The Best Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts That Are Ready in 15 Minutes
If you’re looking for a simple, fast way to make Brussels sprouts irresistibly crispy and tender, the air fryer is your new best friend. Unlike boiling or roasting, air frying locks in flavor, minimizes oil, and yields that sought-after crunch.
This recipe and guide will help even beginner cooks transform Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleasing snack or side with a spicy vegan sriracha aioli. Let’s get cooking!
Jump right to the recipe below if you’re ready.
Why Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Are So Good
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a game-changer because they deliver a perfect combo: a crunchy, golden-brown exterior with a tender inside — all with very little oil. The intense circulating heat mimics deep-frying without the added fat or mess.
Plus, air frying preserves more nutrients than boiling—a benefit supported by nutritional research on Brassica vegetables—and cuts cooking time compared to roasting. Whether you’re new to Brussels sprouts or looking for a healthier way to enjoy them, air frying is your shortcut to flavor, texture, and nutrition.
How to Choose and Store Brussels Sprouts for the Best Results
Selecting fresh Brussels sprouts is the first step to success. Look for tight, firm, bright green heads without yellowing or blemishes.
Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and cook more evenly. When preparing, trim off the woody stem ends and remove any damaged outer leaves — don’t discard these peels, as they crisp up beautifully and make a tasty snack.
Store fresh sprouts in a perforated bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Fresh Brussels sprouts: About 1 pound, halved or quartered for larger sprouts. Frozen sprouts can work, but adjust time accordingly.
- High smoke point oil: Avocado oil gives the best crisp results; olive oil or sunflower oil are good alternatives.
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Optional flavorings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- For the dipping sauce: Vegan mayonnaise, sriracha hot sauce, and maple syrup or agave nectar for a touch of sweetness. Cashew cream can be used as a substitute for mayo if preferred.
Using good-quality, fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then pat them very dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the sprouts with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings until evenly coated.
- Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket; avoid overcrowding to enable crispy results.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through.
- The sprouts are done when they have crispy, charred edges and are tender inside.
- While the sprouts cook, mix the vegan mayo, sriracha, and maple syrup/agave in a small bowl for the spicy aioli.
- Serve sprouts hot with the dipping sauce on the side and enjoy!
Tips for the Crispiest Brussels Sprouts Every Time
- Always dry your Brussels sprouts thoroughly; moisture prevents crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this allows for proper hot air circulation.
- Shake or flip the sprouts halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.
- For an extra crispy edge, place sprouts cut side down in the basket initially.
- Use a high smoke point oil to avoid bitterness or burning.
- If cooking frozen sprouts, cook them for a few minutes longer and avoid thawing first.
- Avoid aerosol cooking sprays, which, according to cooking experts, can damage your air fryer’s non-stick coating.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Brussels Sprouts
These crispy sprouts make an ideal snack or side dish. Serve them alongside vegan mac and cheese, roasted tofu, or our easy vegan stuffing for a balanced meal.
For added flair, try one of these toppings or accompaniments:
- A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze or reduction
- Fresh lemon zest for brightness
- Shaved vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Crumbled vegan feta or tofu bacon for a smoky touch
- A dash of chili flakes or chili oil for heat
- Caramelized onions or shallots for sweetness
You can also experiment with different dipping sauces like chipotle aioli, vegan ranch, or a simple garlic mayo to suit your mood or menu.
Recipe Variations to Try for New Flavors
- Balsamic Brussels sprouts: Toss cooked sprouts in a balsamic reduction just before serving for a sweet-tart finish.
- Spicy garlic: Add minced fresh garlic or garlic powder and chili flakes to the oil coating before air frying.
- Maple glazed: Mix maple syrup with oil and toss before cooking for a caramelized touch, or try drizzling with an easy vegan caramel sauce after cooking for a decadent twist.
- Vegan parmesan: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan over cooked sprouts for a cheesy flavor.
- Smashed Brussels sprouts: Boil till tender, gently smash, then air fry to crispy perfection for a different texture.
- Add vegan bacon bits: Sprinkle crispy vegan bacon or tempeh bacon on top before serving for smoky richness.
These tweaks keep the recipe exciting and can suit changing preferences or occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
How do you clean Brussels sprouts for cooking?
Trim off the woody stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Don’t throw away these loose leaves — they crisp up delightfully in the air fryer for a crunchy snack.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes! You can cook frozen sprouts directly from frozen without thawing. Increase cooking time by about 4 to 5 minutes and avoid overcrowding to ensure even crisping.
How long do Brussels sprouts take to air fry?
Typically, 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) works well for fresh, halved sprouts. Adjust time for size and if using frozen.
Can I skip the oil?
You can omit oil for an oil-free option, but the sprouts won’t get quite as crispy. Try tossing with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup as a flavorful alternative, and reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning.
Why are my Brussels sprouts soggy or not crispy?
Common reasons include overcrowding the basket, not drying the sprouts thoroughly, cooking at too low a temperature, or insufficient flipping/shaking during cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Cook in batches rather than overcrowding to keep sprouts crispy. Two batches ensure even cooking and perfect crunch.
I don’t have an air fryer. Can I roast Brussels sprouts instead?
Absolutely. The USDA’s MyPlate guidelines suggest roasting in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.
Conclusion
Making crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts is easier and healthier than you might think. With a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you’ll enjoy a snack or side that rivals anything deep-fried but with less oil and more nutrients.
Experiment with toppings and sauces to find your favorite combo. Remember the key to crispiness is drying well, not overcrowding, and using good oil.
Happy cooking!