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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Perfectly Cooked Delight

by on August 13, 2025

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If you crave a crunchy, tasty side dish, you’ll love my Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts! These little gems are packed with flavor and cook perfectly in an air fryer. In this guide, I’ll share the best ingredients, cooking tips, and tricks to achieve that ideal crispiness. Whether you’re a veggie lover or just looking to spice up dinner, you won’t want to miss this delicious recipe! Let’s dive in!

To make crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For a little extra flavor, consider these optional ingredients: - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling) When picking Brussels sprouts, look for bright green ones. They should feel firm and compact. Avoid any that have yellow leaves or dark spots. Fresh sprouts will give you the best crunch and flavor. Always choose sprouts of similar size for even cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing 1 pound of Brussels sprouts. Try to pick fresh ones that are firm. Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half. This helps them cook evenly. In a large bowl, mix the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until each sprout is coated well. Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step gets your sprouts crispy. Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding them. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, take the sprouts out of the air fryer. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the hot sprouts. Toss them gently to coat. Serve the Brussels sprouts hot. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze over them for extra flavor. Enjoy your crispy delight! To make your Brussels sprouts super crispy, start with dry sprouts. After washing, pat them down with a towel. The less moisture, the better. Use enough olive oil to coat them, but not too much. You want just enough to help the spices stick. Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer. This way, hot air can move around them. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Aim for that golden brown color; it shows they are perfectly cooked. One big mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If you pack too many in, they won’t crisp up. Cook in batches if needed. Another mistake is not shaking the basket. Doing this helps them cook evenly. Make sure to keep an eye on the time. Overcooking can lead to a burnt taste. Lastly, skip the cheese if you want pure crispiness. Cheese can soften them up. You can mix up the flavors with different spices. Try adding cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness. A mix of Italian herbs can also give a nice twist. You can even use soy sauce for an umami boost. If you want something sweet, drizzle honey before serving. Each option brings a new taste to the dish. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tight leaves for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: The olive oil helps to achieve that crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the spices. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper or lemon zest for an extra kick! Serve Immediately: For the best crunch, serve the Brussels sprouts right after air frying, as they can lose crispiness over time. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of Brussels sprouts by adding different spices. Try using cumin for a warm taste. A pinch of chili powder can add some heat. For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg. Mixing in some lemon zest gives a fresh, bright flavor. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy touch. Making this dish vegan is easy. Simply leave out the parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy taste. It gives a nice flavor and boosts nutrients. For a more filling dish, toss in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas after cooking. This way, you get a full meal with your crispy sprouts. I love to serve these Brussels sprouts with tasty dips. Try a simple garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. Both options add great flavor. You can also pair them with soy sauce or tamari for an umami kick. Drizzling balsamic glaze on top adds sweetness. It makes each bite even more delicious. Once you finish your crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will last for about 3 days. If you want them to stay fresh, do not add the balsamic glaze until ready to eat. To reheat your Brussels sprouts, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them crispy. You can also use a skillet on medium heat. Just stir them gently until warm. You can freeze Brussels sprouts for later. First, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, let them cool quickly in ice water. Drain and dry them well. Place the sprouts in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen. When ready to use, cook them straight from the freezer. It takes about 15 to 18 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) first. Then, I air fry the sprouts until they turn golden brown and crispy. I always shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly. Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, they may not get as crispy as fresh ones. If you use frozen, cook them a bit longer, about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to remove excess moisture. For crispy Brussels sprouts, I love drizzling balsamic glaze for a sweet touch. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for a kick. Another great option is a garlic herb dip, which complements the flavors nicely. You now know how to make crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. You can explore tasty variations and proper storage methods to enjoy later. Remember, fresh Brussels sprouts and careful prep lead to the best results. Avoid common mistakes for the perfect crunch. Keep experimenting with flavors to find your favorites. With these tips, you'll impress everyone with your dishes, making healthy eating fun and delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy and Delicious: Crispy Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and offer a satisfying crunch that makes eating vegetables enjoyable.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute side dish.
  3. Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic powder and smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that complements the Brussels sprouts beautifully.
  4. Customizable Toppings: With options like parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze, you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, gather these simple ingredients:

– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

For a little extra flavor, consider these optional ingredients:

– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Tips for Choosing Fresh Brussels Sprouts

When picking Brussels sprouts, look for bright green ones. They should feel firm and compact. Avoid any that have yellow leaves or dark spots. Fresh sprouts will give you the best crunch and flavor. Always choose sprouts of similar size for even cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Brussels Sprouts

Start by washing 1 pound of Brussels sprouts. Try to pick fresh ones that are firm. Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half. This helps them cook evenly.

In a large bowl, mix the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until each sprout is coated well.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Process

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step gets your sprouts crispy.

Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding them. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown and crispy.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once done, take the sprouts out of the air fryer. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the hot sprouts. Toss them gently to coat.

Serve the Brussels sprouts hot. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze over them for extra flavor. Enjoy your crispy delight!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Maximum Crispiness

To make your Brussels sprouts super crispy, start with dry sprouts. After washing, pat them down with a towel. The less moisture, the better. Use enough olive oil to coat them, but not too much. You want just enough to help the spices stick. Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer. This way, hot air can move around them. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Aim for that golden brown color; it shows they are perfectly cooked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One big mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If you pack too many in, they won’t crisp up. Cook in batches if needed. Another mistake is not shaking the basket. Doing this helps them cook evenly. Make sure to keep an eye on the time. Overcooking can lead to a burnt taste. Lastly, skip the cheese if you want pure crispiness. Cheese can soften them up.

Alternative Seasoning Ideas

You can mix up the flavors with different spices. Try adding cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness. A mix of Italian herbs can also give a nice twist. You can even use soy sauce for an umami boost. If you want something sweet, drizzle honey before serving. Each option brings a new taste to the dish. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors!

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tight leaves for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: The olive oil helps to achieve that crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the spices.
  3. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper or lemon zest for an extra kick!
  4. Serve Immediately: For the best crunch, serve the Brussels sprouts right after air frying, as they can lose crispiness over time.

Variations

Additional Seasoning Combinations

You can change up the flavor of Brussels sprouts by adding different spices. Try using cumin for a warm taste. A pinch of chili powder can add some heat. For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg. Mixing in some lemon zest gives a fresh, bright flavor. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy touch.

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

Making this dish vegan is easy. Simply leave out the parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy taste. It gives a nice flavor and boosts nutrients. For a more filling dish, toss in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas after cooking. This way, you get a full meal with your crispy sprouts.

Serving Suggestions with Dips or Umami Flavors

I love to serve these Brussels sprouts with tasty dips. Try a simple garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. Both options add great flavor. You can also pair them with soy sauce or tamari for an umami kick. Drizzling balsamic glaze on top adds sweetness. It makes each bite even more delicious.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Once you finish your crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will last for about 3 days. If you want them to stay fresh, do not add the balsamic glaze until ready to eat.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your Brussels sprouts, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them crispy. You can also use a skillet on medium heat. Just stir them gently until warm.

Freezing Brussels Sprouts for Future Use

You can freeze Brussels sprouts for later. First, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, let them cool quickly in ice water. Drain and dry them well. Place the sprouts in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen. When ready to use, cook them straight from the freezer.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?

It takes about 15 to 18 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) first. Then, I air fry the sprouts until they turn golden brown and crispy. I always shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, they may not get as crispy as fresh ones. If you use frozen, cook them a bit longer, about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to remove excess moisture.

What are the best dips or sauces for crispy Brussels sprouts?

For crispy Brussels sprouts, I love drizzling balsamic glaze for a sweet touch. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for a kick. Another great option is a garlic herb dip, which complements the flavors nicely.

You now know how to make crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. You can explore tasty variations and proper storage methods to enjoy later. Remember, fresh Brussels sprouts and careful prep lead to the best results. Avoid common mistakes for the perfect crunch. Keep experimenting with flavors to find your favorites. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your dishes, making healthy eating fun and deliciou

To make crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For a little extra flavor, consider these optional ingredients: - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling) When picking Brussels sprouts, look for bright green ones. They should feel firm and compact. Avoid any that have yellow leaves or dark spots. Fresh sprouts will give you the best crunch and flavor. Always choose sprouts of similar size for even cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing 1 pound of Brussels sprouts. Try to pick fresh ones that are firm. Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half. This helps them cook evenly. In a large bowl, mix the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until each sprout is coated well. Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step gets your sprouts crispy. Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding them. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, take the sprouts out of the air fryer. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the hot sprouts. Toss them gently to coat. Serve the Brussels sprouts hot. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze over them for extra flavor. Enjoy your crispy delight! To make your Brussels sprouts super crispy, start with dry sprouts. After washing, pat them down with a towel. The less moisture, the better. Use enough olive oil to coat them, but not too much. You want just enough to help the spices stick. Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer. This way, hot air can move around them. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Aim for that golden brown color; it shows they are perfectly cooked. One big mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If you pack too many in, they won’t crisp up. Cook in batches if needed. Another mistake is not shaking the basket. Doing this helps them cook evenly. Make sure to keep an eye on the time. Overcooking can lead to a burnt taste. Lastly, skip the cheese if you want pure crispiness. Cheese can soften them up. You can mix up the flavors with different spices. Try adding cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness. A mix of Italian herbs can also give a nice twist. You can even use soy sauce for an umami boost. If you want something sweet, drizzle honey before serving. Each option brings a new taste to the dish. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tight leaves for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: The olive oil helps to achieve that crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the spices. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper or lemon zest for an extra kick! Serve Immediately: For the best crunch, serve the Brussels sprouts right after air frying, as they can lose crispiness over time. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of Brussels sprouts by adding different spices. Try using cumin for a warm taste. A pinch of chili powder can add some heat. For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg. Mixing in some lemon zest gives a fresh, bright flavor. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy touch. Making this dish vegan is easy. Simply leave out the parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy taste. It gives a nice flavor and boosts nutrients. For a more filling dish, toss in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas after cooking. This way, you get a full meal with your crispy sprouts. I love to serve these Brussels sprouts with tasty dips. Try a simple garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. Both options add great flavor. You can also pair them with soy sauce or tamari for an umami kick. Drizzling balsamic glaze on top adds sweetness. It makes each bite even more delicious. Once you finish your crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will last for about 3 days. If you want them to stay fresh, do not add the balsamic glaze until ready to eat. To reheat your Brussels sprouts, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them crispy. You can also use a skillet on medium heat. Just stir them gently until warm. You can freeze Brussels sprouts for later. First, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, let them cool quickly in ice water. Drain and dry them well. Place the sprouts in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen. When ready to use, cook them straight from the freezer. It takes about 15 to 18 minutes to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) first. Then, I air fry the sprouts until they turn golden brown and crispy. I always shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly. Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, they may not get as crispy as fresh ones. If you use frozen, cook them a bit longer, about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to remove excess moisture. For crispy Brussels sprouts, I love drizzling balsamic glaze for a sweet touch. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for a kick. Another great option is a garlic herb dip, which complements the flavors nicely. You now know how to make crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. You can explore tasty variations and proper storage methods to enjoy later. Remember, fresh Brussels sprouts and careful prep lead to the best results. Avoid common mistakes for the perfect crunch. Keep experimenting with flavors to find your favorites. With these tips, you'll impress everyone with your dishes, making healthy eating fun and delicious.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Deliciously crispy Brussels sprouts made in an air fryer, seasoned to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to do this in batches.
  • Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. They should be golden brown and crispy.
  • If using, remove the sprouts from the air fryer and toss them with grated parmesan cheese while still warm.
  • Serve hot, drizzled with balsamic glaze for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

For extra flavor, add balsamic glaze before serving.
Keyword air fryer, Brussels sprouts, vegetable side dish

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