Why These Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Are Better Than Oven Roasted
This simple technique for air fryer Brussels sprouts is the key to delivering deeply caramelized, lightly charred sprouts every time. If you’re looking for a veggie side dish that’s mostly hands-off and on the table in about 10 minutes, this is the recipe for you. It’s the fast, high-heat method that even has vegetable skeptics asking for seconds.
You’ll only need five ingredients (including salt and pepper), but the recipe is endlessly riffable with your favorite seasonings and sauces. Here’s how to make the most delicious, superbly crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts.
Why This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works
To find the best method for these air fryer Brussels sprouts, I tested various cooking temperatures and times. I also started with a larger batch of sprouts, but found that adding too many vegetables to my air fryer’s sheet pan or basket made them soft and soggy, rather than crisp. The extra Brussels sprouts trapped steam, so the hot air couldn’t circulate as well to caramelize the edges.
That circulating air is really the beauty of the air frying technique, so you don’t want to prevent it from doing its thing! Overall, I found that air frying works better than roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven (especially for smaller batches) because it takes less time and the sprouts always come out with that crave-worthy crispiness, thanks to the tighter cooking space. I tested this recipe in both an oven-style air fryer (like the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro) and a traditional basket option and it worked well both ways — just make sure you’re using a non-toxic air fryer so your sprouts remain free of PFAS chemicals.
Ingredients
The basic recipe for air fryer Brussels sprouts calls for five simple ingredients (see full amounts in the recipe card below):
- Brussels sprouts. When possible, choose small, tightly closed, firm sprouts. If any leaves fall off as you prep your sprouts, you can add them to the baking sheet as well.
- Olive oil. A nice layer of olive oil helps your sprouts crisp up, prevents drying out, and adds flavor.
- Salt and pepper. Season the veggies to your taste preferences, or mix up the spices using the suggestions below.
HOT TIP: Brussels sprouts are on EWG’s Clean Fifteen, meaning they have low pesticide residue even when grown conventionally. This is a low-stakes recipe to go with conventional produce if your budget is stretched!
Substitutions and Variations
Fresh vs. Frozen
In a pinch, feel free to substitute fresh for frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. They can go directly in the air fryer from the freezer, just pat off the ice crystals first and adjust the length of your air fry as needed — usually somewhere between 3–5 extra minutes will do!
Flavor Variations
Brussels sprouts are a great blank canvas for all kinds of seasoning additions. Before air frying, you can add a dusting of your favorite spice blend, such as Italian seasoning, garlic or onion powder, or hot pepper flakes. Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and parsley all work well here too.
If you want a hint of sweetness, you can also try adding a drizzle of hot honey, zingy pomegranate molasses or seeds, or thick balsamic glaze in the last minute or two of your cook. After they’re done, you can further dress up air fryer Brussels sprouts with pumpkin seeds, toasted pecans or pine nuts, or some crumbled bacon or pancetta if you want a hearty add-on for the omnivores in the house. For a bit of creaminess, serve them on a base of whipped ricotta or garlicky yogurt. Or for a cozy fall salad, shave and dress them on a bed of quinoa.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
If your air fryer requires preheating, give your air fryer some time to heat up to 375°F. While the air fryer preheats, prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the bottom stem end, then slicing them to get that crispy surface area. Cut large sprouts into quarters and smaller ones in half for evenly sized sprouts.
Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer baking sheet or basket and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss the veggies well to coat them in the seasoning.
Air fry the Brussels sprouts for eight to 10 minutes, until the edges are crisp and dark brown and the centers are fork-tender.
Temperature and Cook Time
Air fry your trimmed and cut brussels sprouts at 375°F for eight to 10 minutes. While how long to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer can vary slightly based on the size of your final cuts, this range worked well for the various batches I tried.
Tips for the Best Results
Keep these tips in mind when making Brussels sprouts in the air fryer:
- Dry the sprouts thoroughly after washing — trapped surface water will steam your sprouts instead of crisping.
- Cut the veggies into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Coat them fully in olive oil to prevent the leaves from drying out and to help them caramelize in the air fryer.
- Spread the Brussels into an even layer on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
- If you have a smaller appliance, cook the Brussels in batches to avoid overcrowding, which will prevent them from crisping up.
- You can halve the recipe without making changes to the cooking time or temperature.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Simply seasoned air fryer Brussels sprouts are a great side dish for your favorite proteins or topping for a grain bowl base. They’re just as good on their own as they are as part of a gorgeous Thanksgiving spread. Try them with a flavor-packed air fryer salmon fillet with parmesan and garlic, a plate of brick chicken, or a simple steak.
Are Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Healthy?
Are Brussels sprouts good for you? In short, yes. Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that offer fiber, vitamins K, C and A, as well as folate1. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that supports immune system functioning, collagen production, and wound healing. Vitamin K plays an essential role in maintaining strong bones and blood clotting.
One caveat here: Brussels sprouts are unusually vitamin-K dense, which matters specifically for people on blood-thinning medications like warfarin. A sudden change in vitamin K intake can interact with these medications and change how your blood clots, so aim to eat with consistency2.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Macros
This is a naturally low-calorie, fiber-forward side dish.
| (Per Serving — 1 cup, estimated3) | |
| Calories | 86 kcal |
| Protein | 4.2g |
| Total Fat | 4.2g |
| Vitamin K (signature nutrient) | ~150% DV |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugar | 2.7g |
| Fiber | 4.1g |
Storing and Reheating
You can store cooked Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to three days. Enjoy them cold or reheat them in a 350°F air fryer for five to seven minutes.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
STEP 1:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
STEP 2:
On the air fryer baking sheet or in the basket, toss the Brussels sprouts with the oil, salt, and pepper.
STEP 3:
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp on the outside and fork-tender.
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