Buffalo Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Bold, Crispy, and Unexpectedly Addictive

There was a time when Brussels sprouts were the least-loved vegetable on the dinner plate—often overcooked, bitter, and begrudgingly eaten out of obligation rather than desire. Fast forward to today, and the humble sprout has undergone a full-blown culinary redemption. Crispy, caramelized, boldly seasoned Brussels sprouts now headline menus in high-end restaurants, pop up on trendy appetizer boards, and dominate social media feeds in all their golden-brown glory. And at the heart of this resurgence is one simple truth: when cooked right, Brussels sprouts are absolutely irresistible.

Enter: Buffalo Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts—a modern twist on a classic side dish that brings together everything we love about crispy vegetables and bold, spicy flavor. This recipe takes the natural nuttiness of roasted sprouts, amplifies it with high-heat air frying for maximum crisp, and then tosses it all in a tangy, spicy Buffalo-style sauce that clings to every crunchy crevice. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, familiar yet new, and downright impossible to stop eating.

What makes this version of Brussels sprouts stand out is the combination of crunch and kick. The air fryer works its magic to give you that deep-fried texture without the mess, calories, or oil splatter of traditional frying. No soggy sprouts here—just crispy exteriors with tender, flavorful centers. Then comes the Buffalo sauce—a mix of hot sauce, melted butter (or vegan alternative), and a touch of garlic—that takes this dish from good to unforgettable. It’s everything you love about Buffalo wings, but in a plant-forward, bite-sized package.

Why Buffalo?

Buffalo sauce is more than just spicy—it’s complex. The heat from the hot sauce, the richness from the butter, and the slight tang all combine to create a balanced, craveable flavor profile that pairs perfectly with vegetables. It cuts through the earthiness of the sprouts and gives them a bold personality. It’s also versatile: dial the heat up or down, add a splash of vinegar for more tang, or mellow it out with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. However you make it, Buffalo sauce has a way of making everything more exciting.

Pair the finished dish with a cool, creamy dipping sauce—like ranch or blue cheese—or serve it over a salad or grain bowl for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for game day, looking for a fun way to spice up your veggie intake, or just want to try something new in your air fryer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The Power of the Air Fryer

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the tool that makes this dish not only possible, but incredibly easy: the air fryer. With its powerful convection cooking, the air fryer can replicate the texture of deep-fried foods without the oil and mess. In just 15–20 minutes, you get beautifully crispy Brussels sprouts that would otherwise require a hot oven, a sheet pan, and significantly more time.

The air fryer is particularly well-suited for Brussels sprouts because it encourages browning and crisping on the outside while keeping the inside tender. Plus, you don’t need to preheat for long, and clean-up is a breeze. For busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s an indispensable kitchen tool—especially when paired with bold, flavorful recipes like this one.

A Flexible, Plant-Based Crowd-Pleaser

One of the best things about Buffalo Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts is how adaptable the recipe is. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or following a low-carb lifestyle, this dish can be tweaked to suit your needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

• Use vegan butter to keep it dairy-free.

• Swap traditional hot sauce for a sugar-free variety if you’re cutting carbs.

• Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and protein.

• Pair with cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a medley of roasted Buffalo veggies.

It’s also an easy recipe to scale—double the batch for a party appetizer or halve it for a personal snack. You can even turn it into a main dish by serving it over quinoa, rice, or tucked into a wrap with slaw and ranch.

A New Favorite in the Making

Buffalo Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts check all the boxes: crispy, spicy, quick, customizable, and fun to eat. Whether you’re a long-time sprout lover or someone still on the fence, this recipe is likely to convert even the most skeptical eater. It’s the kind of dish that disappears from the serving bowl within minutes—and has people asking, “Wait, these are Brussels sprouts?”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: choosing the best sprouts, prepping them for maximum crisp, crafting the perfect Buffalo sauce, and assembling the dish like a pro. You’ll get expert tips, substitution ideas, storage and reheating advice, and even some creative serving suggestions to make this recipe work for every occasion.

Let’s dive in, fire up the air fryer, and give Brussels sprouts the bold, spicy treatment they deserve.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Buffalo Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

1. Select and Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Choosing Your Sprouts:

• Look for small to medium-sized Brussels sprouts with bright green leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and crisp up better.

• Avoid sprouts with yellowing leaves or soft spots.

Prepping the Sprouts:

1. Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit.

2. Trim the stem ends with a sharp knife.

3. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves.

4. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise to create more surface area for browning and crispiness.

   • If your sprouts are very large, quarter them to ensure even cooking.

Pro Tip: Cutting sprouts evenly ensures uniform cooking and crispiness.

2. Dry and Season the Sprouts

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so drying is essential.

1. After washing and cutting, pat the Brussels sprouts dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

2. Place the sprouts in a large mixing bowl.

3. Drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil.

4. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper for base seasoning.

5. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.

Tip: Using oil helps the sprouts crisp up in the air fryer and also helps the Buffalo sauce stick later.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

For best results, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.

Preheating ensures the sprouts start cooking immediately when placed inside, helping them crisp evenly.

4. Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts

1. Arrange the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper airflow and crisping.

2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

3. Halfway through (around 7 minutes), open the basket and shake it or toss the sprouts gently to promote even browning.

4. Check for doneness: sprouts should be golden brown and crispy on the edges, tender inside.

5. If needed, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Crispness Tip: Air fryer models vary. Watch closely the first time you make this to find your perfect timing.

5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the Brussels sprouts are air frying, make your Buffalo sauce.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, classic Buffalo flavor)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter (melted)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds smoky depth)

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, balances heat)

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter until smooth and emulsified.

2. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and maple syrup (if using).

3. Taste and adjust for your preferred heat level or sweetness.

Vegan Tip: Use a plant-based butter alternative to keep it dairy-free.

6. Toss the Crispy Brussels Sprouts in Buffalo Sauce

1. Transfer the hot, crispy Brussels sprouts to a large bowl.

2. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the sprouts.

3. Toss well to ensure every sprout is evenly coated in the sauce.

Pro Tip: The residual heat from the sprouts helps the sauce cling and soak in without making them soggy.

7. Serve and Garnish

For best flavor and presentation, serve immediately.

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness.

• Add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or vegan ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

• For extra texture, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds like pecans or pumpkin seeds.

8. Tips for Perfect Buffalo Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

• Don’t skip drying: Wet sprouts won’t crisp properly.

• Even cuts: Ensure uniform size for even cooking.

• Adjust spice: Modify hot sauce quantity to suit your heat tolerance.

• Try different oils: Avocado or grapeseed oil can give a different flavor profile.

• Batch cooking: Cook in batches if you need to make a larger quantity to maintain crispness.