Amazing Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Oh, Brussels sprouts! For the longest time, they were just these sad, boiled little green things that nobody *actually* wanted to eat. I used to dread them, but then, my friends, I discovered the magic of the air fryer! Seriously, if you’re looking for the absolute best way to make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts that are ridiculously crispy and packed with flavor, you’ve landed in the right spot. Forget soggy or burnt; this recipe is a total game-changer that turns humble Brussels sprouts into a side dish everyone will actually ask for. It’s SO fast and easy, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious STAT!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Trust me, these aren’t your grandma’s Brussels sprouts (unless your grandma also has a killer air fryer recipe!). Here’s why you’ll be making these again and again:

• Super Speedy: Done in about 20 minutes from start to finish!
• Incredibly Easy: Just toss, air fry, and enjoy. Seriously, it’s that simple.
• Crazy Crispy: The air fryer gets them perfectly tender on the inside and delightfully crunchy on the outside.
• Healthy & Delicious: A fantastic way to get your veggies in without sacrificing flavor.
• So Versatile: Great as a side dish for almost any meal or even as a snack.
• Minimal Cleanup: Just the air fryer basket and one bowl!

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is beautifully simple, which is part of why I adore it. You probably have most of this rattling around in your kitchen already. You’ll need:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, all trimmed up and then halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin is great, but any good olive oil works!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt if you have it!)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if you can
• Optional goodies: a sprinkle of garlic powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze right at the end. Totally up to you!

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Alright, so you’ve got your ingredients ready, maybe you’re even drooling a little thinking about those crispy little miracles. Let me walk you through exactly how we get them from a bowl of sprouts to pure air fryer perfection. It’s seriously straightforward, and the results are always a winner. This is one of my favorite quick lunch recipes, but it’s fantastic as a side dish too!

Preheating and Preparing Your Brussels Sprouts

First things first, let’s get that air fryer fired up! You want to preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures the sprouts hit that hot air immediately, kicking off the crisping process. While it’s heating, give your Brussels sprouts a good wash, trim off those woody ends, and then cut them in half. Halving them exposes more surface area to the hot air, which means more crispy goodness!

Seasoning for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Now for the fun part – seasoning! Pop your halved sprouts into a medium bowl. Drizzle them with that tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Give everything a good toss with your hands (my favorite way!) or a spatula. Make sure every single sprout is lightly coated. You don’t want to drown them in oil, just enough to help them get nice and crispy. This is also where you can toss in that garlic powder or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous!

Air Frying for Crispy Results

Time for the magic to happen! Arrange your seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Seriously, do NOT overcrowd this thing. If you have a lot of sprouts, it’s way better to do two batches. Overcrowding traps steam, and steam is the enemy of crispy! Pop the basket in and let them do their thing for about 10-15 minutes. About halfway through, give that basket a good shake to make sure they’re cooking evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender inside and have those lovely crispy, browned edges. Look for those gorgeous little crispy bits!

Serving Your Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

As soon as they’re done, slide those beauties right onto a serving plate. They’re absolutely best served hot, straight from the air fryer, when they’re at their peak crispiness. If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to add a little drizzle of balsamic glaze or an extra pop of flavor with some garlic powder or red pepper flakes. Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

So you’ve got the basic idea down, but let’s make these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts absolutely *chef’s kiss* perfect, okay? I’ve tinkered around a bit, and these little tricks make all the difference between a good side dish and a showstopper. Think of me as your kitchen fairy godmother for all things crispy and green!

Achieving Ultimate Crispiness

Honestly, the biggest secret to super crispy sprouts is making sure they’re DRY before they go in the air fryer. Give them a good pat-down with a paper towel after washing. Also, remember what I said about not overcrowding? It’s the golden rule! If you can, crank up the heat just a tiny bit for the last minute or two – it gives those edges an extra little boost of crunch. You can find a bunch more yummy ideas over on my blog!

Seasoning and Flavor Variations

While salt and pepper are great, let’s get creative! For a real crowd-pleaser, try adding some garlic powder and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right after they come out of the air fryer. It’s divine! How about tossing them with a little drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end for that sweet and tangy zing? Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, maybe some crispy bacon bits or a dash of smoked paprika? Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

You sure can! For frozen sprouts, it’s best to skip washing them, but make sure they’re really spread out on a towel to thaw and dry a bit. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time since they’re already cold. They won’t get quite as crispy as fresh, but they’ll still be delicious!

How do I prevent my Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts from being soggy?

The biggest culprits are moisture and overcrowding! Make sure your sprouts are super dry after washing. And please, please, please don’t pack the air fryer basket too full. Give them space to let that air circulate. Doing two batches if needed is way better than soggy sprouts!

What are some good flavor additions for crispy air fryer brussels sprouts?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of Balsamic Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts glaze right at the end is fantastic. Want some cheesy goodness? Sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese and garlic powder as soon as they come out. You can even add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick. If you’re keeping it plant-based, they are wonderfully flavorful on their own or with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can swing a bit depending on exactly how much oil you use or if you add extra goodies. But generally, for one serving of these amazing Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, you’re looking at roughly:

• Calories: Around 120
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg

Pretty good for a veggie that tastes this amazing, right?

Share Your Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Creations!

I just *love* hearing from you guys! If you whip up this ridiculously easy recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you try a fun flavor combo? How did they turn out? And hey, if you snap a pic, I’d be thrilled if you shared it on social media – maybe tag me so I can see your masterpiece! You can always send us a message through our contact page too!

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