Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
on Jan 23, 2024, Updated Mar 08, 2024
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Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts make the perfect side dish to any weeknight meal! The parmesan cheese adds a sharp complimentary flavor to these delicious veggies.
Brussels sprouts are one of my go-to side dishes, and there is no better way to make them than in the air fryer! You can have them ready in less than 15 minutes, which is such a relief when you’re trying to put together a whole meal.
Some people are skeptical of brussels sprouts from past experiences, but I promise this recipe is not just another green and mushy vegetable! They will come out crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor from the sharp parmesan cheese and savory Italian seasoning. One bite of these tasty brussels sprouts and you will never make them another way again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It is an easy side dish that compliments any meal.
- Cooks on the countertop quickly in the air fryer.
- Has a savory taste and crispy texture.
Recipe Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts—Whole, halved, or quartered.
- Olive Oil—Helps the seasonings stick and give the brussels sprouts a crispy exterior.
- Parmesan Cheese—I prefer freshly grated but you can use bottled in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning—The best seasoning to pair with Parmesan for a slightly sweet taste.
- Garlic Powder—Gives the brussels sprouts a savory flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Step #1. Preheat your air fryer. Trim the ends of your brussels sprouts.
Step #2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, brussels sprouts, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients together until the brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
Step #3. Transfer the brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and cook until they are crispy.
Step #4. Shake the basket halfway through to help the brussels sprouts cook evenly. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
There are two keys to ensuring your brussels sprouts will come out crispy every time. The first is to use olive oil. The light coating of olive oil will give your brussels sprouts a nice layer that will crisp up as it cooks. If you do not have olive oil you can use any other high heat oil like vegetable or canola oil. The second key is to make sure that you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is only one layer of brussels sprouts in your air fryer basket. If the basket is too crowded then the heat of the veggies will cause them to steam rather than crisp up.. If you follow these steps then you will have nice and crispy brussels sprouts every time.
No, it is not necessary to soak the brussels sprouts in water prior to cooking; however, you will want to give them a nice rinse and pat them dry before cutting off the ends.
Switching up the spices you use is a fun way to customize the flavor of these crispy veggies. Aside from Italian seasoning, one of our favorite spice blends is lemon pepper seasoning. The mix of savory and tangy flavors makes for a great side dish. You can also use a cajun spice blend for spicier brussels sprouts.
Expert Tips
- You can cook these brussels sprouts whole, cut them in half, or cut them in quarters. They will cook quicker if they are cut, so be mindful of the cooking time!
- Other spices you can add to season these brussels sprouts include red pepper flakes, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. Add whatever seasonings you prefer!
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own by combining equal parts of oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme!
- If you can’t find fresh brussels sprouts, you can use frozen ones. You may need to increase the cooking time, and be aware that they may not come out quite as crispy.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts in the Oven
No need to worry if you don’t have an air fryer! You can make these flavorful brussels sprouts right in your oven with similar preparation. Make sure you cook them on a flat baking sheet to allow them to crisp up as much as possible. Using a baking dish can trap air and cause the steam to cook them and possibly get soggy. Here are the instructions for the oven!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Trim the ends of your brussels sprouts.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, brussels sprouts, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients together until the brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
- Place the brussels sprouts on a clean baking sheet.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Top your brussels sprouts with a little bit of extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve and Store Brussels Sprouts
Air fryer brussels sprouts are the perfect side for a variety of dishes. You can serve them as a side to pork chops with mushrooms, stuffed bell peppers in the slow cooker, lemon chicken, etc. To elevate this side dish, you can add diced bacon or a sweet balsamic glaze after the brussels sprouts are done cooking.
These brussels sprouts are best served fresh as they will be the most crispy; however, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer your veggies to an airtight container before storing them. When you are ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the leftovers in the airfryer for 5 minutes at 380°F.
More Air Fryer Recipes To Consider
Egg Recipes
Air Fryer Eggs
Vegetable Sides
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Easy Appetizers
Carne Asada Fries
Side Dishes and Salads
Air Fryer Zucchini
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 370. Make sure the ends of your Brussels sprouts have been trimmed off.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, Brussels sprouts, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the ingredients together until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and cook them for 10 minutes at 370. Shake the basket halfway through to help cook the Brussels sprouts evenly.
- Top your Brussels sprouts with a little bit of extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- These Brussels sprouts are best served fresh; however, you can store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer your veggies to an airtight container.
- Reheat your leftovers in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 380.
- Olive oil is key to giving your Brussels sprouts a nice crunchy exterior. If you don’t have olive oil you can use any other high heat oil like vegetable or canola oil.
- Other spices you can add to these Brussels sprouts include red pepper flakes, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- You can make your own Italian seasoning by combining equal parts oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- You can cook these Brussels sprouts whole, cut them in half, or quarter them.
