5 Easy Ways to Make Crispy & Delicious Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crispy outside, tender inside — these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate quick side dish. Ready in minutes, they’re light, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Forget soggy sprouts; the air fryer delivers perfect crunch every time. Try them classic, garlicky, sweet, or spicy — they’ll impress at any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Fast, crispy, and healthy — what’s not to love?

• Cooked in under 15 minutes
• Golden, crunchy texture without deep-frying
• Packed with vitamins, fiber, and flavor
• Easy to customize with spices or sauces
• Perfect for family dinners or healthy snacking

Once you try them this way, you’ll crave Brussels sprouts all week long.

What You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Everything is easy to find and already in most kitchens:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional add-ins: grated Parmesan, balsamic glaze, honey, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

That’s it! These basics create the perfect crisp texture and natural caramelized taste — a blank canvas for any seasoning or glaze you love.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

1. Prep the sprouts: Wash, trim the ends, and cut each sprout in half. Pat dry — this step is key for extra crispiness.
2. Season: In a large bowl, toss 1 lb of sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp garlic powder until evenly coated.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
4. Cook: Arrange sprouts in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Finish: For extra flavor, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with Parmesan, or toss in balsamic glaze right before serving.

They’ll come out golden brown, crispy, and completely irresistible — every single time.

You Must Know

To get truly crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a few simple details make all the difference.

• Dry them well. Any leftover moisture prevents that perfect golden crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd. The air fryer needs space for air to circulate; cook in batches if needed.
• Shake halfway. Tossing them midway helps every side roast evenly.
• Choose the right size. Halved sprouts around 1–1.5 inches wide cook most evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer. Just 3 minutes of preheating helps them crisp faster and cook evenly.

These little adjustments turn a basic veggie into a restaurant-quality side dish.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Think of the air fryer as your mini-oven — quick, hot, and precise. For best results:

• Temperature sweet spot: 380°F gives you crispy edges without burning.
• Timing: 12–15 minutes total, depending on size and model. Start checking around minute 10.
• Texture control: For softer centers, cook a little shorter; for crunchier sprouts, go the full 15 minutes.
• Extra crisp trick: Add ½ teaspoon cornstarch when tossing with oil — it boosts that golden, crunchy finish.
• After-cook flavor: A drizzle of lemon juice or a spoon of honey right after cooking enhances sweetness and balance.

Master these details once, and every batch will come out perfectly crispy and full of flavor — guaranteed.

Add Your Touch Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Here’s where you make these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts truly your own. The base recipe is simple, but a few creative tweaks turn them into something special:

• Sweet & Tangy: Toss with 1 tablespoon honey and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Garlic Parmesan: Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and ½ teaspoon garlic powder right after air-frying.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Lemon Zest Freshness: Add grated lemon zest and a squeeze of juice for a bright, citrusy finish.
• Smoky Touch: A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives a subtle BBQ-style flavor — no grill required.

These simple upgrades keep the recipe exciting every time and make it perfect for any occasion — from weeknight dinners to holiday sides.

Storing & Reheating

Have leftovers? No problem! Brussels sprouts store beautifully.

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• To Store: Cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warm and crisp again.
• Avoid the microwave — it softens them and ruins that signature crunch.
• Meal Prep Tip: You can trim and halve raw Brussels sprouts up to 2 days ahead and store them in a sealed bag in the fridge.

These sprouts reheat like a dream, keeping their flavor and crunch even after a few days — perfect for healthy lunches or quick sides all week.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Even simple recipes can shine with the right tricks. Here’s how to make your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts turn out flawless every time:

Find simple one-pan dishes

• Pick uniform sprouts: Choose ones about the same size so they cook evenly.
• Trim the ends neatly: It prevents bitterness and helps them crisp faster.
• Use just enough oil: About 2 tablespoons for 1 pound — too much makes them soggy, too little makes them dry.
• Add flavor after cooking: Drizzles like honey, balsamic, or lemon taste fresher when added at the end.
• Shake the basket halfway: It’s key for even browning.
• Want extra crunch? Toss in ½ teaspoon cornstarch before cooking.
• Serve immediately: They taste best hot, straight from the air fryer.

These small adjustments make a big difference — turning an easy veggie side into a dish that tastes like it came from a pro kitchen.

FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes! No need to thaw — just add 2–3 extra minutes of cook time. They’ll still get crispy.

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2. What’s the best oil to use?
Olive oil gives great flavor, but avocado oil works perfectly for high-heat cooking.

3. How do I keep them from burning?
Check them around the 10-minute mark and shake the basket. Every air fryer model heats slightly differently.

4. Can I make them ahead?
Yes, but for the best crunch, reheat them in the air fryer just before serving.

5. Are Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts healthy?
Absolutely! They’re rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C — and air frying uses way less oil than deep-frying or roasting.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are proof that healthy eating can still taste amazing. With just a few ingredients, a little oil, and less than 15 minutes, you get crispy, flavorful bites that everyone will love — even the picky eaters.

They’re quick enough for weeknights, fancy enough for holiday dinners, and flexible enough to match any flavor mood — from sweet and tangy to savory and spicy. Once you master this easy method, you’ll never think of Brussels sprouts the same way again.

Ready to impress your taste buds? Grab your air fryer, try one of the five flavor twists, and see why this simple veggie has become a modern classic.