Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional but delish!); 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar; Drizzle pomegranate molasses; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something irresistible about those crispy, caramelized edges paired with a tender bite in every piece — that’s exactly what this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe delivers. It’s a simple, quick way to transform Brussels sprouts into a snack or side that everyone will come back for seconds.

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts that are golden brown and slightly charred on the edges, showing a mix of crispy dark green outer leaves and softer caramelized yellow-green inner layers. The Brussels sprouts are mostly halved, exposing their round, layered texture with a light grating of white cheese sprinkled on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth napkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made Brussels sprouts a hundred different ways, but air frying them truly brings out the best. You get that delectable crunch that baking alone can’t always deliver, all while keeping the interior perfectly tender. It’s fast, fuss-free, and feels way more special than just steamed greens.

Speedy Cooking: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
Hands-Off Method: Once in the air fryer, you just shake periodically — no babysitting required.
Flavor Boost: Garlic slices and optional toppings like balsamic or Parmesan elevate each bite.
Consistent Results: Air frying ensures even crispiness without that dreaded soggy patch.

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts halved and cooked until the edges are dark brown and crispy, showing a mix of bright green, golden yellow, and deep brown colors from caramelization, with a light sprinkle of shredded white cheese on top. The Brussels sprouts have a textured look with some charred parts and a slightly oily shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays its part, whether it’s the seasoning that brings out natural flavors or the optional add-ons for a sweet-tangy finish. When shopping, choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with tight leaves — that’s key for maximum crispness.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with a few whole cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl of pomegranate molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of pure maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts crisp up beautifully; trimming off any brown leaves helps keep flavors clean.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A small amount evenly coats the sprouts, assisting in browning without weighing them down.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts, balancing bitterness.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
Garlic (optional): Thin slices roast alongside the sprouts, infusing a subtle, savory aroma.
Balsamic Glaze or Reduced Balsamic Vinegar (optional): A glossy drizzle adds tangy sweetness that complements the sprouts’ earthiness.
Pomegranate Molasses (optional): Adds vibrant acidity with a hint of fruitiness.
Pure Maple Syrup (optional): Brings a mellow sweetness, perfect for balancing slight bitterness.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds savory, umami richness and a touch of saltiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste. Whether you like a little spice or a sweeter finish, it’s all about making it yours. Don’t hesitate to get creative here!

Variation: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick — adds a lovely warmth without overwhelming the natural flavors.
Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan and try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy, savory goodness.
Seasonal Twist: Toss in some chopped pecans or dried cranberries right at the end for fall-inspired flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming the ends off your Brussels sprouts and peeling away any brown or discolored outer leaves. Cut them in half from the stem to the leafy end. If some are super large, quarter them to keep all pieces roughly the same size — this means they’ll cook more evenly and all get that perfect crunch.

Step 2: (Optional) Soak for Tenderness

Want a slightly softer center with a crispy outside? Soak the trimmed sprouts in warm tap water for about 10 minutes. This helps relax them a bit. I often skip this step since I like mine firm yet tender inside, but give it a try to see what you prefer!

Step 3: Season and Preheat

Drain and pat the sprouts dry with a towel to avoid sogginess. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Now, preheat your air fryer to 375°F — for mine, that’s just 3 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry and Shake

Place the Brussels sprouts in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a good shake to redistribute the sprouts. Cook another 5 minutes. At this point, they should be getting that gorgeous crispy color.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Finish Crisping

Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves, toss everything together so the garlic distributes well, then air fry 2 to 4 more minutes. Keep an eye on those garlic slices — they’ll get golden and fragrant, adding fantastic flavor without burning.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Transfer your crispy Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl. Now is the fun part — drizzle with balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, or maple syrup, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan if you like. Mix gently and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Top Tip

I learned through making this recipe a few times that the crispiness depends hugely on how dry your Brussels sprouts are before they hit the air fryer. Excess moisture really slows down browning and can lead to soggy edges, so investing a little time in thoroughly drying them works wonders!

Dry Well: After rinsing or soaking, spread out the Brussels sprouts on a clean kitchen towel and pat gently but thoroughly.
Space Them Out: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate and crisp every piece evenly.
Shake Often: Don’t skip shaking halfway through — it’s key to even cooking and a beautifully uniform golden crust.
Watch Garlic Closely: Garlic fries quickly; adding it towards the end prevents burning and bitterness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing mine with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for that nutty richness. Sometimes I add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a touch of pomegranate molasses for a pop of tang and sweetness — it feels festive and so delicious. A quick grind of black pepper on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a balanced meal. I often serve it alongside quinoa or a simple grain bowl, letting the sprouts add texture and punch of flavor. It’s also fantastic with mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto for fall dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, I like to arrange the sprouts on a large platter layered with toasted nuts, crumbled goat cheese, and a scattering of pomegranate seeds. It looks gorgeous and invites guests to dig right in. Another fun tip: serve with toothpicks as a sophisticated finger food appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay surprisingly good for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to keep that crispy texture as much as possible.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal because Brussels sprouts can get mushy after thawing, I’ve frozen leftovers on occasion. If you do freeze them, use a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It works in a pinch but fresh is definitely better.

Reheating

To bring back that crispiness, I reheat leftovers on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwave tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that. Just keep an eye so they don’t burn, and give the pan a shake halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe?

Using frozen Brussels sprouts can be tricky because they often release extra moisture, which prevents crisping. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry very well before air frying, and adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from burning in the air fryer?

Make sure to keep the sprouts in a single layer without overcrowding the basket, shake the basket every 5 minutes, and add garlic only in the last few minutes to avoid burning. Watching closely near the end helps prevent overcooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

Absolutely! This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What are some good toppings for the Brussels sprouts?

I love using balsamic glaze for a sweet tang, pomegranate molasses for a fruity zing, maple syrup for mellow sweetness, or freshly grated Parmesan for savory depth. Feel free to mix and match these or add toasted nuts for more texture.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become one of my favorite quick sides that feels special enough for company yet easy enough to whip up midweek. The crispiness combined with the flavor boost from garlic and optional toppings just hits differently. You really can’t go wrong here — I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!