Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Looking for a fun and delicious way to upgrade your Brussels sprouts game? Say hello to Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts! This recipe is a game-changer, turning even the pickiest eaters into fans of this nutritious veggie. With a crispy outer layer and a tender inside, these Brussels sprouts cooked in the air fryer are a surefire hit at the dinner table.

The secret to perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts? A quick soak in cold water before cooking. This simple step transforms the texture, ensuring that your sprouts come out crispy and delightful every time. Plus, the air fryer method not only makes them super quick to cook but also elevates them to a level of deliciousness that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give this recipe a try and get ready to be amazed by how tasty Brussels sprouts can be!

Quick Benefits

• Crispy and Soft: Air frying Brussels sprouts gives them a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and juicy.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is super quick, with minimal dishes to wash up, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests.
• Customizable Toppings: Toppings like Parmesan, balsamic glaze, or even bacon bits can elevate the dish, making it versatile and appealing to different tastes.
• Healthy Option: Brussels sprouts are low in calories, high in vitamin C, and full of fiber, making them a nutritious and satisfying side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: The air fryer gives these Brussels sprouts a crispy skin and a soft middle, making them a perfect balance of textures that everyone will love.
• Picky Eater Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will be hooked on these Brussels sprouts. A great way to get kids to eat their greens!
• Quick and Easy: Super quick to make with barely any dishes to wash up, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy side dish for guests.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your Brussels sprouts with toppings like Parmesan, balsamic glaze, honey, sriracha, bacon bits, or everything bagel spice for endless flavor options.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra batches and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and crispy side dish throughout the week.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Low in calories, high in vitamin C, and fiber-rich, these air-fried Brussels sprouts are a healthy option with less oil thanks to the air fryer cooking method.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• Dash of optional red pepper flakes.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 12 ounces of Brussels sprouts.

Pro Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Pro tip 1: To achieve the perfect texture, don’t skip the step of soaking the Brussels sprouts in cold water before cooking. This will help get rid of bitterness and keep the sprouts juicy on the inside, while crisping up nicely in the air fryer.

Pro tip 2: If you have a smaller air fryer or your basket is full, don’t worry! You can still make this recipe work. Cook the Brussels sprouts in batches or give them a bit more time in the air fryer, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even crisping.

Pro tip 3: Get creative with toppings and seasonings to elevate the flavors of your air-fried Brussels sprouts. Try adding garlic powder, balsamic glaze, or shredded Parmesan for a tasty twist. Experiment with different spices like sriracha or everything bagel seasoning to customize the recipe to your liking.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prep Sprouts

Cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise after trimming the stems and removing the outer leaves.

Step 2: Soak

Place the halved sprouts in hot tap water and let them soak for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.

Step 4: Drain And Season

After draining, combine sprouts with pepper, olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 5: Air Fry

Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the crispy sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy them while still warm.

Storage Tips

After making a batch of these delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts, you can store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best crunch and flavor, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for a short time before serving. This quick reheating process will help them regain their crispy texture, ensuring that they taste just as good as when they were freshly cooked.

If you have a smaller air fryer and need to cook the Brussels sprouts in batches, don’t worry—they will still turn out just as tasty. You can either cook them in multiple rounds or let them cook a bit longer, making sure to give the basket a few shakes during the cooking process to ensure even crisping. Whether you choose to enjoy these Brussels sprouts as a side dish or a healthy snack, their crispy exterior and soft interior will surely make them a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch up the flavors in your air fryer Brussels sprouts, feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Instead of black pepper and red pepper flakes, you can try using garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a blend of your favorite herbs and spices to add a unique twist to the dish.

For those who prefer to avoid olive oil, you can substitute it with avocado oil, coconut oil, or melted butter for a different flavor profile. Each oil will bring its own distinct taste to the Brussels sprouts, so feel free to choose based on your preferences or dietary needs.

If you don’t have Brussels sprouts on hand, you can also try this air frying method with other vegetables like broccoli florets, cauliflower, or even sliced carrots. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetable you choose to ensure they reach the desired level of crispiness. Experimenting with different vegetables can help you discover new favorite air-fried dishes to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts as a fun appetizer or snack at your next gathering by setting up a toppings bar with options like Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze, bacon bits, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel spice. Let your guests customize their sprouts for a personalized and interactive veggie experience that feels like a party!

For a quick and tasty weeknight dinner, try tossing the cooked Brussels sprouts with a mix of honey and sriracha for a sweet and spicy kick. Enjoy them as a side dish, snack, or even in a lunchbox—they’re versatile, flavorful, and sure to convert even the most skeptical veggie eaters into fans after just one bite!

FAQs for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Can I skip the step of soaking the Brussels sprouts in cold water before cooking?

It’s recommended not to skip this step, as soaking the Brussels sprouts in cold water for 15 minutes helps get rid of bitterness and keeps them juicy. This also helps the sprouts stay soft in the middle while getting crispy on the outside when cooked.

Can I use a smaller air fryer for this recipe?

Absolutely! Smaller air fryers work fine for this recipe. If your basket is full, you can cook the Brussels sprouts in a couple of rounds or let them cook a bit longer, shaking the basket a few times to ensure they stay crispy.

How should I store any extra air-fried Brussels sprouts?

You can store any extra air-fried Brussels sprouts in a sealed container in the fridge, where they will remain good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, simply air fry them for a bit to restore their crunch.

Can I add more flavors to the Brussels sprouts besides salt and pepper?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavors by adding garlic powder, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or some shredded Parmesan after cooking for more flavor variations. Get creative and experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences!

Conclusion

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a game-changer when it comes to getting your family excited about veggies. That crispy exterior and tender center make them irresistible, even for the pickiest eaters. Remember, that quick soak in cold water is the secret to their perfect texture, so don’t skip it!

Don’t settle for bland sides—elevate your Brussels sprouts with different toppings and seasonings to keep things exciting. From Parmesan to balsamic glaze, the possibilities are endless. And if you have leftovers, just pop them back in the air fryer for a quick crunch refresh.

So go ahead, give these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts a try and watch them become the star of your dinner table. With a little creativity and a trusty air fryer, you’ll have a healthy and delicious side dish that everyone will be fighting over. Happy cooking!