Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Crispy and oh so easy to make this Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe will be the perfect addition to your next meal.

I discovered brussel sprouts latter in life, I confess I used to have an aversion to all green foods. After trying them roasted on the stove top, check out my brussel sprouts with bacon recipe here, it became love at first bite.

And thanks to the mighty air fryer I have become an even bigger fan than I was before. Let’s face it, the air fryer makes life so much easier, and food oh so much tastier.

Why use an Air Fryer?

The flavor alone is reason enough to give this recipe a try. If you love roasted vegetables then you will love the roasted flavor of Brussel Sprouts in the air fryer.

This air fryer asparagus recipe is perfect for the busy or novice cook who needs a simple side dish that is full of flavor. I have become a huge fan of the air fryer as has the rest of my family.

If you are like me and on the fence about purchasing an air fryer I want to encourage you to go for it, I for one do not regret the ease that it has brought to my life.

And I cannot say enough about how much more delicious food cooked in the air fryer tastes. If you want to taste pure heaven then give my air fryer bacon recipe a try. I can attest to the fact that it is the absolute best bacon I have ever had.

If you do not have an air fryer yet then I encourage you to look online on Amazon and read reviews. I purchased the air fryer made by Instapot and I love it.

How To Make Brussel Sprouts In The Air Fryer

1. Wash the Brussel Sprouts. If you want softer Brussel Sprouts soak in water for 10 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help soften the Brussel Sprouts.
2. Dry Brussel Sprouts with a paper towel. Cut end off of Brussel Sprouts and slice the Brussel Sprouts in half.
3. Evenly coat Brussel Sprouts with oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Set the air fryer timer for 12 minutes. Preheat air fryer to 375 °F
5. Add Brussel Sprouts into the basket of the air fryer when it is heated. Place the basket into the air fryer.
6. Cook Brussel Sprouts and remove them every 3-4 minutes and give the basket a shake then replace it back into the air fryer to continue cooking. Do this until the Brussel Sprouts are completely cooked through.
7. Remove from the air fryer when they are done and serve.

Tips for perfect air fryer brussel sprouts

• Avoid the mushy brussel sprouts at all costs, they are absolutely horrid. If you are suffering from mushy brussel sprout syndrome then I empathize with you. So what causes this and how can you avoid it?
  • Mushy brussel sprouts happen when they are pilled on top of one another and not laid out evenly. This causes them to steam rather than to roast, and we are definitely after that roasted look and flavor.

• Not cooking your brussels at a high enough heat can also cause the dreaded steaming effect and allow the mushiness to commence. I prefer to cook my brussel sprouts in the air fryer at 375 degrees F.

• During cooking remove the air fryer basket and shake it a few times. I do this every few minutes. This allows the veggies to be turned and cook more evenly.

• I like to cut my brussel sprouts in half. They tend to be pretty large in size and I prefer them in bite size pieces. Doing this also allows the oil and seasonings to penetrate into the heart of the veggie and make them even more delicious. Brussel sprouts tend to be very woody and dense. But cutting them I am able to cook them more evenly, and also get those brown crisp edges throughout every bite.

• Coating the brussel sprouts with oil prior to cooking them isn’t a necessity, but it definitely adds to the flavor and to the crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why did my brussel sprouts burn in the air fryer?

If you’ve recently tried to cook brussel sprouts in your air fryer and found them burnt beyond recognition, you’re not alone. Air fryers are a great tool for cooking crispy and healthy meals quickly, but they require some trial and error to get the perfect results.

Here are some common reasons why brussel sprouts can burn in an air fryer:

• Overcrowding: One of the most common mistakes people make when using an air fryer is overcrowding the basket. When there’s too much food in the basket, it prevents hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking and burnt spots. To avoid this issue, make sure you leave enough space between each brussel sprout so that hot air can circulate around them.

• Not drying them off: Another reason why your brussel sprouts may have burned is if they were too wet before going into the air fryer. Moisture on the surface of the sprouts can cause them to steam rather than crisp up, resulting in soggy or burnt pieces. Before cooking, pat dry any excess moisture with a paper towel.

• Insufficient oil: Brussel sprouts need oil to help them crisp up and prevent burning. If you don’t use enough oil or toss them evenly before cooking, certain areas will receive more heat than others causing uneven browning or burning.

• Too much seasoning: While seasoning is important for adding flavor to your Brussels Sprouts sometimes over-seasoning could lead to burning especially sugar-based seasonings like honey or maple syrup which caramelizes.

Can I air fry brussel sprouts without oil?

Yes, you can air fry Brussels sprouts without oil. Air frying is a healthier cooking method that uses hot air to cook food instead of oil. It produces crispy and delicious results for any dish, including Brussels sprouts.

To air fry Brussels sprouts without oil, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Trim off the stem end of each Brussels sprout and cut them in half lengthwise.
4. Place the halved Brussels sprouts into a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of your choice.
5. Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
6. Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Stirring them halfway through cooking time for even browning.
7. Once done, remove from the air fryer basket and serve hot as a healthy side dish or snack!

To bring a sweetness to this recipe try making Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts by coating them in balsamic glaze. I will roast the Brussel Sprouts in the air fryer first and then the last few minutes add the balsamic glaze.

Do you need to soak brussel sprouts before cooking?

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether roasted, sautéed, or cooked in a stew, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and flavor. However, there is a common question among home cooks: Do you need to soak Brussels sprouts before cooking?

The short answer is no; you do not need to soak Brussels sprouts before cooking them. Unlike dried beans or grains that require soaking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, Brussels sprouts do not require this step.

However, some people prefer to soak their Brussels sprouts for various reasons. Soaking the vegetables can help remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck on the leaves. It also helps keep the vegetables crisper and fresher for longer periods.

If you choose to soak your Brussels sprouts before cooking them, follow these simple steps:

1) Fill a large bowl with cold water.
2) Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl.
3) Swish them around gently in the water.
4) Let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
5) Rinse thoroughly under running water.

After soaking your Brussels sprouts, pat them dry with paper towels and proceed with your preferred method of cooking.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

While I have not used aluminum foil in the air fryer it is possible to do. The purpose would be to create an easy clean up, and lets face it who doesn’t love that.

I personally use these air fryer liners when I want to create a mess free meal that has an easy clean up. By lining the air fryer basket with these liners it prevents any juices or oils from penetrating onto the basket or underneath it.

I always keep them on hand for the days where I am busy and pressed for time. The best part is that after I remove my food I can simply throw away the used liner.

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts not crispy?

Roasted brussel sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. However, sometimes they don’t turn out as crispy as we would like them to be. If you’re wondering why your roasted brussel sprouts aren’t crispy, here are a few reasons why:

1. Not Enough Heat. One of the main reasons for un-crispy roasted brussels sprouts is not using enough heat. Roasting at a high temperature (around 400°F) helps to create a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender.
2. Overcrowding. Another common mistake when roasting vegetables is overcrowding the pan. When too many vegetables are placed too close together, they steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy and soft veggies.
3. Not Enough Oil. A lack of oil will also prevent your brussels from getting crispy on the outside because oil helps to create a golden-brown crust.
4. Too Much Moisture. If your brussels sprouts have been washed but not properly dried before cooking, they will retain moisture which can interfere with getting crispy edges.
5. Not Preheating The Air Fryer. Starting with a cold Air Fryer will affect how evenly your vegetables cook and may result in undercooked or unevenly cooked Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer brussel sprouts variations

Here are a few ways that you can change up the seasoning on brussel sprouts to make them the perfect side dish for any meal.

• Add some parmesan cheese the last few minutes of cooking. I prefer to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for this. It will melt to crispy crunchy goodness and brings so much to the look of the dish.

• Add a honey balsamic glaze to the brussel sprouts the last few minutes that they cook. You will have to remove them from the air fryer to coat them but it is worth it. Add one tablespoon of honey and 1/2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Mix them together with the brussel sprouts and return them to the air fryer to cook for a few more minutes. They will crisp up and be oh so sweet.

Other Recipes to Try

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Crispy and oh so easy to make this air fryer brussel sprouts recipe will be the perfect addition to your next meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Equipment

• 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Brussel Sprouts
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Garlic Cloves minced
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

 

• Wash the brussel sprouts.

  If you want softer brussel sprouts soak in water for 10 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help soften the brussel sprouts.
• Dry brussel sprouts with a paper towel.

  Cut end off of brussel sprouts and slice the brussel sprouts in half.
• Evenly coat brussel sprouts with oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Set the air fryer timer for 12 minutes.

  Preheat air fryer to 375 °F
• Add brussel sprouts into the basket of the air fryer when it is heated.

  Place the basket into the air fryer.
• Cook brussel sprouts and remove them every 3-4 minutes and give the basket a shake then replace it back into the air fryer to continue cooking. Do this until the brussel sprouts are completely cooked through.
• Remove from the air fryer when they are done and serve.