Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Being able to Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts is one of the best reasons for purchasing an air fryer. The world has exploded with all things Brussels and sprouts in the past decade. But in my opinion, if they aren’t crispy, they aren’t worth eating.

That brings me to why you need an air fryer for cooked Brussels. In short, it’s the faster way to cook crispy sprouts. And when I say fast, I mean it.

Why You Should Cook Brussels Sprouts in Your Air Fryer

Let’s just break it down a bit. The Food Network recipe for crispy Brussels sprouts comes in at 50 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (including prep time and cooking time). While Food and Wine’s recipe for shredded Brussels sprouts also takes 50 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (again with prep and cooking time).

And that’s fine if it’s Thanksgiving and you have all day to cook. (Actually, maybe it’s not if you need the oven for the turkey!) Regardless, when in season, you need to optimize your dinners to incorporate Brussel sprouts. Not to mention that Brussels sprouts have tons of health benefits.

That’s where making crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts comes in. Forget your traditional oven. Because in less than half the time, an air fryer can do just as good of a job, if not better!

How to Cut Brussels Sprouts

I once had a chef friend who had a fancy and detailed way of cutting and coring Brussels sprouts. It took forever! And if being honest, I don’t think it made much of a difference. Some of the best crispy and golden brown sprouts I’ve ever had have been cleaned and cut quite simply.

All you need to know when it comes to cleaning and chopping Brussels sprouts is this:

1. Wash the Brussels sprouts in a colander or strainer to remove any leftover dirt. It’s important to let your sprouts air dry or pat them dry with a paper towel or dish towel.

2. Remove any dead or brown outer leaves.

3. Slice and discard the bottom rough part of each sprout.

4. Finally, slice each sprout in half. Note: The smaller you cut your sprouts (such as in quarters), the faster they will cook. That said, don’t cut them too small, or they might burn.

More of a visual learner? Here’s a great video that shows you how to clean and cut Brussels sprouts.

Making Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound of Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil spray
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Clean and chop your Brussels sprouts according to the instructions above.
2. Preheat your air fryer to between 375 degrees and 400 degrees. (It depends on how crispy you like your sprouts. I typically go for 400 degrees.)
3. When your air fryer is hot, spray a thin layer of olive oil inside. Then in a single layer, arrange the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket.
4. Spray sprouts with olive oil (or your oil of choice) and season with salt and black pepper.
5. On the air fryer setting, cook sprouts for 15 minutes, tossing once mid cook time.
6. Remove sprouts and toss with Parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!

Why won’t my Brussels sprouts get crispy?

If you find that the Brussels sprouts aren’t getting that golden brown color and crispy, there are a few different reasons why this might be happening.

Your Brussel Sprouts Are Too Wet

What do you get when you combine vegetables, water, and heat? Typically steamed veggies. And no one likes boring steamed veggies. Ensure you’re drying your sprouts and spraying them with a thin layer of oil before cooking them.

If they’re too wet, you might wind up steaming them by accident, especially if you aren’t cooking them long enough or cooking them at a high enough temperature. (See more about this below.)

You’re Not Cooking Your Sprouts Long Enough

If you’re in a rush and not leaving your Brussels sprouts in those extra five minutes they need, they’re not going to get crispy. That’s the joy of an air fryer! A total cook time of 15 minutes opposed to 40? Yes, please.

You’re Not Cooking Your Sprouts at a High Enough Temperature

You need your air fryer to be preheated and hot. If it’s at a high enough temperature, you’re not going to get that crispy golden brown color that we all crave and expect. Don’t be afraid of high temperatures.

More Vegetable Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans

Chipotle Veggies Vegetables

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Crack Green Bean Recipe

How to Boil Sweet Potatoes

Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉