If Brussels sprouts haven't been your thing, prepare to have your mind changed by this recipe for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts! With a caramelized and crispy exterior and a tender interior, these sprouts are so delicious, they might just become your new favorite snack. And they're ready in under 20 minutes!

Jump to:
- Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
- What Are Brussels Sprouts and Where to Buy Them
- Ingredients
- Watch the Video
- How to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts
- Recipe Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Can you freeze cooked Brussels sprouts?
- Recipe Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Can I steam the sprouts to make them softer?
- FAQ
- Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Crispy-Tender Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Feedback
Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
Many of us grew up believing Brussels sprouts were an icky, bitter green that nobody liked, but if you've ever had a well-prepared plate of sprouts, you know that's far from the truth! The only thing better than a side of roasted Brussels sprouts is air-fried Brussels sprouts.
Air frying Brussels sprouts brings out their best by caramelizing and crisping the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It's a quick, easy, and flavor-packed method! No more soggy or greasy sprouts; the air fryer transforms them with a satisfying crunch that you might find completely irresistible! (We certainly do!)
What Are Brussels Sprouts and Where to Buy Them
Brussels sprouts are green vegetables that look like baby cabbages. You can find these veggies in the produce section at your local grocery store or farmer's market. Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, vibrant green, and free from blemishes.
Ingredients

- Brussels Sprouts: The star of this recipe, packed with nutrients like vitamin K and vitamin C (see this article for Brussels sprouts nutritional information). Find fresh Brussels sprouts in the produce section. Look for firm, vibrant sprouts free from blemishes.
- Oil: E.g., light olive oil or avocado oil. Helps achieve that crispy, caramelized texture we love so much! We prefer avocado oil, but you can use either. Learn more: Our Favorite Oils to use for Air Frying
- Seasonings: We season these Brussels sprouts simple with a little garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to mix the seasoning flavors up to your taste preferences.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the way we like to enjoy these Air Fryer Brussels sprouts.
- Balsamic Glaze: Also optional, but balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy drizzle we think you’ll love! You can buy it in your local grocery store or make your own balsamic vinegar reduction.
Note: We shy away from using fresh garlic in the air fryer as it burns quickly, however, if you prefer fresh garlic for this recipe, we recommend slicing the garlic thinly and adding the last 30 seconds to a minute of cooking. Be careful not to burn it. And, if you love garlic, be sure to see our Air Fryer Roasted Garlic recipe!
Watch the Video
How to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts

Step 1 - Prep: Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half from stem to end. Larger sprouts can be cut into quarters.

Step 2 - Season: Place the sprouts in a large bowl and add oil and seasonings. Toss well to coat the sprouts and transfer sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Step 3 - Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket occasionally to ensure the sprouts cook evenly.
Note: In order to achieve the perfect texture, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. If you're cooking a large amount of sprouts, cook in batches to avoid over-crowding.

Step 4 - Serve: Once the sprouts are done to your liking, transfer them to a serving plate and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Enjoy your crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts as a snack or side dish!
Note: Use tongs to reach into the hot air fryer basket to prevent burns.
Recipe Tips
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a cold air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
- Remember, air fryer brands vary, so you may have to adjust the cook time to your specific air fryer model.
- Try using different oils like grapeseed, canola, vegetable, or coconut oil. See our guide to air fryer oils!
- Swap out Parmesan cheese for cheddar or feta, if desired.
- Experiment with your favorite seasonings. You can really get creative with Brussels sprouts recipes like this one!
- Some air fryers are equipped with a turn reminder, but if yours doesn’t have that feature, set a timer to remind you to turn or shake the food halfway through the cooking process.
Storage Instructions
Store your Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F until heated through.
Can you freeze cooked Brussels sprouts?
We don’t recommend freezing Brussels sprouts as they get soggy when thawed. If you need to freeze your leftovers, be sure to air fry from frozen when reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Sprouts: Add some chili powder or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a kick.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the Brussels sprouts for a citrus-y twist.
- Honey Glazed: Drizzle honey instead of balsamic glaze for sweetness. If you like a little spice, honey and sriracha make for a delicious combination with crispy Brussels sprouts.
- Maple Syrup: Another great choice for a sweet glaze on Brussels sprouts!
- Baconize them: You'll really become a Brussels sprouts lover after trying our Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
Serving Suggestions
- As a side dish for any meal. We love these sprouts with Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts.
- Chopped and added to omelets or frittatas.
- Tossed into pasta dishes or grain bowls.
- Served as a Brussels sprouts salad.
Can I steam the sprouts to make them softer?
We like Brussels sprouts to have a tender crisp, roasted texture, so no water is needed to steam them. However, if you like the inside to be softer, but not soggy, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to the bottom of the air fryer to create a steamy environment. The steam will help create a softer texture that isn’t soggy.
FAQ
Make sure not to overcook them. Regularly check for doneness to maintain their tenderness. If needed, add a couple tablespoons of water into the bottom of the air fryer to create a steamy environment.
Yes, you can! See our recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts for the full instructions plus tips and more.
You can reduce the oil, but a small amount is needed to achieve that crispy texture.
Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Try all of our Air Fryer Vegetables!
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!

Crispy-Tender Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon oil such as olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping optional
- Balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Trim ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut sprouts in half from stem to end. Cut larger Brussels sprouts into quarters as needed so all pieces are similar in size.1 pound Brussels sprouts
- Add Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl and add oil and seasonings. Mix to coat each sprout well.1 tablespoon oil such as olive oil or avocado oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Pour the Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, being sure to shake the basket during air frying time.
- When Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, remove from the air fryer to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Enjoy!Grated Parmesan cheese for topping, Balsamic glaze
Notes
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a cold air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
- Remember, air fryer brands vary, so you may have to adjust the cook time to your specific air fryer model.
- Try using different oils like grapeseed, canola, vegetable, or coconut oil.
- Swap out Parmesan cheese for cheddar or feta, if desired.
- Experiment with your favorite seasonings. You can really get creative with Brussels sprouts recipes like this one!
- Some air fryers are equipped with a turn reminder, but if yours doesn’t have that feature, set a timer to remind you to turn or shake the food halfway through the cooking process.
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