Love air frying vegetables? Try my air fryer zucchini, air fryer butternut squash, air fryer okra, and air fryer asparagus next. Brussels sprouts are notorious for being mushy, boring, and frankly unappetizing. But with the magic of the air fryer, it doesn’t have to be that way! My air fried Brussels sprouts are kept simple because the air fryer does the legwork. They turn out crackling and crisp on the outside, yet the middle has the perfect, fluffy, tender bite. This is the ONLY way my family eats them, and let’s just say they are made multiple times a week.
Why I love this recipe
They’re crisp and caramelized. The outer leaves get a gorgeous crispy texture, and the olive oil mixed with parmesan helps them brown beautifully. Customizable. I kept the seasonings simple so they don’t outshine the main course, but I left plenty of options if you want to jazz them up! A very healthy side choice. Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, and the minimal amount of oil adds a dose of healthy fats (source). Convert the haters to lovers. We all know someone who would never dream of eating a Brussel sprout, but I promise, this recipe will convert them. FAST. Seriously, they take a fraction of the time that roasting does but yield identical (if not better!) results.
Ingredients needed
Brussels sprouts. Choose fresh, firm sprouts with no visible black spots or yellow patches. Any larger ones should be cut in half so they cook evenly. Olive oil. Just a bit is necessary to help them crisp up and stay tender in the center. Avocado oil can also be used. Seasonings. I used smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Parmesan cheese. Optional, but recommended because everything’s better with cheese! For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast.
How to air fry Brussels sprouts
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. “These are truly the best air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe ever. So crispy 😋.” – Suzanne Step 3- Serve. Transfer them to a bowl and serve warm with parmesan cheese on top.
Arman’s recipe tips
Soak the Brussels sprouts first. You can soak the sprouts for 10 minutes before air frying to get slightly crispier sprouts. Just make sure to drain and dry them very well after soaking. Don’t crowd the basket. You want each sprout to get equal access to the heat, so only lay them in a single layer and air fry in batches if needed. Keep an eye on them. If they’re not crispy or fork tender, leave them in the basket and check every 2 minutes until they’re done. Depending on the size, sometimes my sprouts take over 17 minutes.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Yes, you can, and I do it all the time. Simply use frozen (not thawed) sprouts and increase the cooking time by 6 minutes.
Balsamic vinegar. Similar to my balsamic glaze Brussels sprouts, drizzle some balsamic midway through. I did this in the video in the recipe card to show you how! Lemon juice. Add the juice of one lemon and lemon zest right before serving. Bacon. Add finely chopped bacon midway through. Honey. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey (or hot honey) over the sprouts and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
To freeze: Allow the cooked Brussels sprouts to cool, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to six months. Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer basket at 400F/200C or in a preheated oven until warm.
Frequently asked questions
More healthy side dish recipes to try
Roasted potatoes and carrots Roasted root vegetables Sautéed broccolini Sautéed asparagus Air fryer baby potatoes Air fryer red potatoes Microwave sweet potato
Originally updated August 2023, updated and republished September 2024
