Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
If you’re looking for a delicious side dish, try out our Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts. They are cooked to perfection when air-fried and come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Customize these air fryer brussel sprouts with your favorite seasonings and make them a great side dish for any meal!
The air fryer is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances. It can be used to cook a variety of foods, from chicken wings to chocolate chip cookies. One of an air fryer’s main functions is to be used as a fryer.
This option uses very little oil and no added fat (or any at all if you choose not to use it) and means that you can cook healthier versions of your favorite vegetables like brussel sprouts.
For this simple air fryer brussel sprouts recipe, all you’ll need is freshly cut brussel sprouts along with olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Toss to combine and you’ve got a delicious side dish in under 15 minutes!
How To Make Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Using a sharp knife, remove the woody stems on each sprout and cut in half or quarters depending on the size. Add to a medium-sized bowl.
- To the chopped brussel sprouts, add salt, pepper, onion powder, and olive oil. Toss everything together to fully coat with the oil and seasonings.
- Turn your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the seasoned brussel sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single even layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then toss or shake the basket to flip. Add the parmesan cheese, then cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until brussel sprouts are cooked through and crispy on the outside.
- Remove from the air fryer basket with tongs and add to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkling of cooked and crumbled bacon and parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Tips
- Brussel sprouts should be crisp (not firm but not overly soft either) and flavorful by the end of air frying.
- For a softer vegetable, soak the brussel sprouts in water for about 30 minutes before air frying. Let them dry completely before cooking.
- For even cooking, be sure to chop all of the brussel sprouts roughly the same size. Cut larger brussel sprouts in quarters if needed.
- This recipe requires you to preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer before cooking is beneficial because it will help you get crispy food every time.
- If you want to save on fat, use half of the oil and seasonings, then add more if desired after air frying them once.
- If your air fryer basket is too small to cook everything in a single layer, cook them in batches.
Variations
- Add more chopped vegetables to the mix such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.
- Toss the brussel sprouts in your favorite BBQ, Asian, or Italian seasoning blend before air frying to change up the flavor.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried seasonings for a different taste. Try fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Sprinkle some lemon zest on top after cooking to add a bright citrus flavor and color contrast.
- For a vegan version of this recipe, omit the parmesan cheese.
- Toss with a dressing. Try serving the crispy brussel sprouts with a delicious homemade dressing. Our favorites are avocado ranch, honey mustard, or balsamic vinaigrette.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating.
Storing: Leftover air fryer brussel sprouts will last in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store them in an airtight container until ready to eat. They will not be as crispy when reheating but can still be delicious!
Freezing: To freeze, place cooked and cooled brussel sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Air fryer brussel sprouts will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated back in the air fryer to help them retain their crispy coating or you can add them to other dishes like salad, soup, stir-fry just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, trimmed (cut large brussel sprouts in half)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Cooked and crumbled bacon and extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the brussel sprouts, olive oil, onion powder, salt and pepper.1 pound brussel sprouts1 tablespoon olive oil1 teaspoon onion powderSalt and pepper
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F according to manufacturer instructions.
- After the air fryer preheats, add the brussel sprouts to the basket in an even layer. Cook for 5 minutes, shake and gently stir, add parmesan and fry for another 5-6 minutes until charred and crisp.¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Serve with more Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon on top. See post for storage options.
Thank you very much for sharing such a delightful recipe!