FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Cook Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer
- My Top Recipe Tips
- Common Questions
- Recipe Variations
- Storage Instructions
- What To Serve With Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- My Favorite Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Fast & Crispy!)
- Recipe Reviews
Roasting brussels sprouts in the oven has always been my go-to way to get that crispy exterior, but ever since I made these roasted brussels sprouts in the air fryer, it became my new favorite way to make them! It’s much faster than the oven (same prep time but way quicker cook time), which means less planning. Love it already. But what sealed the deal for my air fryer brussels sprouts recipe is how perfectly crispy and golden brown they turned out. And did I mention faster than ever ? I think I did.
Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – A.k.a. the only way I eat brussels sprouts. 😉 But I have to say, no method does this as well as my air fryer!
- Flavor, flavor, flavor – Sweet and savory. Nutty. Caramelized. The combination hits just right.
- Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy here. Just simple staples I always have in my kitchen, and you probably do, too. Just pick up a bag (or stalks) of brussels sprouts and you’re good to go.
- Ultra fast – You know those hectic days when you get home and it’s already dinner time, but you don’t have anything prepared? (Please tell me it’s not just me!) These air fryer brussels sprouts have saved me on days like this. Enough said.
- Makes you feel good – It’s a healthy side dish you can feel good about eating and serving for your family. Even my 8-year-old daughter proclaimed that this is her favorite way to eat vegetables!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this brussels sprouts air fryer recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below .
- Brussels Sprouts – Look for sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking. Cut them in half lengthwise, and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or browned. If you’ve got extras, shred the brussels sprouts for hash!
- Olive Oil – This helps with browning and caramelization. I like extra virgin olive oil here, but any cooking oil, such as avocado oil, works great.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds sweetness and a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip this to just make plain air fryer brussels sprouts.
- Garlic Powder – This coats the sprouts more evenly than minced garlic would. Plus, unlike fresh garlic, it won’t burn.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper – I have a good starting point on the recipe card below, but you can adjust both to taste after roasting. Don’t wait to add all the salt and pepper until the end, though, or the inside will taste very bland.
How To Cook Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Season. In a large bowl, drizzle the brussels sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss together to coat the veggies well.
- Air fry. Place brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket (I love this air fryer because it has a large basket!) and cook for 5 minutes.
- Toss and air fry again. Remove and shake the basket to toss brussels sprouts, then cook until golden brown and crispy.
My Top Recipe Tips
- Cook time can vary depending on the size of the sprouts. The cook time in this air fryer brussels sprouts recipe is for small to medium ones, so you may need to increase it if yours are larger, or just cut them into quarters instead.
- Overcooking will ruin the flavor. Be careful not to overcook, or you’ll get that bitter, sulfur flavor that gives brussels sprouts a bad rap. When cooked the right amount, they are sweet and crispy. I love them so much!
- Air fry in a single layer. Avoid crowding the basket, which will cause them to steam, instead of roast. Cook in batches if needed to ensure that there is adequate space.
Common Questions
- How long to cook brussels sprouts in the air fryer? Crispy air fryer brussels sprouts take about 10 minutes to cook, or a few minutes longer for larger sprouts.
- Should you cut brussels sprouts in half before cooking? Yes, I always cut brussels sprouts in half before cooking, as it creates more surface area for them to caramelize and get crispy. It also makes them easier to eat. (You can even cut larger ones into quarters!)
- Can you cook frozen brussels sprouts in the air fryer? Yes, you can air fry frozen sprouts, but they won’t get quite as caramelized or crispy. Fresh tastes better, but I have had success cooking frozen ones when my husband placed my sprouts in the freezer by mistake one day (oops!). The method is similar to roasted frozen brussels sprouts . Air fry them for 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees F to soft, then cut in half, toss with seasonings, and air fry at 400 degrees F until crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Parmesan cheese – Toss the sprouts in grated parmesan before cooking. It creates this crispy crust on them that I totally can’t resist, a little bit like my smashed brussels sprouts . Sometimes I just sprinkle on some shredded parmesan at the end, though.
- Lemon – Swap the balsamic vinegar with a tablespoon of lemon juice (or lime juice) instead. You could add a teaspoon of lemon zest, too.
- Bacon – You can toss leftover chopped air fryer bacon with the cooked brussels, or just add chopped raw bacon to the basket and it will be crispy by the time the sprouts are done. I discovered that this works the same way as my roasted brussels sprouts and bacon .
- Seasonings – Try adding Italian seasoning , Cajun seasoning , or simply crushed red pepper flakes together with the garlic powder. You’d want to omit the salt and pepper if using Cajun, since it already has salt and is spicy.
- Sweetness – Add a couple tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (or try my natural sugar-free honey or sugar-free maple syrup ) before roasting for a sweet caramelized finish. Or sometimes I amp up the balsamic flavor in this dish by topping with balsamic glaze at the end. So good!
- More Veggies – When I just need to clean out my fridge or pantry, I mix the sprouts with other veggies. The key is to choose ones that have a cook time on the longer side. Root vegetables (like carrots, beets, rutabaga , or parsnips), and winter squash (like butternut squash, acorn squash , and pumpkin) all work well to cook together with the brussels sprouts in the air fryer.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. I love them with fried eggs or cloud eggs for breakfast the next day!
- Reheat: You might not be too surprised that I prefer to reheat my brussels sprouts in the air fryer, the same way I cooked them. The microwave heats them fine, but leaves them mushy, so I don’t recommend it.
- Freeze: Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s best to spread them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet first and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from sticking together. You can thaw the sprouts before reheating, or just air fry from frozen at a lower temperature (300 degrees F).
What To Serve With Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
I’m a protein-and-veggies kind of girl for dinner. I guess that explains why I make these air fryer brussels sprouts so often? Here are some of my favorite main dishes to serve with them:
- Chicken – I love to serve my crispy brussels sprouts with equally crispy baked chicken legs (or crispy baked chicken thighs ), air fryer chicken wings , or chicken leg quarters . If you prefer chicken breast, it doesn’t have to be boring! Take it up a notch with lemon and garlic chicken or garlic butter chicken .
- Steak – Make air fryer steak for a casual dinner cooked in the same appliance, or make your meal extra special with a filet mignon or ribeye .
- Pork – Pork chops are a solid choice I’ve learned to love! Try pan seared pork chops or air fryer pork chops for the simplest prep, or stuffed pork chops if you want to get fancy.
- Fish – Make a quick and simple dinner with air fryer cod or air fryer shrimp . If you want to cook your main course on the stovetop while you have the brussels sprouts in the air fryer, my personal favorite is pan seared salmon , but pan fried tilapia and parmesan crusted tilapia are close seconds.
My Favorite Air Fryer
The larger basket in my air fryer reduces the necessity to cook foods in batches. I can fit an entire pound of brussels sprouts in one go!
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (sliced in half lengthwise) ▢
- 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar ▢
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. (Don’t crowd the basket; each sprout should be touching the bottom, so cook in batches if they don’t fit.) Cook for about 5 minutes .
- Remove and shake the air fryer basket to toss the sprouts, then cook for another 5 minutes (or a few minutes longer for larger sprouts), until crispy and golden brown.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- The Basic Keto Meal Formula
- Understanding Macros
- Keto Food Swaps
- Keto Food List
- Electrolyte Basics
- Keto Diet Types
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- Recipe Reviews
Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.
You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)
The Basic Keto Meal Formula
Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.
Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.
Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.
| Pick A Protein | Pick A Veggie | Add Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder Venison | Cauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama Celery | Butter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil |
Understanding Macros
Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.
Carbs Are A Limit.
Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.
A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.
“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.
A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.
Protein Is A Goal.
Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].
“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.
Fat Is A Lever.
Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.
A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).
Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.
Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.
“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.
Keto Food Swaps
One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.
So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .
Keto Swaps For Breakfast
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Almond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes |
| Oatmeal | Keto oatmeal with hemp seeds |
| Cinnamon rolls | Fathead cinnamon rolls |
| Cereal | Keto nut granola |
| Muffins | Almond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins |
| Donuts | Almond flour donuts |
| Scones | Almond flour scones |
| High-sugar smoothies | Smoothie with berries or avocado |
| Hash browns | Cauliflower hash browns |
| Breakfast casserole | Breakfast casserole with no potatoes |
| Egg whites | Whole eggs |
| Turkey bacon | Bacon |
| Waffles | Chaffles |
Keto Swaps For Bread
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Bagels | Fathead bagels |
| English muffin | Almond flour English muffin |
| White bread | Keto white bread |
| Multigrain bread | Coconut flour bread with seeds |
| Tortillas for wraps | Coconut flour tortillas |
| Corn taco shells | Cheddar cheese taco shells |
| Burger buns | Oopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps |
| Breadsticks | Cauliflower breadsticks |
| Biscuits | Almond flour biscuits |
| Cornbread | Almond flour cornbread |
| Croutons | Parmesan crisps |
| Rice | Cauliflower rice , konjac rice |
Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Breaded wings | Crispy air fryer wings (unbreaded) |
| Low-fat meat & poultry | High-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat |
| Mashed potatoes | Mashed cauliflower |
| Roasted potatoes | Roasted or fried radishes |
| Tacos | Taco salad |
| Pizza | Fathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza |
| Lasagna | Eggplant lasagna |
| Potato salad | Cauliflower “potato” salad |
| French fries | Jicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries |
| Tater tots | Cauliflower tots |
| Wraps | Lettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas |
| Sushi | Naruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi |
| Breaded chicken or fish | Breaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds |
| Spaghetti | Zoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles |
Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Nachos | Cheese crisps |
| High-sugar fruit | Berries & other keto fruits |
| Crackers | Almond flour crackers |
| Hummus | Cauliflower hummus |
| Soft pretzels | Fathead pretzels |
| Popcorn | Puffed cheese |
| Granola bars | Grain-free granola bars |
| Jam | Sugar-free berry chia jam |
| Sweet fruity yogurt | Full-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries |
| Sweet salad dressing | Ranch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette |
| Ketchup | Mustard and/or sugar-free ketchup |
| BBQ sauce | Sugar-free BBQ sauce |
| Sweetened peanut butter | Natural, sugar-free nut butters |
| Light mayo | Avocado oil mayo |
| Maple syrup | Sugar-free, maple flavored syrup |
| Potato chips | Zucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds |
Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Monk fruit or allulose |
| Powdered sugar | Powdered monk fruit or allulose |
| White flour | Almond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes) |
| Making baked goods soft/chewy | Xanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder |
| Breadcrumbs | Pork rinds or almond flour |
| Margarine | Butter, coconut oil, or ghee |
| Vegetable oil | Olive or avocado oil |
| Bananas | Banana extract |
| Chocolate chips | Sugar-free chocolate chips |
| Cornstarch or flour roux | Xanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end) |
| Simple syrup | Dissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat |
Keto Swaps For Drinks
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Water with lemon |
| Soda | Flavored sparkling water |
| Milk | Almond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream |
| Latte | Butter coffee |
| Coffee creamer | Heavy cream |
| Sweet wine | Dry wine |
| Beer | Ultra light beer |
| Mixed drinks | Hard liquor with soda + lemon |
If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .
Keto Food List
When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.
The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!
Foods To Eat On Keto
- Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
- Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
- Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
- Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
- Avocados
- Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
- Almond flour and coconut flour
- Eggs
- Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.
Foods To Avoid On Keto
- White flour & sugar
- Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
- Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
- Cereal
- Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
- Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
- Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
- Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
- Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
- Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.
That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:
Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)
Electrolyte Basics
Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.
For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .
The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.
Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:
| Sodium | Magnesium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|
| Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts Pickles | Seaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greens | Potassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork |
Keto Diet Types
People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.
Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!
- Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
- Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
- Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
- Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.
For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Fast & Crispy!)
These easy air fryer brussels sprouts are perfection! They come out perfectly crispy, tender, and caramelized, all in just 15 minutes.
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-brussels-sprouts/
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (sliced in half lengthwise)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. (Don’t crowd the basket; each sprout should be touching the bottom, so cook in batches if they don’t fit.) Cook for about 5 minutes .
- Remove and shake the air fryer basket to toss the sprouts, then cook for another 5 minutes (or a few minutes longer for larger sprouts), until crispy and golden brown.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)
FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Cook Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer
- My Top Recipe Tips
- Common Questions
- Recipe Variations
- Storage Instructions
- What To Serve With Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- My Favorite Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Fast & Crispy!)
- Recipe Reviews
Roasting brussels sprouts in the oven has always been my go-to way to get that crispy exterior, but ever since I made these roasted brussels sprouts in the air fryer, it became my new favorite way to make them! It’s much faster than the oven (same prep time but way quicker cook time), which means less planning. Love it already. But what sealed the deal for my air fryer brussels sprouts recipe is how perfectly crispy and golden brown they turned out. And did I mention faster than ever ? I think I did.
Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – A.k.a. the only way I eat brussels sprouts. 😉 But I have to say, no method does this as well as my air fryer!
- Flavor, flavor, flavor – Sweet and savory. Nutty. Caramelized. The combination hits just right.
- Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy here. Just simple staples I always have in my kitchen, and you probably do, too. Just pick up a bag (or stalks) of brussels sprouts and you’re good to go.
- Ultra fast – You know those hectic days when you get home and it’s already dinner time, but you don’t have anything prepared? (Please tell me it’s not just me!) These air fryer brussels sprouts have saved me on days like this. Enough said.
- Makes you feel good – It’s a healthy side dish you can feel good about eating and serving for your family. Even my 8-year-old daughter proclaimed that this is her favorite way to eat vegetables!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this brussels sprouts air fryer recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below .
- Brussels Sprouts – Look for sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking. Cut them in half lengthwise, and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or browned. If you’ve got extras, shred the brussels sprouts for hash!
- Olive Oil – This helps with browning and caramelization. I like extra virgin olive oil here, but any cooking oil, such as avocado oil, works great.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds sweetness and a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip this to just make plain air fryer brussels sprouts.
- Garlic Powder – This coats the sprouts more evenly than minced garlic would. Plus, unlike fresh garlic, it won’t burn.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper – I have a good starting point on the recipe card below, but you can adjust both to taste after roasting. Don’t wait to add all the salt and pepper until the end, though, or the inside will taste very bland.
How To Cook Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Season. In a large bowl, drizzle the brussels sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss together to coat the veggies well.
- Air fry. Place brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket (I love this air fryer because it has a large basket!) and cook for 5 minutes.
- Toss and air fry again. Remove and shake the basket to toss brussels sprouts, then cook until golden brown and crispy.
My Top Recipe Tips
- Cook time can vary depending on the size of the sprouts. The cook time in this air fryer brussels sprouts recipe is for small to medium ones, so you may need to increase it if yours are larger, or just cut them into quarters instead.
- Overcooking will ruin the flavor. Be careful not to overcook, or you’ll get that bitter, sulfur flavor that gives brussels sprouts a bad rap. When cooked the right amount, they are sweet and crispy. I love them so much!
- Air fry in a single layer. Avoid crowding the basket, which will cause them to steam, instead of roast. Cook in batches if needed to ensure that there is adequate space.
Common Questions
- How long to cook brussels sprouts in the air fryer? Crispy air fryer brussels sprouts take about 10 minutes to cook, or a few minutes longer for larger sprouts.
- Should you cut brussels sprouts in half before cooking? Yes, I always cut brussels sprouts in half before cooking, as it creates more surface area for them to caramelize and get crispy. It also makes them easier to eat. (You can even cut larger ones into quarters!)
- Can you cook frozen brussels sprouts in the air fryer? Yes, you can air fry frozen sprouts, but they won’t get quite as caramelized or crispy. Fresh tastes better, but I have had success cooking frozen ones when my husband placed my sprouts in the freezer by mistake one day (oops!). The method is similar to roasted frozen brussels sprouts . Air fry them for 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees F to soft, then cut in half, toss with seasonings, and air fry at 400 degrees F until crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Parmesan cheese – Toss the sprouts in grated parmesan before cooking. It creates this crispy crust on them that I totally can’t resist, a little bit like my smashed brussels sprouts . Sometimes I just sprinkle on some shredded parmesan at the end, though.
- Lemon – Swap the balsamic vinegar with a tablespoon of lemon juice (or lime juice) instead. You could add a teaspoon of lemon zest, too.
- Bacon – You can toss leftover chopped air fryer bacon with the cooked brussels, or just add chopped raw bacon to the basket and it will be crispy by the time the sprouts are done. I discovered that this works the same way as my roasted brussels sprouts and bacon .
- Seasonings – Try adding Italian seasoning , Cajun seasoning , or simply crushed red pepper flakes together with the garlic powder. You’d want to omit the salt and pepper if using Cajun, since it already has salt and is spicy.
- Sweetness – Add a couple tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (or try my natural sugar-free honey or sugar-free maple syrup ) before roasting for a sweet caramelized finish. Or sometimes I amp up the balsamic flavor in this dish by topping with balsamic glaze at the end. So good!
- More Veggies – When I just need to clean out my fridge or pantry, I mix the sprouts with other veggies. The key is to choose ones that have a cook time on the longer side. Root vegetables (like carrots, beets, rutabaga , or parsnips), and winter squash (like butternut squash, acorn squash , and pumpkin) all work well to cook together with the brussels sprouts in the air fryer.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. I love them with fried eggs or cloud eggs for breakfast the next day!
- Reheat: You might not be too surprised that I prefer to reheat my brussels sprouts in the air fryer, the same way I cooked them. The microwave heats them fine, but leaves them mushy, so I don’t recommend it.
- Freeze: Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s best to spread them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet first and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from sticking together. You can thaw the sprouts before reheating, or just air fry from frozen at a lower temperature (300 degrees F).
What To Serve With Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
I’m a protein-and-veggies kind of girl for dinner. I guess that explains why I make these air fryer brussels sprouts so often? Here are some of my favorite main dishes to serve with them:
- Chicken – I love to serve my crispy brussels sprouts with equally crispy baked chicken legs (or crispy baked chicken thighs ), air fryer chicken wings , or chicken leg quarters . If you prefer chicken breast, it doesn’t have to be boring! Take it up a notch with lemon and garlic chicken or garlic butter chicken .
- Steak – Make air fryer steak for a casual dinner cooked in the same appliance, or make your meal extra special with a filet mignon or ribeye .
- Pork – Pork chops are a solid choice I’ve learned to love! Try pan seared pork chops or air fryer pork chops for the simplest prep, or stuffed pork chops if you want to get fancy.
- Fish – Make a quick and simple dinner with air fryer cod or air fryer shrimp . If you want to cook your main course on the stovetop while you have the brussels sprouts in the air fryer, my personal favorite is pan seared salmon , but pan fried tilapia and parmesan crusted tilapia are close seconds.
My Favorite Air Fryer
The larger basket in my air fryer reduces the necessity to cook foods in batches. I can fit an entire pound of brussels sprouts in one go!
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (sliced in half lengthwise) ▢
- 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar ▢
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. (Don’t crowd the basket; each sprout should be touching the bottom, so cook in batches if they don’t fit.) Cook for about 5 minutes .
- Remove and shake the air fryer basket to toss the sprouts, then cook for another 5 minutes (or a few minutes longer for larger sprouts), until crispy and golden brown.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
