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Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are lightly seasoned and use a minimal amount of oil to create a healthy and delicious side dish, or snack!
Brussels sprouts are perfect for the air fryer. They crisp up nicely on the outside while baking tender on the inside. Using the air fryer to roast brussel sprouts is an easy way to pull together a weeknight side dish in a flash. They're also ideal for a healthy snack alternative.
Brussel sprouts have had a resurgence in popularity over the last few years. When I was growing up brussel sprouts were notoriously known as an unappealing vegetable. I remember finding brussel sprouts every so often that were little balls of mush. They were boiled or steamed and then served without any seasoning. I pushed them to the side of my plate hoping my parents wouldn't notice.
Since then brussel sprouts have become one of my favorite veggie side dishes. When roasted they become beautifully crispy on the outside while becoming tender on the inside. Adding a few simple seasonings takes them to the next level.
Roasting brussel sprouts takes time, which is why it's often overlooked as a veggie side dish on weekdays, and tends to get reserved for special occasions or weekend dinners when I have more time to prepare.
But with the air fryer the amount of time needed is cut in half! No need to preheat the oven, or roast for 20-25 minutes. These air fryer brussel sprouts are done in 10 minutes! This recipe uses one pound of brussel sprouts, however, they shrink in size when cooked.
Tools and Equipment You'll Need for This Recipe
How to Make Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts - Step by Step
Step 1: Remove damaged outer leaves, thoroughly rinse and pat dry. Cut each one into quarters (if using small size then just slice in half) and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle spices over the brussel sprouts, then drizzle with olive oil.
Step 2: Gently stir until well combined.
Step 3: Carefully arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in your air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 4: Set the temperature to 370F and set to 10 minutes. After 5 minutes open the air fryer and give the Brussels a careful stir or flip them.
Step 5: After 10 minutes they should be softened and a bit golden on the outside.
Are Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Healthy?
Absolutely! Here is what makes Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts so much healthier than regular fried brussel sprouts:
- Reduced Oil: Using the air fryer allows you to use less oil to get crispy roasted Brussel sprouts. The air fryer basket also allows any excess oil to drop to the bottom, whereas when you roast them in the oven the oil has no where to go.
- Vegan and Gluten Free: This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free making this the perfect snack or side dish for those with allergens, and special diets.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Brussel sprouts are high in Vitamin K which is essential to bone health. They are also high in Vitamin C which helps your body absorb iron, repair tissue, and improve the immune system.
- High in Antioxidants: Antioxidants reduce your risk of chronic disease, and oxidative stress on your cells. One of the greatest benefits of Brussel sprouts is that it contains an antioxidant that studies have demonstrated reduces cancer cell growth, improves heart health, and reduces inflammation.
Will kids enjoy these Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts?
Brussel sprouts can be a hard sell with some kids. If they are overcooked they can become bitter to taste which turns kids off. However, if they like crispy veggies encourage them to give these Brussel sprouts a try. When cooked properly they can be a real treat!
How do you trim Brussel sprouts?
Step 1: Cut the Brussels sprouts off the stem. If you've purchase sprouts already off the stem trim the bottom.
Step 2: Remove any outer leaves that appear damaged.
Step 3: Wash throughly, and pat dry.
Step 4: Cut in half if using medium sprouts. Cut into quarters if using large sprouts, and leave whole if using small sprouts.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer?
It depends on the make and model of your air fryer whether or not you need to preheat before adding the sprouts. Read the instruction manual for air fryer. Many models do not require preheating.
What do you serve with Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts?
These sprouts taste great all on their own, but you can pair them with a dipping sauce for a snack. Here are a few ideas...
Top Tips for Making Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- When choosing the Brussels sprouts try to choose ones similar in size. I used medium-sized ones.
- Remove any leaves that are brown, yellow, or bruised.
- If using small sized sprouts you can halve them instead of quartering.
- When stirring to combine seasoning and oil, stir gently so that the leaves don't all fall of and stay together.
- Don't stack sprouts on top of one another in the air fryer basket. Arrange in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to make more than one batch.
- After 10 minutes check to see if the texture is right. You don't want them to be mushy but also not too crispy. Overcooked Brussel sprouts become bitter.
