Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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Air frying Brussels sprouts is one of my favorite ways to cook them. They become slightly caramelized with a crispy outer shell and can be seasoned with a variety of sweet and savory flavors.

A big bowl of air fryer Brussels sprouts
Photo: Gayle McLeod

It’s that beautiful time of year again for Brussels sprouts season. The weather outside is cool, and warm cozy meals highlight hearty winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts. And while I’ve repeatedly made these roasted Brussels sprouts (in the oven), if you have an air fryer you can put it to good use and make these delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts. The edges and leaves are even crispier, and the cooking time is cut in half.

I’ve been loving cooking veggies in my air fryer, such as air fryer carrots, air fryer green beans, air fryer cauliflower, and now these green little sprouts. My air fryer is a prized tool in my kitchen, and if it’s the same for you, these air fryer Brussels sprouts should be next on your menu.

Ingredients for air fryer Brussels sprouts

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Ingredients

  • Brussels Sprouts: If Brussels sprouts are in season, always buy a fresh stalk or loose as individual sprouts. They’ll be so fresh and hearty. Otherwise, packaged ones are fine, even frozen sprouts (I’ve got instructions below).
  • Seasoning: I’m using my simple go-to blend for most vegetables, which is a combination of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. But if you want to jazz up your sprouts, I’ve got plenty of flavor ideas listed below!

Find the printable recipe with measurements below

How To Air Fry Brussels Sprouts

Toss together. In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Tossing Brussels sprouts with seasoning

Air fry the Brussels sprouts. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the basket of an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches as you want a single layer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will ensure all sides of your sprouts are evenly cooked and crispy!

Air frying Brussels sprouts

Flavor Variations

Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables to dress up. Here are a few ways to do it.

  • Balsamic Glazed: A quick way to achieve the classic balsamic Brussels sprouts side dish is to drizzle and toss them in this balsamic glaze. And if you want to add a bit of bacon into the mix (which is always delicious), you can see how I’ve done that in my balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts recipe.
  • Hot Honey: If you love spice, toss your roasted sprouts in a drizzle of honey and your favorite hot spice such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Maple Mustard: Stir together maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then toss the dressing with the Brussels sprouts right when they come out of the oven. I also like to add chopped nuts (such as pistachios or walnuts) right on top before serving.
  • Parmesan Garlic: During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle minced garlic and shredded Parmesan over the sprouts.
Roasted air fryer Brussels sprouts

Common Questions

What if my Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside but not tender on the inside?

If your Brussels sprouts are still tough after air frying, you might need to add a soaking step. This helps soften them before air frying! All you need to do is soak the sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before prepping them. Alternatively, you can try lowering the temperature on your air fryer, as all brands cook a bit differently.

Can I air-fry frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes! You will slice them in half moons and toss in olive oil and seasoning before air frying. Air fry them at 400°F for about 20 minutes while shaking the basket halfway through.

Storage Tips

  • To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days in the fridge. 
  • To Freeze: Use a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
  • For Reheating: Reheat in the microwave until the sprouts are warmed through. If you want to re-crisp them, bake them in a 400°F oven just until warm. Be careful not to burn.

More Air Fryer Recipes

I hope you love these air fryer Brussels sprouts! If you make it, I’d love to hear how they turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts in a bowl

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

5 from 4 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

These air fryer Brussels sprouts become slightly caramelized with a crispy outer shell and can be seasoned with sweet and savory flavors (I've got ideas listed above)!

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Toss together. In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    Mixing Brussels sprouts with seasoning
  • Air fry the Brussels sprouts. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the basket of an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches as you want a single layer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
    Brussels sprouts in the air fryer
  • Ready to serve. Remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and serve.
    A white bowl of air fryer Brussels sprouts

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 319mg | Potassium: 447mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 856IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Recipes
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

5 from 4 votes

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8 Comments

  1. I’ve been making these with frozen brussels sprouts. First, I use the steamer bag they are sold in to cook them just under the required time listed on the bag. Second, season the sprouts and make sure oil gets in all the little folds—and we’ve tried several of the seasoning variations. Third, I air fry them for about 8 to 10 minutes at 350F. They come out soft inside and crispy outside. Delicious.5 stars

      1. Your Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts were a real hit over the holidays! l’ve got leftover frozen sprouts & thought to air fry them. I notice that your air fryer recipe includes garlic powder as an ingredient. The directions refer to minced garlic. I’d prefer to use freshly minced garlic but am afraid it might burn. Which would you recommend for use in the air fryer?5 stars

      2. Hi Debbie – Thanks for catching that! I just changed the recipe instructions to say garlic powder instead.

  2. Love airfried Brussel Sprouts.
    Suggest steaming the sprouts first- I do mine for 4 minutes and then toss in olive oil/spices and airfry. Then you won’t have hard bullets.5 stars