is not to thaw them first; simply add the frozen sprouts directly into your air fryer basket. You will need to increase the temperature slightly to 400°F (200°C) and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket frequently, until they are tender inside and crispy on the outside. They might take a bit longer and release more moisture, but they will still be delicious!
Yes, you definitely can! While the air fryer is fantastic for speed and crispness, you can achieve great results in a conventional oven too. To roast them, spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts (and bacon, if using) in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and caramelized. If you’re adding bacon, you might want to add it about 10-15 minutes into the roasting time to prevent it from burning. For specific timings, you can follow a Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe.
I personally prefer basket-style air fryers for their ease of use and consistent results, especially for recipes like these Brussels sprouts. My current favorite is the Instant Pot Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer. It’s spacious enough for a family-sized portion and provides excellent crisping power.
As an English teacher at heart, I simply had to include this! The correct spelling is **Brussels sprouts**. The “B” is capitalized because they are named after the capital city of Belgium, Brussels. While many people colloquially say “Brussel sprouts,” the proper plural and possessive form is “Brussels.” Regardless of how you spell it, I hope that if you’re searching for “air fryer brussel sprouts,” you still find and enjoy my yummy recipe!
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
Once you fall in love with the ease and efficiency of air frying, you’ll want to use it for everything! Here are a few more of my favorite easy air fryer recipes that you’re sure to enjoy:
- Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and healthier than deep-fried!
- Air Fryer Potato Chips: Satisfy your snack cravings with homemade, guilt-free potato chips.
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: Perfectly cooked, tender chicken cutlets that are ready in minutes.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier and equally delicious alternative to regular fries.
- Air Fryer Broccoli: Another simple and quick way to get your greens perfectly crisp.
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Author: Nancylynn
Summary: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are perfectly crispy, incredibly delicious, and cook in just ten minutes! Topped with savory bacon, sharp Parmesan cheese, and a sweet-spicy drizzle of Hot Honey, this easy air fryer recipe is destined to become your new favorite side dish addiction.
Servings: 4
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts (washed and dried)
- Olive or avocado oil (or avocado oil spray)
- 2 Tablespoons Shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- ¼ tsp salt (kosher salt preferred)
- 2 slices nitrate-free turkey bacon (diced up small)
- Drizzle of Hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C).
- Wash Brussels sprouts, pat dry, trim outer leaves, and cut sprouts in half (or into thirds if they are very large).
- Place cut Brussels sprouts in a large bowl, coat with cooking spray or 2 teaspoons of oil, and sprinkle with salt. Add sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer, then top with diced turkey bacon. (Do not overcrowd the basket for best crisping!)
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time. Add additional minutes if needed to reach desired crispiness.
- Sprinkle cooked Brussels sprouts and bacon with 1-2 Tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, then drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Enjoy your delicious and crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts!
Video
Notes
Oven Instructions:
To cook these in a conventional oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the seasoned Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. If using diced bacon, add it to the baking sheet after the first 10 minutes of roasting to ensure it crisps without burning. Shake or toss the sprouts and bacon occasionally for even cooking.
Important Tip:
Some smaller bacon pieces might slip through the holes of a traditional air fryer basket. This is generally not an issue if the bottom of your air fryer is clean. Alternatively, you can cook the bacon in whole strips alongside the Brussels sprouts, then dice it after both are cooked to avoid any pieces falling through.
Meal Prep & Storage:
- To Prep Ahead: Wash and trim Brussels sprouts, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cook right before serving for best results.
- To Store: Store leftover air fryer Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warm and re-crisped.
- To Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for optimal texture, as sprouts can become mushy. If you must, freeze in an airtight container and air fry from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes.
Dietary Information (approximate, per serving):
21 Day Fix: 1 GREEN, trace BLUE, trace RED, 1/2 sweetener TSP
WW (Weight Watchers): 2 points
Nutrition
Calories: 96kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 9mg
Sodium: 364mg
Potassium: 473mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 865IU
Vitamin C: 96mg
Calcium: 75mg
Iron: 2mg
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