Brussels Air Fryer Magic: 7 Steps to Crispy Bliss

Name: Brussels Air Fryer Magic: 7 Steps to Crispy Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 15, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about making crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. I remember the first time I tried air frying these little green gems; it felt like discovering a hidden treasure! The smell wafting through my kitchen was irresistible, and the thrill of pulling out a batch of perfectly browned sprouts made my heart sing. I love how the air fryer transforms the often-overlooked Brussels sprouts into a crunchy delight that even my kids can’t resist. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! With just a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic powder, you’ll create a dish that’s not only quick to prepare but absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s a healthy side dish option that fits seamlessly into any meal. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll be hooked on the joy of making crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer. It’s all about that perfect crunch!

Ingredients List

To whip up these delicious crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what I recommend for the best flavor:

1 pound Brussels sprouts: Make sure they’re trimmed and halved for even cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps get that gorgeous crispy texture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that lovely aromatic kick!
Salt and pepper: Adjust these to your taste for extra flavor.

These ingredients come together effortlessly, making for a quick prep time of just 10 minutes. You’ll love how simple it is to create such a satisfying side dish!

How to Prepare Brussels Air Fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheated! This step is super important because it helps the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for about 3-5 minutes. While it’s doing its thing, you can get everything else ready. Trust me, a well-preheated air fryer makes all the difference!

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Now, onto the stars of the show! Take your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts and pop them into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle on those 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. I love to give it a little extra love by mixing everything with my hands; it ensures every sprout is coated evenly! Make sure they’re all well-dressed in that oil and seasoning—this is where the flavor magic happens.

Air Frying Process

Once your Brussels sprouts are prepped, it’s time for the air fryer! Place them in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. If you pile them up, they won’t get that beautiful crispiness we’re aiming for. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they brown nicely on all sides. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you’ll want to check for that perfect crispiness! If they need a bit more time, don’t hesitate to toss them back in for a few extra minutes.

Serving the Dish

Once they’re done, serve those gorgeous Brussels sprouts hot right out of the air fryer. They’re delightful on their own, but if you want to take it up a notch, consider drizzling a bit of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. It adds a lovely depth of flavor! Enjoy this crispy delight as a side dish for any meal, and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these crispy Brussels sprouts! Each serving is estimated to have about 120 calories, making it a guilt-free side dish. You’ll also find around 8 grams of fat, with only 1 gram being saturated fat, which is pretty great for a crispy treat!

In terms of protein, you’re looking at about 4 grams per serving, along with 10 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and just 2 grams of sugar. Plus, there’s no cholesterol in this dish, making it a heart-healthy choice. Of course, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use or any tweaks you make. But rest assured, you’re digging into a nutritious side that’s as tasty as it is wholesome!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crispy Brussels sprouts recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Quick and easy to make: With just a 10-minute prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can whip these up in no time!
Perfectly crispy texture: The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying.
Healthy side dish option: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, these sprouts are a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Versatile for various meals: Whether you’re serving them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a vegetarian feast, they fit in beautifully!

Trust me, once you try them, these crispy Brussels sprouts will become a staple on your dinner table!

Tips for Success

To make sure your crispy Brussels sprouts turn out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips that I swear by:

Adjust cooking time: Every air fryer is a little different, so you might need to tweak the cooking time based on your model. Start with the recommended 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on them! If you notice they’re not as crispy as you like, add a few extra minutes.
Experiment with seasonings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also toss in some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: I can’t stress this enough! If you cram too many Brussels sprouts in, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Work in batches if you have to; it’s worth it for that crunch!

With these tips, you’ll nail the recipe and impress everyone at your table!

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit with your crispy Brussels sprouts, I’ve got some delicious variations to try! First off, consider adding different spices to enhance the flavor. A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky undertone, while a dash of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick!

Feeling cheesy? Toss some grated Parmesan or feta cheese over the sprouts right before serving for an extra layer of flavor that melts beautifully. You can also switch things up by incorporating other veggies. Try adding halved baby potatoes or sliced carrots into the mix; they roast beautifully alongside the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer!

And for a tangy twist, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the finished dish or toss in some sliced almonds for a crunchy topping. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make this recipe your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with any leftover crispy Brussels sprouts (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delightful crunch. First, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture from building up, which can make them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! Just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture. If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can use a regular oven as well—just spread them on a baking sheet and reheat at the same temperature, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning. Trust me, they’ll taste almost as good as fresh!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these crispy Brussels sprouts in an air fryer? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before tossing them with oil and seasonings. This helps achieve that crispy texture we all love.

What other seasonings work well?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Besides garlic powder, you might want to try adding onion powder, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes can really elevate the flavor!

How can I make these Brussels sprouts spicy?
If you’re a fan of spice, mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper with your oil and seasonings. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick!

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly alongside the Brussels sprouts.

These tips should help you customize your air fryer Brussels sprouts exactly how you like them! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!