Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional but delish!); 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar; Drizzle pomegranate molasses; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something magical about the crisp, caramelized edges of this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without any fuss, turning a humble veggie into an irresistible side dish you'll want on repeat.

A white bowl filled with one layer of roasted Brussels sprouts, each halved, showing a mix of green, golden brown, and charred dark brown colors with a slightly crispy texture. Some of the Brussels sprouts have a light sprinkle of white grated cheese on top. A silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a striped cloth visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely get excited sharing this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavor—once you try it, it might just convert any Brussels sprouts doubters.

Fast & Simple: It takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish, no standing over the stove required.
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer locks in texture, so the sprouts come out crunchy without oil oversaturation.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily tweak the seasonings and toppings to suit your mood or occasion.
Great for Meal Prep: These Brussels sprouts reheat well and keep their texture better than pan-fried versions.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, cut in half showing a yellow-green inside with crispy browned edges, and some outer leaves with dark char marks. The Brussels sprouts are sprinkled with grated light-colored cheese, adding a fine textured topping. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in turning these Brussels sprouts into a crispy, flavorful side that complements any meal. Plus, they’re easy to source—no rare items here.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with some whole Brussels sprouts, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, whole uncracked garlic cloves and a few thinly sliced garlic pieces arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with thick balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl with pomegranate molasses, a small white ceramic bowl with pure maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts roast up crisp and tender; trimming the ends and removing loose leaves helps with even cooking.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful crisp exterior without weighing sprouts down.
Kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances bitterness often associated with Brussels sprouts.
Ground black pepper: Gives just enough bite to complement the sprouts’ earthiness.
Garlic cloves (optional): Thin slices roast quickly alongside the sprouts, infusing them with mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
Optional toppings (balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, Parmesan): These add a punch of tang, sweetness, or umami if you want to dress things up.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how flexible it is! I like to play around with additions and sometimes switch up the toppings depending on what’s in the pantry or what season it is.

Variation: I once tried tossing the sprouts with a bit of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a smoky-spicy kick—delicious for those who like it hot!
Dairy-Free Option: Skip the Parmesan and try a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or nutritional yeast for a nutty depth.
Sweet Touch: Maple syrup mixed with balsamic glaze gives a beautiful sweet-tart glaze that’s perfect for holiday dinners.
Garlic-Free: If you’re not a garlic fan, just leave them out—the sprouts still crisp up wonderfully on their own.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts Just Right

Start by trimming off the ends and peeling off any brown or damaged outer leaves. Then slice each sprout in half from stem to top. For extra-large ones, quartering makes sure everything cooks evenly. I sometimes soak them briefly in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften up the inside a little—if you like your sprouts really tender, this step is a game-changer, but if you love a bit of firmness, feel free to skip.

Step 2: Preheat and Oil Your Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While it’s warming up, pat those Brussels sprouts dry using a clean kitchen towel—getting rid of excess moisture is key to crispiness. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, making sure every piece is lightly coated but not drowning in oil.

Step 3: Air Fry for Crispy, Caramelized Perfection

Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for 5 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a good shake to flip those sprouts around. Back in for another 5 minutes to get that gorgeous golden-brown crust forming. You’ll want to peek towards the end—the sprouts should be nicely crisp and golden, but not burned!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking

Throw in the thinly sliced garlic and toss to combine quickly, then cook for another 2–4 minutes. Keep an eye on them and shake frequently so the garlic crisps up without burning. This little garlic trick adds a touch of mellow, roasted flavor that takes the dish over the top.

Step 5: Dress & Serve

Transfer your crispy Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and if you like, drizzle with some balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, or a splash of maple syrup. Shower with fresh Parmesan for that savory finish. Eat hot and enjoy!

Top Tip

After making this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned some tricks that really make the difference between “good” and “wow”.

Don’t Skip Drying: Patting the sprouts dry after washing is crucial to crispiness—wet sprouts steam instead of roast.
Shake It Up: Always shake or toss the basket a couple of times; this ensures even cooking and browning.
Add Garlic Late: Garlic can burn quickly, so add it only in the last few minutes for that perfect roasted flavor without bitterness.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the sprouts out so air can circulate; crowding causes soggy spots.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I love layering flavors by topping these crispy sprouts with freshly grated Parmesan and finishing with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Sometimes I swap in pomegranate molasses for a tangy-sweet twist that’s irresistible. Fresh cracked pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness if I’m craving something fresh and zesty.

Side Dishes

This recipe really shines alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple pan-seared salmon. It’s also fantastic with a cozy bowl of risotto or mashed potatoes when you want some texture contrast on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these sprouts in a pretty white bowl topped with toasted pine nuts and pomegranate seeds to add color and crunch. Another time, I layered them over creamy polenta and sprinkled fresh herbs for a warm, inviting appetizer that guests loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I always let them cool fully before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, they maintain nice texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to for this recipe since the sprouts can lose their crispness and get mushy after thawing. But if you have a lot leftover, freezing in a sealed container for up to 3 months works in a pinch. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. This method helps revive their crispiness better than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy. Give them a little shake halfway through for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts for the best crispy texture. Frozen sprouts often release extra moisture when cooking, which can lead to soggy results in the air fryer. If frozen is your only option, try thawing and patting them very dry before cooking.

How do I make sure the Brussels sprouts cook evenly in the air fryer?

To ensure even cooking, trim all your sprouts to a similar size and avoid overcrowding the basket. Shake the basket or toss the sprouts halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning and crispiness on all sides.

Is it necessary to soak the Brussels sprouts before air frying?

Soaking the Brussels sprouts in warm water for 10 minutes is optional. It helps soften the interior if you prefer your sprouts tender inside but crispy outside. If you like a firmer texture, you can skip this step altogether.

What are the best toppings to add after air frying?

Some of my favorites include balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, pure maple syrup, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These toppings add extra flavor layers and a touch of elegance to the dish. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe is one of those simple things I love making again and again because it turns Brussels sprouts, which can be tough for some folks, into a crispy, flavorful treat everyone raves about. I honestly can’t recommend trying it enough—you’ll end up wondering why you ever cooked them any other way.