During the past few months, we’ve been experimenting with various Brussels sprouts recipes in the air fryer.
We’ve used different techniques, some crispy with sauce and others smashed; we even shredded Brussels sprouts into scrumptious pancakes.
Our inspiration for these experiments came from a broad range of flavors, from smoky to sweet and everything in between.
After days, weeks, and months of trial and error, I believe we found the best Air Fryer Brussels sprouts recipe. The good news is we’re sharing it with you in this roundup post.
Teaser: Recipe #2 is my personal favorite.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
9 Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Here are the best of the best Brussels sprouts air fryer recipes.
1: Smoky Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Combining the smokiness we loved from the air fryer bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts and the umami from the balsamic Brussels sprouts, we created one mind-blowingly delicious and crave-able Roasted Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer recipe.
Once you’ve made these, you’ll never think of Brussels sprouts the same way again.
Get the full recipe of Smoky Balsamic Brussel Sprouts here →
2: Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven. The salty, smokiness of the bacon just perfectly complements the natural tang of the sprouts, coming together to form one perfectly-designed bite.
In this recipe, we’ve wrapped each sprout in a blanket of bacon, creating a symphony of crispiness and flavor.
To top it all off, these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts go insanely well dipped in cold and creamy ranch! I’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t fall in love with this Brussels sprout recipe.
Get the full recipe of Bacon-Wrapped Brussel Sprouts here →
3: Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
There’s something irresistible about the combination of honey and balsamic, on just about anything. Brussels sprouts are no exception.
Here, in this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe, we crisp up some halved sprouts in the air fryer and then toss them into a simple mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar.
The recipe is insanely easy and surprisingly flavorful, considering how few ingredients it contains!
Get the full recipe of Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts here →
4: Parmesan-Crusted Brussels Sprouts
There’s nothing quite like a cheese skirt. What is a cheese skirt, you ask? It’s a skirt of crispy cheese that forms when cheese is directly exposed to heat. The rich umami flavor that forms when cheese is caramelized is unlike anything else.
In this recipe, we capitalize on that amazing flavor by simply combining halved Brussels sprouts, a little garlic and A LOT of cheese, (an unapologetically large amount of cheese). These are so crispy and good, not to mention full of cheesy deliciousness!
Get the full recipe of Parmesan Brussels Sprouts here →
5: Okonomiyaki Shaved Brussels Sprouts
We love to try unique takes on Brussels sprout preparation, especially with the air fryer by our side. This Okonomiyaki Shaved Brussels Sprouts recipe creates flavor-packed pancakes, full of shredded Brussels sprouts, finished with drizzles of Kewpie and Okonomiyaki sauce.
Once you make these pancakes, you’ll be absolutely hooked. Unique and delicious, they could serve as a meal all on their own or with a small side salad!
Get the full recipe of Shaved Brussels Sprouts here →
6: Asian-Stye Brussels Sprouts
Here we took inspiration from Chinese Honey Garlic chicken and applied those same flavors to Brussels sprouts, yum! This recipe is all about the sauce. This sauce is so good that you’re going to want to put it on more than just Brussels sprouts (and we highly encourage you to do so).
By combining the main flavors of honey, garlic, ginger and soy sauce, we created a sauce that is rich in flavor. It hits all the notes of salty, sweet, savory and umami! Tossed with some crispy Brussels sprouts, it takes the yumminess possibilities to new heights.
Get the full recipe of Asian Brussels Sprouts here →
7: Smashed Brussels Sprouts
This smashed Brussels sprouts recipe takes everything that we loved about Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts and, well, smashes it (in a good way)!
These sprouts are bursting with flavor and then get a boost in texture by smashing them before they air fry for a second time. Grated parm, garlic, and crushed red pepper just up-the-awesomeness of this Brussels sprouts air fryer recipe.
Get the full recipe of Smashed Brussels Sprouts here →
8: Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
You’ve tried the honey and sour combo with Brussels sprouts, now try honey and spicy!! Don’t worry, these aren’t too spicy, but they have just enough kick, combined with the subtle sweetness of the honey, to keep you coming back for more.
This recipe is super simple and is great for anyone who likes a little kick to amp-up their recipe side dishes.
Get the full recipe of Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts here →
9: Buffalo Brussels Sprouts
Ready to level-up from mildly spicy to very spicy? You have to try these Buffalo Brussels sprouts! The recipe is as simple as it gets, you air fry the Brussels sprouts, toss with hot Buffalo sauce and boom! Spicy sprout heaven!
The only thing that makes this recipe even better is that you can eat them with crumbled bleu cheese or bleu cheese dressing! If you’re not into chicken but want to partake in the joy of spicy wings, this recipe is perfect for you.
Get the full recipe of Buffalo Brussels Sprouts here →
🍀 Bonus: Frozen Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts aren’t always available fresh in the grocery store, but they are almost always available in the frozen section! We had to make sure to include a recipe that is equally as delicious as fresh Brussels sprouts, but with the convenience of starting with frozen ones!
Something nice about working with frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer is that they don’t require any prep. Here, we used one of our favorite flavor combinations, garlic and parm, to make simple, frozen sprouts taste irresistible!
After having tried and tasted all of these recipes, we felt like we really understood the possibilities of Brussels sprouts, and how delicious they are in all of their forms!
Ultimately, we found that the combination of the sweet and tangy balsamic and smokey bacon came together to form one recipe that truly rose above the rest. This recipe is so easy and so delicious.
But don’t take our word for it! Fry it yourself!
Here is a simplified guide to air frying Brussels sprouts of any variety, before we get into our #1 recipe!
How to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts?
After testing almost a dozen Brussels sprouts Air Fryer recipes, here’s the best way to do it in 5 easy steps.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
- While preheating, wash your Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.
- Toss your Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Then, air fry your Brussels sprouts for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
- Now, all that’s left for you is to coat it with your favorite condiment before devouring it. Balsamic glaze is the best option.
✦ Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer. For best results, begin with the minimum suggested cooking time and increase as needed.
Other Cooking Methods: Oven Roasted, Sautéed
Oven Roasted
If you’re cooking a large batch, roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven will be faster. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange your Brussels sprouts in a single layer, season them, and cook them for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Sautéed
If you want to sauté your Brussels sprouts, follow these steps: Heat olive oil (or any high smoke point cooking oil) in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the small cruciferous vegetables and season them with salt and pepper.
Sauté for 8-10 minutes until tender and slightly golden. If you’re adding balsamic glaze or any other sweet sauces, turn down the heat before doing so to prevent it from burning.
Air Fried Brussels Sprouts Tips & Tricks
Here are a few additional tips to enhance the flavor of your air fryer Brussels sprouts:
Crispier Texture – Flip the Brussels sprouts cut-side up, and extend the cooking time by 2-4 minutes until deep golden brown.
Softer Core – soak them in warm tap water for 10 minutes before seasoning and air frying.
Al Dente – If you prefer your Brussels sprouts to be under tender, avoid cooking them for the full 15 minutes and refrain from soaking them in warm water.
No Browning – If you want to avoid a golden brown finish, lower the cooking temperature to 350°F (177°C).
As previously mentioned, we believe that bacon and balsamic glaze make the perfect combination for Brussels sprouts, but the possibilities are truly limitless!
How to Prevent Your Brussels Sprouts from Burning?
To avoid burning your small cruciferous vegetables, refrain from using low-smoke-point cooking oils such as extra-virgin olive oil (350-410°F). Refined avocado oil is a better alternative with a smoking point of 520°F. For reference most air fryers have a maximum cooking temperature of 400°F (204°C).
Moreover, avoid adding balsamic glaze or any sweet sauce while air frying, and instead apply the coating afterwards, as the sugar content can burn.
Lastly, it’s important to note that air fryer cooking times and temperatures may differ. Smaller air fryers typically cook faster than larger ones due to their proximity to the heating element.
If you have a new air fryer, it’s important to check your Brussels sprouts regularly, especially in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This way, you can determine the ideal cooking time for your specific air fryer, which will come in handy the next time you make air fryer-roasted Brussels sprouts.
As a side note, newer air fryer models often have a transparent glass and light feature, which allows you to monitor your food as it cooks. It’s definitely helpful.
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: We do not recommend freezing this recipe, as it would likely result in very mushy Brussels sprouts when reheated.
Fridge: This dish will last in the fridge for about 5 days.
Reheating: Air fry at 350ºF (176ºC) for 5-8 minutes.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a good source of several nutrients, and these include:
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Research shows that vitamin K may benefit heart health by helping to keep the blood vessels healthy.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5585988/
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties. It is a vital nutrient for maintaining a robust immune system and plays a crucial role in promoting healthy skin.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/
Vitamin B9 or Folate is also abundant in Brussels sprouts. It plays a vital role in synthesizing and repairing our DNA.
Source: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
In addition to those vital nutrients, Brussels Sprouts are a good source of soluble and insoluble fibers. Both are important in maintaining a healthy gut.
Those are just a few of the reasons why you should add any of the Air Fried Brussels Sprouts recipe above to your meal every once in a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can definitely cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C), season your sprouts, then cook them for 12-15 minutes until you achieve your desired finish.
Season your Brussels sprouts with a high smoke point oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it! If you want to, you can add balsamic glaze or any other sugary sauce after air frying to prevent it from burning.
To reheat Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, set your temperature to 350°F (177°C) and cook your sprouts for 6-8 minutes.
Fresh Brussels sprouts are available in various sizes. Smaller ones don’t require slicing, whereas larger ones need to be sliced. Maintaining uniformity in the size of your cruciferous vegetables ensures even cooking.
Halved Brussels sprouts takes 12-15 minutes to fully cook in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C).
To make your Brussels sprouts extra crispy, flip your cruciferous vegetables cut side up and add 2-4 more minutes to your cooking time. However, be sure to watch them constantly to prevent burning.
The fastest way to air fry Brussels sprouts is to cook them at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes. That’s is also the ideal temperature if you want to achieve a crispy texture.
Whether or not you use oil, the optimal method for air frying Brussels sprouts is to cook them at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes.
There are several possible reasons why you could burn your Brussels sprouts, such as using an oil with a low smoke point like extra-virgin olive oil, adding balsamic glaze while air frying, or cooking your sprouts for an excessively long period.
Based on our tests, frozen baby Brussels sprouts can be cooked at the same temperature and duration as fresh halved Brussels sprouts, which is 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes without preheating.
To make roasted Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, start by preheating your kitchen appliance to 400°F (204°C), season your sprouts, then cook it for 12-15 minutes until you achieve your desired finish. Optionally, you can coat them with Balsamic glaze or any sauce you prefer.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts halved
- 3 bacon strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic honey glaze
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts. Begin by washing them, trimming the stem, and cutting them in half. Set aside.
- Air fry 2-3 strips of bacon for 10-12 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC), flipping halfway. Cook until crispy. Let the bacon cool completely after air frying, then chop into small crispy bits.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sprouts are fully coated.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). Flip them halfway for a slightly golden finish.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a serving plate, drizzle with balsamic glaze or balsamic honey glaze. And finally top it off with the bacon bits. Enjoy your perfectly roasted, smokey, sweet and savory air fryer Brussels sprouts!
Recipe Video
Notes
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400ºF (204ºC) and then let it cook for 5 minutes.
- You can also skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually, to prevent burning your Brussels sprouts.
- Medium-to-large-size Brussels sprouts will work best for this air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe. Cutting them in half will allow you to incorporate more flavor.
- You can use an air fryer liner if you want.
- To make it crispy: Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 2-4 minutes or more until the outer layer turns deep golden brown.
- For a softer texture: Soak your Brussels sprouts in warm tap water for 10 minutes before coating them with seasonings. Drain before doing so.
- Optionally you can serve the balsamic glaze as a dipping sauce.
- You can substitute the bacon bits with pancetta or maybe thick-cut-bacon.
- I used a 6-quart Cosori to test this Brussels sprouts air fryer recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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