If you’re looking to spice up dinner with some crispy veggies, this air fryer brussel sprout recipe is a total winner. You get that perfect crunch while keeping things healthy and quick. Plus, they come out so tasty that even those who aren’t fans of Brussels sprouts might change their minds!
Solves soggy Brussels sprouts, uneven browning, and long bake times by delivering quick, crisp results with less oil and easier cleanup.

I’ve had my fair share of sad, mushy Brussels sprouts that just didn’t cut it. They often turn out overcooked and soggy, making me wonder why I even tried. This recipe solves that issue by using the air fryer, giving you crispy bites in no time.
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and just 12 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total of 22 minutes from start to finish. The air fryer works its magic and really helps to enhance that savory, garlicky flavor without needing much oil. Plus, there’s a little soaking technique that ensures your sprouts stay tender but not mushy, which is a game changer.
If you love different flavors, you can toss in some bacon or even give them a balsamic honey glaze. If you want something fun to add to your spread, try these Deviled Eggs for a great appetizer.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture : The air fryer achieves that addictive crispiness without drowning the sprouts in oil, which means you get that crunch you crave.
- Savory Flavor : With the addition of garlic and optional toppings like bacon or balsamic glaze, these Brussels sprouts pack a savory punch that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
- Quick and Convenient : From prep to plate in just 22 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something tasty.
- Easy Storage : You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy them later without losing that crispy goodness.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: Not applicable
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Vegetable Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
A tasty air fryer recipe for crispy Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 21/2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/41/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt
- 1/41/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Those Sprouts: Start by trimming the ends of your Brussels sprouts and slicing them in half. This step is key for even cooking. Cutting them too small can lead to burnt edges.
- Soak for Tenderness: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts into a bowl of water for about 10 minutes. This makes sure they are tender inside yet crispy outside, but keep an eye on time—too long in the water can make them soggy.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer to preheat at 375 degrees F. This will take around three minutes. Cooking in a well-preheated fryer gives you the crispy texture you are after.
- Add Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle the soaked sprouts with just enough oil to coat them lightly, then sprinkle on kosher salt and ground black pepper. Be careful not to drown them in oil, as this can lead to greasy results.
- Air Fry for Crispiness: Place the Brussels sprouts in the basket and cook for about 12 minutes. Give the basket a good shake halfway through for even cooking. If they do not seem crispy at the end, feel free to add a minute or two.
- Check and Adjust: Once the timer goes off, peek inside. They should be golden and crispy. If some look too burnt while others are undercooked, next time trim them more uniformly for even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove your Brussels sprouts from the basket and let them cool slightly. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer for that unbeatable crispiness.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Rewarm on a baking sheet or in the air fryer at 350 degrees F. Freezing is not recommended as they will become mushy when thawed.
- Expert Tips: Soaking Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes helps achieve a tender center. Shake the air fryer basket a few times while cooking for even crispiness. Preheating the air fryer to 375 degrees F is essential for best results.
- Reheating Instructions: Rewarm in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a healthy dinner or pair with baked salmon for a nutritious meal.
- Recipe Variations: Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Toss in crumbled bacon after cooking for a savory touch or sprinkle with feta cheese for a tangy twist.
- Ingredient Notes: Always use fresh Brussels sprouts for optimal texture. Aim for uniform sizes, about 1-2 inches, to promote even cooking and avoid burnt or undercooked pieces. If using frozen Brussels sprouts, increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes, and ensure they are spaced out for optimal air circulation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 67
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Not specified

Recipe Tips
- If Brussels sprouts are lacking crispiness, shaking the basket halfway through cooking can help, along with extending the time by 1-2 minutes.
- When cutting Brussels sprouts, aim for uniform sizes, about 1-2 inches, to promote even cooking and avoid burnt or undercooked pieces.
- If you’re prepping in a rush, soaking Brussels sprouts for 10 minutes beforehand can make them more tender without compromising their texture.
- For best air fryer results, it’s wise to preheat to 375°F for about 3 minutes before adding your Brussels sprouts to kickstart the cooking process.
- If using frozen Brussels sprouts, increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes, and ensure they’re spaced out for optimal air circulation.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these air fryer Brussels sprouts with grilled chicken for a healthy dinner. They also complement baked salmon for a nutritious meal.
These Brussels sprouts can feature in salads or grain bowls for added nutrition. Try them in a veggie wrap alongside your favorite ingredients.
Top Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for added flavor. A drizzle of lemon juice also brightens their taste and completes the dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use cauliflower florets instead of Brussels sprouts for a low-carb alternative.
- Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor for a delightful splash of acidity.
- Either sprinkle with feta cheese for a tangy twist or toss in crumbled bacon after cooking for a savory touch.
- If you want to make a larger batch, double the amounts to 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts and 4 teaspoons of olive oil.
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How to Store?
To keep your air fryer brussel sprout fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Place Brussels sprouts in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Rewarm as needed.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended since they turn mushy when thawed. Opt for refrigeration instead.
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- Japanese Wasabi Nori Deviled Eggs
If you enjoyed this air fryer brussel sprout or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!