I’ll be honest with you — for the longest time, Brussels sprouts weren’t exactly a family favorite at my dinner table. But then I tried making Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, and everything changed. The air fryer works its magic by crisping up those edges while keeping the inside tender and delicious. It’s one of the easiest ways to get veggies on the table, and even my kids grab seconds!
If you’re just getting started with Air Fryer Recipes, this is a perfect one to try. Plus, these sprouts pair beautifully with almost any main dish — I often serve them alongside this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a quick weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and sweet — and that’s what makes this dish such a winner.
- Fresh Brussels sprouts — smaller sprouts crisp up best, but I’ll use whatever looks freshest at the store.
- Olive oil — just enough to coat them for that golden crunch.
- Salt & pepper — simple seasoning goes a long way here.
- Optional add-ins — garlic powder, smoked paprika, balsamic glaze, or freshly grated Parmesan.
👉 I like to keep things flexible. If I’m serving these with hearty meals like Instant Pot Chili, I’ll sprinkle a little chili powder on the sprouts for extra kick.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Cooking these sprouts is as easy as chop, toss, and air fry. Here’s exactly how I do it:
Step 1 — Prep the sprouts
Trim the ends and slice the sprouts in half. Don’t worry if a few leaves fall off — they crisp up into little chips, which are my kids’ favorite part.
Step 2 — Season generously
Toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any spices you love. I always use my hands here — it makes sure every sprout gets nicely coated.
Step 3 — Load the air fryer
Place the sprouts in the basket in a single layer. A little overlap is okay, but avoid overcrowding. Just like with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, patience pays off here — better results if you give them space.
Step 4 — Air fry until crispy
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll come out golden brown with irresistible crispy edges.
Step 5 — Finish and serve
Sprinkle with Parmesan or drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon for a fresh pop of flavor.
Pro Tips & Easy Swaps
- Preheat your air fryer for the crispiest results.
- Cut sprouts into quarters if they’re extra large.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- A drizzle of honey pairs beautifully with the charred edges.
- Swap olive oil for avocado oil if that’s what you have.
- Toss with soy sauce and sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
- Add bacon bits for an indulgent version.
- Leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes to get that crunch back.
Serving Ideas & Variations
These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are versatile enough for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. I love serving them with roasted chicken, but they’re just as delicious with seafood or pasta.
Try them with:
- A sprinkle of Parmesan and garlic for a cheesy kick.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze for tangy-sweet flavor.
- Paired with grilled salmon or steak.
- Mixed into a warm grain bowl with quinoa.
- Tossed with cranberries and pecans for a holiday twist.
- Served with ranch or chipotle mayo as a snack.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Overcrowding the basket → Cook in batches so every sprout gets crispy.
- Skipping the oil → Even a little oil is key for caramelization.
- Uneven cutting → Halve them evenly so they cook at the same pace.
- Cooking too high, too fast → Stick to 375°F for that perfect balance of crisp and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
No soaking needed. Just wash, trim, and dry them well before seasoning.
They’re likely overcrowded. Cook in batches for best results and make sure they’re fully dry before seasoning.
Yes! Cook them ahead, then reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to crisp them back up.
375°F works perfectly — hot enough for crispy edges, but gentle enough to keep the insides tender.
You’ll Also Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, try these other easy air fryer favorites:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings — my go-to party snack.
- Air Fryer Salmon — quick, flaky, and perfectly cooked.
- Air Fryer French Fries — better than takeout fries.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips — crispy, light, and addictive.
Don’t forget to check out more Air Fryer Recipes for everyday inspiration.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Arrange in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Finish with Parmesan or balsamic before serving.
