Brussels sprouts have long had a reputation of being a tricky vegetable to cook perfectly—either too bitter or too mushy. But this air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe changes everything. Roasted to perfection with just a touch of balsamic and a light coating of oil, these sprouts come out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly tender.
Why Air Frying Brussels Sprouts Works So Well
We have to admit, we were skeptical about air fryers at first. Like many, we already had a full kitchen of appliances, including a conventional oven and stovetop for roasting or sautéing. The thought of adding another gadget seemed unnecessary. However, after giving the air fryer a try, our perspective completely changed.
Air frying Brussels sprouts uses significantly less oil compared to traditional oven roasting, yet the results are just as satisfying. The hot circulating air crisps the edges beautifully while keeping the insides tender. It’s also a huge time-saver, which is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining during the holidays.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These air fryer Brussels sprouts are simple to make and require minimal prep. The key to achieving that perfect texture lies in a few tips:
- Cut evenly: Slice the sprouts in half for small to medium sizes. Larger ones can be quartered. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking.
- Use minimal oil: A light coating of olive oil or avocado oil is enough. You want to coat each sprout, not drown them in oil.
- Shake midway: To guarantee even browning, shake the basket halfway through cooking.
The combination of balsamic vinegar and a touch of seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, giving them a caramelized finish that’s irresistible.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Give the sprouts room to crisp. If your basket is small, cook in batches rather than cramming everything in.
- Adjust timing for size: Smaller sprouts may cook faster, while larger pieces might need extra minutes. Start checking around 12-15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Optional par-boil: For a softer texture in the center, you can briefly par-boil the sprouts before air frying. Drain them well before proceeding with the recipe.
- Season at the end: Taste after cooking and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
With these simple steps, the air fryer becomes your go-to tool for roasting Brussels sprouts, freeing up the oven for other dishes. The result is a beautifully golden, crispy, and flavorful vegetable that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will enjoy.
Perfect Pairings
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are versatile and pair well with a variety of main dishes. They’re excellent alongside roasted meats, poultry, or even vegetarian mains like grain bowls or pasta. The slight tang from balsamic vinegar adds depth and complements both rich and light flavors.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic
- Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients
1 pound (454 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut into halves or quarters
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cut Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle evenly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, making sure all pieces are lightly coated.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) over the sprouts. Toss thoroughly so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (around 8-10 minutes) to ensure even cooking. For larger sprouts or a fuller basket, shake an additional time.
- Check for doneness—the Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and tender inside. Add more cooking time if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Uniform size matters: Cut Brussels sprouts into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Par-boil option: For a softer center, briefly boil sprouts before air frying. Drain thoroughly.
- Batch cooking: If doubling the recipe, cook in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking.
- Shaking is key: Shake the basket at least once midway through cooking to ensure crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
