How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts in 15 Minutes

Brussels sprouts often get a bad reputation, but when cooked properly in an air fryer, they transform into a crispy, flavorful, and addictive side dish. Whether you enjoy them simply seasoned, coated in garlic parmesan, drizzled with balsamic glaze, or tossed in a spicy sauce, this guide will show you how to make restaurant-quality Brussels sprouts at home.

Why Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Are the Best

• They turn crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in just 10-15 minutes.
• The air fryer uses less oil than deep-frying while still achieving a golden brown texture.
• Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight meals or holiday sides.

Healthier Alternative to Roasting or Frying

• Uses 70-80% less oil than deep frying.
• Retains more nutrients than boiling or steaming.
• A great low-calorie, high-fiber side dish option.

Quick & Easy Side Dish for Any Meal

• Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
• Complements a variety of flavors and seasonings.
• Can be served alone, with dips, or paired with proteins.

Choosing the Best Brussels Sprouts

Fresh vs. Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Which Works Best?

• Fresh Brussels sprouts work best as they crisp up beautifully.
• Frozen Brussels sprouts need to be thawed and patted dry before air frying to avoid sogginess.

How to Pick the Freshest Brussels Sprouts

• Choose small to medium-sized sprouts (they are sweeter and more tender).
• Look for tight, bright green leaves with no yellowing.
• Avoid soft or shriveled sprouts, which may be old and bitter.

When to Trim & Cut Brussels Sprouts for Even Cooking

• Remove tough outer leaves and trim the stem slightly.
• Cut in half for medium sprouts or quarter for larger ones.
• Keeping them uniform in size helps them cook evenly.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Brussels Sprouts

Oils: Olive Oil vs. Avocado Oil vs. Butter

• Olive oil: Classic and mild in flavor.
• Avocado oil: High smoke point, great for crispy texture.
• Butter: Adds a rich, buttery taste when melted over hot sprouts.

Classic Seasonings: Garlic, Salt, & Pepper

• Garlic powder adds deep flavor without burning.
• Salt & black pepper are essential for balance.
• Smoked paprika enhances the roasted flavor.

Sweet & Tangy Additions: Balsamic Glaze, Honey, or Lemon Juice

• Balsamic glaze creates a caramelized, slightly sweet finish.
• Honey or maple syrup balances bitterness.
• Lemon juice or zest adds a bright, fresh touch.

How to Get the Perfect Crispy Texture

The Secret to Even Cooking in the Air Fryer

• Cook at 375-400°F for best crispiness.
• Spread the sprouts in a single layer—don’t stack them.

Tossing in the Right Amount of Oil

• Use just enough to coat—about 1 tablespoon per pound.
• Too little oil = dry and tough sprouts.
• Too much oil = greasy and soggy texture.

Shaking the Basket for Crispier Edges

• Shake every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
• Sprouts touching the basket edges crisp up faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

• If the basket is too full, sprouts will steam instead of crisping.
• Work in batches if necessary.

Using Too Much or Too Little Oil

• Sprouts need some oil to crisp but not so much that they become greasy.

How to Prevent Burning While Keeping Them Crispy

• Cook at 375°F first, then increase to 400°F in the last few minutes.
• Watch smaller sprouts closely—they cook faster than larger ones.

Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients and techniques, let’s walk through the classic crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe and explore flavor-packed variations like garlic parmesan, spicy buffalo, balsamic-glazed, and Asian-inspired sprouts.

Classic Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

This simple yet delicious recipe delivers perfectly crisp Brussels sprouts in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)

Instructions

1: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.

2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

• Rinse the Brussels sprouts, remove any yellow leaves, and trim the stems.
• Cut larger sprouts in half or quarters for even cooking.

3: Season the Sprouts

• In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Make sure each piece is lightly coated for even crisping.

4: Air Fry Until Crispy

• Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.
• For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F in the last 3 minutes.

5: Serve Immediately

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve hot as a side dish or with a dipping sauce.

Tip: If your sprouts are not crispy enough, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F.

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A cheesy, garlicky twist on classic Brussels sprouts with crispy parmesan topping.

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

How to Make It:

1. Follow the classic recipe, but add minced garlic when tossing the sprouts with oil.
2. Air fry as directed, then sprinkle with parmesan in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Remove from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

Tip: Serve with garlic aioli or a lemon-garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Spicy Sriracha or Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

For those who love bold, spicy flavors, this version is tossed in buffalo sauce or sriracha.

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sriracha or buffalo sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (to balance the heat)
• 1 teaspoon butter (melted)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Follow the classic recipe, cooking the Brussels sprouts until crispy.
2. In a small bowl, mix sriracha, honey, and butter.
3. Toss the hot Brussels sprouts in the spicy sauce.
4. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Tip: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip to cool down the spice.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

A sweet and tangy version that pairs well with holiday meals or roasted meats.

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)

How to Make It:

1. Follow the classic recipe, cooking the Brussels sprouts as directed.
2. In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and honey.
3. Toss the cooked sprouts with the glaze while they are still warm.
4. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Tip: Add dried cranberries or goat cheese for a festive touch.

Asian-Inspired Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A savory umami-packed version with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger.

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Follow the classic recipe, but replace olive oil with sesame oil.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce and ginger.
3. Toss the crispy sprouts with the sauce after air frying.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Tip: Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.

Now that you’ve mastered making crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, let’s go over how to store leftovers properly, reheat them without losing crispiness, pair them with delicious main dishes, and serve them in creative ways.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store and reheat them while keeping their crispiness intact.

Best Way to Keep Brussels Sprouts Crispy

• Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Avoid stacking them too tightly to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Reheating in the Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Microwave

Method	Best For	Instructions
Air Fryer	Restoring crispiness	Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway.
Oven	Large batches	Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes on a lined sheet.
Microwave	Quick but soft texture	Heat for 30-45 seconds, but they will not stay crispy.

Can You Freeze Cooked Brussels Sprouts?

• Not recommended—they lose their crispiness and can become mushy when reheated.
• If freezing, store them in a single layer in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Tip: If freezing, reheat in the air fryer rather than microwaving to restore some crispiness.

Best Dipping Sauces for Brussels Sprouts

Dips elevate the flavors of crispy Brussels sprouts. Here are some top choices:

Creamy & Tangy Dips

• Garlic Aioli – A rich and garlicky option.
• Sriracha Mayo – Spicy and creamy for an extra kick.
• Ranch Dressing – A classic pairing for buffalo-style sprouts.

Sweet & Savory Sauces

• Honey Mustard – A balance of sweet and tangy.
• Balsamic Reduction – A sticky, sweet glaze to drizzle over.

Cheesy & Herb-Based Dips

• Blue Cheese Dip – Perfect with spicy Brussels sprouts.
• Greek Yogurt Herb Dip – A light, refreshing option with lemon and dill.

Tip: Serve multiple dips for a variety of flavors!

Best Main Dishes to Pair with Brussels Sprouts

Crispy Brussels sprouts are a fantastic side dish that complements many proteins and grains.

Protein Pairings

• Grilled Chicken – Lightly seasoned or marinated.
• Steak or Beef Roast – The rich flavor pairs well with crispy Brussels sprouts.
• Salmon or White Fish – Balsamic or lemon Brussels sprouts work perfectly with seafood.

Grain & Pasta Pairings

• Quinoa or Farro Bowls – Tossed with roasted vegetables and a protein.
• Pasta with Creamy Sauce – Brussels sprouts add texture and balance.

Making It a Holiday Side Dish

Brussels sprouts are a favorite during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Pair them with:

• Roast Turkey or Ham
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Stuffing or Cranberry Sauce

Tip: Top Brussels sprouts with cranberries, pecans, or goat cheese for a festive touch.

Best Drinks to Pair with Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Pairing the right drink enhances the flavors of your dish.

Wine Pairings

• White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complement Brussels sprouts’ mild bitterness.
• Light Red Wines: Pinot Noir or Gamay work well with roasted flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Options

• Sparkling Water with Citrus: The crispness balances the richness of the dish.
• Herbal Teas: Ginger or chamomile tea complement the seasonings.
• Fresh Lemonade: A refreshing contrast to crispy, savory Brussels sprouts.

Tip: If making spicy Brussels sprouts, pair them with a light, slightly sweet drink to balance the heat.

Fun & Creative Serving Ideas

Looking for unique ways to enjoy air-fried Brussels sprouts? Try these ideas:

1. Tacos or Wraps

• Use crispy Brussels sprouts in vegetarian tacos with black beans and avocado.
• Add them to chicken or steak wraps for extra crunch.

2. Mixed Into Salads or Grain Bowls

• Toss with arugula, goat cheese, and cranberries for a warm salad.
• Add to quinoa or rice bowls with roasted chickpeas and tahini dressing.

3. As a Topping for Pizzas or Flatbreads

• Spread balsamic Brussels sprouts on flatbread with mozzarella and prosciutto.
• Mix with caramelized onions and blue cheese for a gourmet pizza topping.

4. Inside a Breakfast Hash

• Combine with sweet potatoes, eggs, and bacon for a hearty breakfast.

5. Layered in a Sandwich

• Use as a topping for grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches.

Tip: Experiment with flavors and mix Brussels sprouts into different meals to keep them exciting!

Final Thoughts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a quick, easy, and versatile side dish that can be customized to match any meal or occasion. Whether you prefer classic crispy sprouts, spicy buffalo-style, balsamic-glazed, or garlic parmesan, there’s a variation for everyone.

With these storing tips, pairing ideas, and creative serving suggestions, you can enjoy crispy Brussels sprouts beyond just a simple side dish.

More FAQs About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

1. Why aren’t my Brussels sprouts crispy?

Make sure they are dry before cooking, avoid overcrowding, and shake the basket every few minutes.

2. Can I cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to prevent excess moisture.

3. What’s the best oil to use?

Olive oil or avocado oil work best for crispiness.

4. Can I meal prep Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Yes! Trim and season them in advance, then air fry when ready to serve.

5. How do I reduce the bitterness of Brussels sprouts?

Roasting or air frying reduces bitterness. Adding honey, balsamic glaze, or lemon juice also helps.

6. Can I make them without oil?

Yes, but they may not crisp up as well. Try using a light mist of cooking spray.

7. What temperature should I air fry them at?

375°F to 400°F is best for achieving crispy edges.

8. How do I keep Brussels sprouts from burning?

Cook at 375°F first, then increase to 400°F in the last few minutes.

9. Can I mix Brussels sprouts with other vegetables?

Yes! Pair with carrots, bell peppers, or onions for a mixed veggie side.

10. What’s the best way to reheat them?

Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for the crispiest results.