If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy perfectly caramelized, tender-on-the-inside and satisfyingly crispy-on-the-outside vegetables with minimal fuss, this Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Made Simple Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Each bite bursts with fresh, vibrant flavor enhanced by just the right amount of seasoning and the lovely crunch that only an air fryer can deliver. It’s an easy, reliable way to elevate a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy side or snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Made Simple Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that will make you fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again.
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, firm, and bright green sprouts ensure maximum crunch and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best aroma and to help achieve that crispy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the natural taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust according to your taste.
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a nice spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon Optional Seasoning (Smoked Paprika or Chili Flakes): For those who like a smoky or spicy twist, this transforms the dish nicely.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Made Simple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by rinsing your Brussels sprouts under cold water to wash away any dirt or grit. Once clean, pat them dry thoroughly—this step is crucial for getting crispy results since excess moisture will steam them instead. Trim off the stems and remove any yellow or wilted outer leaves to ensure you’re only working with the freshest parts.
Step 2: Cut and Season
Next, slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise, which helps expose more surface area for crisping. Place them in a mixing bowl before whisking together your olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle this fragrant oil mixture over the sprouts and toss them until every piece is evenly coated in glorious flavor.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange
Before air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (or 190 degrees Celsius) for about five minutes. Then, arrange the Brussels sprouts in the basket in a single layer—crowding them can prevent even crisping, so give them a bit of breathing room.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the sprouts for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides get that irresistible golden-brown texture. You’re aiming for tender interiors while achieving a crisp exterior that gives you that exciting crunch with every bite.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked, remove the sprouts right away and serve while piping hot. If you like, sprinkle extra salt or your favorite seasoning on top to elevate the flavors just a bit more before digging in.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Made Simple Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten the dish and add a delightful contrast. Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans also bring an unexpected crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with the crispy sprouts.
Side Dishes
This recipe makes an excellent accompaniment to a roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty grain bowl. It’s so versatile that it can effortlessly complement both casual weeknight dinners and more elaborate holiday spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, toss the finished Brussels sprouts with cooked quinoa and dried cranberries to turn them into a vibrant salad. Or serve alongside dips like garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo to add a playful flair for parties or snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay tasty for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh for that signature crispness.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended for this Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Made Simple Recipe because the texture can become soggy when thawed. If you want to freeze, lightly cook them first and then flash freeze on a tray before sealing, but keep in mind fresh air frying always yields the best results.
Reheating
To bring back some of that irresistible crunch, reheat leftovers in the air fryer or a hot oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for the best crispy texture, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw thoroughly and pat dry before air frying. The results may be slightly less crisp but still delicious.
What air fryer size works best for this recipe?
A 3 to 5-quart air fryer is perfect for making 1 pound of Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Larger air fryers work too—just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Can I add other seasonings instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a different flavor profile that still works wonderfully.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispiness so is highly recommended, but if you’re short on time you can skip it—just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
Look for tender insides and a beautifully browned, crispy exterior. The aroma will be irresistibly nutty and toasty, making it hard to resist digging in right away!
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Made Simple Recipe quickly becomes a go-to for anyone who wants a flavorful, fuss-free way to enjoy this underrated veggie. The air fryer magic does all the heavy lifting, turning humble Brussels sprouts into a crave-worthy, crunchy delight every single time. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to serve up vegetables!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Made Simple Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy a delicious and simple recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. These Brussels sprouts are perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, seasoned with garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and an optional kick of smoked paprika or chili flakes. Ready in under 35 minutes, this recipe makes a fantastic healthy side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts (Fresh, firm, and bright green)
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adds depth to the flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Optional Seasoning (Smoked Paprika or Chili Flakes) (For an extra kick)
Instructions
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat dry thoroughly to ensure they crisp up well during cooking.
- Trim and Remove Leaves: Trim off the stems and remove any yellow or wilted outer leaves for the best texture and taste.
- Halve Brussels Sprouts: Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise and place them into a large mixing bowl to prepare for seasoning.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly combined for a flavorful coating.
- Toss Brussels Sprouts: Pour the olive oil mixture over the halved Brussels sprouts and toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes for optimal cooking temperature.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow even airflow and crisping.
- Air Fry: Cook the Brussels sprouts for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check Doneness: Check that the Brussels sprouts are tender on the inside with a crispy golden exterior for perfect texture.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately; optionally sprinkle with extra salt or your choice of seasoning for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chili flakes before cooking.
- Make sure Brussels sprouts are completely dry after washing to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps achieve even browning and crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as Brussels sprouts can soften as they cool.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
