These Air Fried Brussels Sprouts are a super easy side dish that go well with pretty much any meal. Thanks to the Air Fryer, they’re cooked to crispy and delicious perfection every single time!
Alright, y’all. I assume that by now, you probably know I have a special place in my heart for my Air Fryer. I mean, it’s just so easy to use, usually takes about half the time an oven takes something to cook and always produces killer results. Like these crispy AF chicken wings or these restaurant style french fries, I’m convinced that there really isn’t much that the Air Fryer can’t do. And now, it’s jussssst about that time to add the crispiest, most perfect and easy to make Brussels Sprouts to that list.
Unlike these bacon and maple brussels sprouts, these Air Fried Brussels Sprouts are seasoned so simply with just a little bit of salt and pepper. But hey, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get crazy or fancy with it if your heart so desires. You can easily customize these babies with whatever spice blend you have on hand, whatever seasonings or toppings you want to put to the test and/or whatever sauce or marinade you want to throw on ’em. The beauty of brussels sprouts is that they go well with pretty much anything!
Air Fried Brussels Sprouts are so quick and easy to make! They might just become your new favourite way to cook ’em. You can’t tell me that I’m the only one that basically completely forgot all about my oven since getting an air fryer. Am I right?! 😉
INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
I kept this recipe for Air Fried Brussels Sprouts so simple, we can hardly even call it a recipe. However, don’t let that stop you from seasoning, spicing up or customizing these babies however you like (see the FAQ section down below for some ideas). Let’s discuss the 3 basic ingredients in a little bit more detail down below:
- Brussels Sprouts: These tiny cabbage look-alikes are rich in antioxidants and packed full of nutrients. Brussels sprouts are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins (especially Vitamin K) and minerals making them a healthy and delicious addition to any meal! When baked or roasted, the outer leaves become crispy and crunchy while the insides become soft and tender.
- Oil: Helps the brussels sprouts crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. I like using either olive oil (adds some extra flavour) or avocado oil for this recipe. Keep in mind that as we are air frying here, a little bit of oil goes a long way. If you want to add even less oil, try using a spray on oil instead.
- Salt and Pepper: These Air Fried Brussels Sprouts don’t need no fancy seasoning to truly taste delicious! Salt and pepper adds the right balance, flavour and touch to these crispy brussels sprouts. However, again, feel free to let your creative juices flow and season these bad boys however you like! PRO TIP: If you decide to also keep your brussels sprouts on the basic side with just salt and pepper, try finishing them with Maldon Sea Salt Flakes as soon as they come out of the air fryer. Two words: game changer.
HOW TO MAKE BRUSSELS SPROUTS IN THE AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)
- Cut any large brussels sprouts in half and even larger ones into quarters. You want to ensure that they all cook up evenly and in the same amount of time. They’ll take fo-evvva if you leave them whole or too big.
- Keep the loose leaves and cook them up with the halved brussels sprouts. You’ll notice a few leaves detaching from the brussels sprouts as you trim the ends off and cut them in half. These leaves are KEY! Trust me when I tell you that the crispy outer loose leaves bake up like chips in the oven. They’re soooo good and so so addicting. I can almost firmly say that those crispy leaves are actually the best part about these Air Fried Brussels Sprouts. Sue me.
- Keep things basic with just salt and pepper (delicious) or spice things up with your own seasonings or sauces (equally delicious). Brussels sprouts can be easily adapted and customized to suit pretty much any flavour so feel free to be bold and get creative with it if you’re feeling up to it! Change them up and make them different every single time! See the FAQ section for ideas and ways to spice these simple brussels sprouts up a bit! EXTRA TIP: Toss the brussels sprouts with the oil and seasonings before air fryer for maximum flavour. You can also hit them with extra seasoning (such as flakey sea salt) after air frying, if desired.
- Don’t worry about positioning the brussels sprouts in any which way on the air fryer tray or in the basket. As long as you don’t overcrowd it, shaking the basket or flipping the brussels sprouts halfway through air frying will ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Work in batches if you have to. It’s a-ok if they overlap a bit in the basket or on the tray. However, overcrowding the pan or basket will result in soggy brussels sprouts with uncooked centers.
- If you’re using an air fryer with a tray, flip the brussels sprouts halfway through air frying to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. If you’re using an air fryer with a basket, shake the basket halfway through air frying to ensure even cooking. EXTRA TIP: All air fryers are different. Keep an eye on your brussels sprouts to ensure that nothing burns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Keep in mind that all air fryers are different. Therefore, you should pay attention to your sprouts as they’re air frying to ensure nothing burns. Checking on them and shaking the air fryer basket or flipping them halfway through air frying will prevent burning.
Any leftover air fried brussels sprouts should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. Eat them within 2 days for maximum freshness. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warmed through. Alternatively, you can use an oven or a microwave.
Although these Air Fried Brussels Sprouts are seriously great with just a little bit of oil, salt and pepper, they’re also delicious with so many different things! Try them with freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, toasted nuts, crushed chili flakes or sliced chilies, crumbled bacon, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, some toasted sesame oil and/or seeds or any spice combination in your cabinet!
Try them tossed in sauces such as the honey garlic sauce from this chicken wing recipe or the buffalo sauce from this cauliflower bites recipes. And of course, from the saucy queen herself, they’re amazing as an appetizer or snack with these favourite sauces for dippings: easy chipotle mayo, 5 minute garlic aioli, creamy ranch dressing, Greek style tzatziki sauce, Thai peanut sauce or Japanese style roasted sesame dressing.
PRO TIP: If you decide to also keep your brussels sprouts on the basic side with just salt and pepper, try finishing them with Maldon Sea Salt Flakes. Thank me later 😉
AIR FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
These Air Fried Brussels Sprouts are a super easy side dish that go well with pretty much any meal. Thanks to the Air Fryer, they're cooked to crispy and delicious perfection every single time!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussels Sprouts
- 1 tbsp Olive or Avocado Oil
- Salt and Pepper (or other seasonings of choice), to taste*
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the brussels sprouts and cut any large ones in half and even larger ones into quarters. Be sure to keep all the loose leaves that fall off while cutting.
- Season the brussels sprouts with the oil, salt and pepper (or other seasonings) and toss to combine. I do this right on the air fryer tray lined with parchment paper but you might have to do this in a bowl if you have one of the air fryers that have a basket instead of a tray. Don't worry about positioning the brussels sprouts in any which way on the air fryer tray or in the basket. Just don't overcrowd it and work in batches if you have to.
- Air fry at 375° for 20 minutes flipping the brussels sprouts or shaking the air fryer basket halfway through air frying. Top with any additional ingredients (see FAQ section in body of post for ideas) or serve as is and Enjoy!
Notes
Although these Air Fried Brussels Sprouts are seriously great with just a little bit of oil, salt and pepper, they're also delicious with so many different things! See the body of the post under the FAQ section for ideas and ways to spice these simple brussels sprouts up a bit!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 77Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 91mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g
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