Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
Brussels sprouts can be bitter and mushy when boiled, but roasted hot they turn sweet and nutty. Air fryer brussels sprouts get crisp, browned outer leaves and a tender center in about 14 minutes, and a quick balsamic and maple glaze at the end balances the flavor. Here is how to cook brussels sprouts in the air fryer, fresh or frozen.
- Temperature
- 375°F190 °C
- Total time
- 24min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 110kcal
Why the air fryer works for brussels sprouts
A brussels sprout is a tight bundle of leaves around a firm core. When boiled, the sulfur compounds that cause bitterness and a strong smell leach out into the water, and the core goes soft before the leaves have any flavor. Dry heat does the opposite. The outer leaves crisp and caramelize, the sugars concentrate, and the core becomes tender.
The air fryer is a good match because the basket is small and the air moves fast, so the loose leaves that fall off crisp up like chips. Cutting the sprouts in half gives them a flat side that browns deeply against the basket. Fresh air fryer brussels sprouts are done in about 14 minutes with very little oil.
How to make brussels sprouts in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Trim and halve Cut off the dry stem ends and pull away any loose or yellow outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half from top to bottom. Cut very large ones into quarters so all the pieces are about the same size.
- Season Toss the sprouts in a bowl with the oil, salt and pepper until every piece is coated. Turn the halves cut side down in the bowl for a moment to help the oil stick.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F for .
- Cook Place the sprouts in the basket cut side down in a single loose layer. Cook for , shaking the basket after . The loose outer leaves will turn dark and crisp, which is the best part.
- Glaze Test the thickest sprout with a fork; it should be tender with browned edges. Toss the hot sprouts with the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in the bowl and serve at once.
Times and temperatures
| Brussels Sprouts | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Halved, freshShake after 7 min | 375 °F (190 °C) | 14 min |
| Crispier at 400 °FWatch the leaves | 400 °F (200 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Whole small sprouts | 375 °F (190 °C) | 18–20 min |
| FrozenNo thawing | 380 °F (190 °C) | 15–18 min |
| Gentle | 350 °F (180 °C) | 16–18 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Read also: Thanksgiving in the air fryer – a game plan
Tips
- Choose similar sizes. Sprouts the size of a golf ball cook evenly. If your bag has mixed sizes, cut the biggest ones into quarters.
- Keep the loose leaves. The leaves that fall off while trimming turn into crunchy bits. Toss them in with the rest instead of throwing them out.
- Glaze at the end. Balsamic vinegar and maple syrup are best added to the hot sprouts after cooking, where they cling and do not burn.
What to serve with brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a classic side for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and also a quick weeknight vegetable next to pork chops, roast beef or chicken thighs. For a lighter plate, serve them with salmon and a squeeze of lemon.
Storing and reheating
Store cooled sprouts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3 minutes, shaking once, so the leaves crisp again. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soft and brings out a stronger smell.
Variations
- With bacon: Add 3 slices of chopped cooked bacon to the sprouts after cooking and toss (not vegan).
- Parmesan and garlic: Toss the hot sprouts with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan and ½ tsp garlic powder (not vegan or dairy-free).
- Honey or hot honey: Replace the maple syrup with 1 tsp honey, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat (not vegan).
- Sweet and sour: Toss the cooked sprouts with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp rice vinegar for an Asian-style version (not gluten-free).
If it does not turn out right
- The sprouts are bitter
- They are usually overcooked or boiled. Roast until browned and sweet, and add the maple syrup or a squeeze of lemon at the end. Smaller, firm sprouts are milder than large ones.
- The leaves burned but the centers are hard
- The sprouts were too big or too dry. Halve or quarter large ones, use the full tablespoon of oil, and lower the temperature to 350 °F if the leaves darken early.
- The glaze made them soggy
- Add the balsamic and syrup after cooking, not before. Sugar burns in the air fryer, and liquid steams the leaves instead of crisping them.
Questions and answers
How long do brussels sprouts take in the air fryer?
Halved fresh sprouts take about 14 minutes at 375 °F. At 400 °F they take 10–12 minutes and get darker, and at 350 °F about 16–18 minutes. Whole small sprouts need 18–20 minutes at 375 °F.
Can you cook frozen brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes. Toss them with oil and salt without thawing, then cook at 380 °F for 15–18 minutes, shaking three times. They are softer than fresh but brown well at the edges.
Should I cook brussels sprouts whole or halved?
Halved. The cut side browns on the basket and the sprout cooks through faster. Only very small sprouts, about the size of a walnut, are worth cooking whole.
Are brussels sprouts better in the air fryer or the oven?
The air fryer is faster, 14 minutes instead of 25–30, and the outer leaves get crispier. The oven is better when you need to cook several pounds.
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