Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts have come a long way. Once dismissed as bitter and bland by generations of picky eaters, these humble green orbs have now been reimagined, rediscovered, and elevated into something extraordinary—especially when cooked the right way. Among the most celebrated methods is using an air fryer, which turns these tightly packed leaves into golden, crisp, deeply flavored bites of vegetable perfection.

The appeal of crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts is simple: they’re quick, healthy, and taste indulgent. The air fryer delivers the textural contrast we crave—tender on the inside, with caramelized edges and crispy outer leaves that rival any restaurant appetizer. With just a few ingredients and minimal oil, you can achieve gourmet-level results in under 20 minutes.

At the heart of this recipe is the Maillard reaction—that magical browning process that gives roasted vegetables their nutty, savory, complex flavors. Brussels sprouts are ideal for this, thanks to their natural sugars and tightly packed layers that crisp up beautifully when exposed to high, dry heat. The air fryer accelerates this process by circulating hot air rapidly around the sprouts, mimicking deep frying—without submerging them in oil.

But it’s not just about technique. Flavor matters. From simple salt and olive oil to bold combinations like balsamic and honey, or sriracha and lime, Brussels sprouts are a blank canvas for creativity. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday side dish, a healthy snack, or part of a weeknight meal, there are infinite ways to make them your own.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Select and Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts

• Choose fresh sprouts that are firm, bright green, and free from yellowing or brown spots.

• Smaller sprouts tend to crisp better; if your sprouts are large, slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and more crispy edges.

Step 2: Clean and Dry

• Rinse the sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

• Pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  Why dry? Excess moisture prevents crispiness by creating steam instead of roasting.

Step 3: Trim the Stems and Remove Loose Outer Leaves

• Trim about ¼ inch off the stem end.

• Peel away any loose or damaged outer leaves; these can be cooked separately to become extra crispy little chips.

Step 4: Season the Brussels Sprouts

• Place the prepared sprouts in a large bowl.

• Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil (high smoke point oils are ideal).

• Sprinkle generously with salt (about ½ teaspoon) and freshly cracked black pepper.

• Toss thoroughly to coat all surfaces evenly.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

• Preheating ensures the sprouts start crisping immediately, not steaming.

Step 6: Arrange Brussels Sprouts in the Basket

• Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, which traps steam and makes sprouts soggy.

• If needed, cook in batches.

Step 7: Air Fry

• Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

• Shake the basket or toss the sprouts every 5 minutes to promote even cooking and browning.

• Watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid burning, especially the loose outer leaves which crisp faster.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

• The sprouts should be golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender inside.

• If you want them crispier, add 2–3 minutes more, checking frequently.

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches

• Transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl.

• Add finishing touches like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

• Crispy Brussels sprouts are best served hot right out of the air fryer for maximum texture contrast.

• Pair them with your favorite main dish or enjoy as a tasty snack.