Here is how to make air fryer Brussels sprouts, the perfect holiday side dish recipe.
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This post is all about how to make delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts.
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and totally festive holiday side dish, then here is one of the best all time favorites: air fryer Brussels sprouts. These little green gems are the unsung heroes of the holiday table, and with an air fryer, they’re ridiculously easy to make.
In about 15 minutes, you get Brussels sprouts that are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with cozy, savory flavor. Air fryer Brussels sprouts are perfect for everything from doing weekly meal prep to serving them as a holiday side dish for your favorite holiday meals.
Best of all, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead to save some time and energy during holiday meal preparation. We’ll give you the scoop on making air fryer Brussels sprouts ahead of time and storing any leftovers.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a holiday potluck, these Brussels will steal the show—and they’re healthy, too! Let’s dive into the details of making the best air fryer Brussels sprouts that even the sprout skeptics will love.
—In This Post—
- What Are Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?
- Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
- How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Can Brussels Sprouts Be Made Ahead of Time?
- How to Store Leftover Brussels Sprouts
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
What Are Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a game changer when it comes to making a vegetable side dish that has a perfect, crispy texture without needing tons of oil or oven space.
The Brussels sprouts are tossed with seasonings and a little olive oil, then cooked in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges, with a tender inside. The air fryer cooks the Brussels sprouts quickly and evenly, bringing out a deeper caramelized flavor without the wait.
Plus, they come out with that satisfying crunch, which can make these Brussels sprouts an irresistible part of any meal.
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are an awesome holiday side dish because they’re quick, easy, and full of savory flavor that pairs perfectly with classic holiday dishes.
But they’re also super versatile—you can whip them up for weeknight dinners as a healthy, delicious side, or make a big batch for your weekly meal prep. The Brussels sprouts reheat nicely in the air fryer, staying crispy and flavorful, so they’re ready for everything from weekday lunches to weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Here are some reasons to love this air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts are super quick and easy to make. Air fryer Brussels sprouts are perfect for busy holiday prep! Just a little chopping, tossing, and into the air fryer they go—done in about 15 minutes.
- The Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly crispy. The air fryer gives Brussels sprouts an amazing golden brown, crispy outside, while keeping them tender inside.
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts are packed with flavor. Between the balsamic, garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika, these sprouts are anything but boring!
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a holiday crowd pleaser. Even Brussels sprouts skeptics will end up loving these! They’re festive, fun, and they make any holiday table look amazing.
This recipe hits all the marks for a holiday side—it’s easy, tasty, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. You’ll love how easy it is to make air fryer Brussels sprouts for the holiday table!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients that you’ll need to make the best air fryer Brussels sprouts. These ingredients are simple but deliver big on flavor, giving you a festive side dish that’s holiday table or weekly meal prep worthy.
- Brussels Sprouts (1 lb). Brussels sprouts start as fresh, little green vegetable gems that become crispy and caramelized in the air fryer. After giving the Brussels sprouts a good rinse, trim off the ends, peel any rough outer leaves, and halve the sprouts for even cooking.
- Olive Oil (2 Tbsp). Olive oil helps the Brussels sprouts get that perfect golden brown and adds a subtle, rich flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 Tbsp). Balsamic vinegar adds a hint of tangy sweetness that pairs so well with the flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a simple way to make the sprouts taste savory and extra special.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp) and Onion Powder (½ tsp). These spices bring savory depth and keep the seasoning super easy—no chopping needed!
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp, optional). Smoked paprika adds a hint of smoky flavor that makes these feel like cozy holiday magic in every bite.
- Salt and Pepper. Salt and pepper are essential for balancing all the flavors and bringing out the best in the sprouts. Season to taste!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 Tbsp, optional). Sprinkle this on top after air frying for a rich, savory finish. It melts slightly on the hot sprouts, making them feel extra indulgent.
- Maple Syrup or Honey (1 to 2 Tbsps, optional). A light drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds a hint of irresistible sweetness to the air fryer Brussels sprouts.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
One of the best things about air fryer Brussels sprouts is how easy they are to make—especially when you use a few shortcuts (like starting with pre trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts) to make a quick and easy vegetable side dish. Here is how to make easy air fryer Brussels sprouts.
1—Trim and slice the Brussels sprouts.
To start, grab a pound of fresh Brussels sprouts, trim off the ends, and peel any sad looking outer leaves. Slice them in half so they cook evenly and soak up all the good flavors.
Or, to save some time, you can also start with pre trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts that you can find at the supermarket. Look for bags of pre cut Brussels sprouts in the produce section.
2—Season the Brussels sprouts.
Add the Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl, add toss them with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and some seasonings—including garlic powder, onion powder, and a little smoked paprika if you’re into that extra cozy, smoky flavor.
Don’t forget salt and pepper, also. The spices make all the difference when it comes to making delicious Brussels sprouts.
3—Heat the air fryer.
Once the Brussels sprouts are seasoned to perfection, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Add the sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer (you might need to cook them in batches if you can’t fit them in a single layer all at once).
4—Cook the Brussels sprouts.
Cook the Brussels sprouts for 12 to 15 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through, so that every piece gets that golden, crispy edge. This timing should be just right to get that tender inside and crispy outside that everyone loves.
5—Finish the Brussels sprouts.
As soon as they’re done, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan for a rich, savory kick that feels oh-so-holiday. Or, toss the sprouts with a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for a sweet and savory flavor. For a hint of freshness, you can also garnish the air fried Brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying. Plus, they’re also a fantastic last minute addition to any holiday spread—super festive and delicious, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Here are some tips for making the best air fryer Brussels sprouts ever. These tips make for perfect holiday side dish Brussels sprouts—crispy, savory, and totally crowd pleasing!
- Cut the Brussels sprouts evenly. Wash, trim, and halve all the Brussels sprouts so that they cook at the same speed, and every piece gets that perfect crispiness that cooking in the air fryer can give to veggies.
- Don’t overcrowd them. Give the Brussels sprouts space in the air fryer basket! If you’re making a big batch, then cook the Brussels sprouts in two rounds so they turn out crispy, not soggy.
- Shake the sprouts halfway through. About halfway through the cooking time, carefully give the air fryer basket a good shake. This helps the Brussels brown on all sides for that golden, caramelized finish.
- Go heavy on seasoning. Brussels sprouts love flavor! Don’t be shy when adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of smoked paprika—it’s all about using spices to give the Brussels sprouts a flavorful and cozy vibe.
- Add Parmesan cheese or other toppings last. Wait until the Brussels sprouts are done to sprinkle on Parmesan cheese. It melts just slightly on the hot Brussels, adding a deliciously savory, festive touch. You can also toss the cooked Brussels sprouts with a couple tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for extra flavor.
Can Brussels Sprouts Be Made Ahead of Time?
Brussels sprouts can be prepared for cooking ahead of time, which is great if you’re juggling a bunch of holiday dishes, preparing a menu for a special occasion, or simply doing your weekly meal prep.
Just trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, toss them with the olive oil and seasonings, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, pop them in the air fryer fresh so they come out hot and crispy.
They’re definitely best right out of the fryer, but you can also air fry the Brussels sprouts and then reheat them later.
How to Store Leftover Brussels Sprouts
If you have leftovers (although these delicious Brussels sprouts tend to disappear fast!), let the Brussels sprouts cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use the air fryer at 375°F to reheat the Brussels sprouts for a few minutes until they’re warm and crisp again. This helps to keep the sprouts from getting soggy and brings back that delicious texture!
These little tricks make it easy to enjoy Brussels sprouts anytime without the stress of last minute prep. Making Brussels sprouts ahead of schedule can be a great way to save some time and effort when you’re doing holiday meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
For serving air fryer Brussels sprouts, keep things simple but festive. Transfer the Brussels straight from the air fryer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan or a toss them with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or balsamic glaze for that holiday wow factor.
Brussels sprouts make a perfect side with roasted meats like turkey, ham, lamb chops, or prime rib, adding a pop of color and crunch to the table.
For an extra special touch, top the Brussels sprouts with toasted chopped nuts or dried cranberries—they bring out the savory sweet flavor of Brussels sprouts, and they look great in a holiday spread.
Whether you serve delicious Brussels sprouts alongside your main course or as part of a veggie platter, they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser!
And there you have it! The easiest, tastiest air fryer Brussels sprouts you’ll ever make, with flavors that make a perfect side dish for the holiday season—or any time of year, really. From the golden, crispy edges to that savory, balsamic garlic seasoning, this dish is sure to become a holiday staple.
So go ahead, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of honey, and bring them to the table, and then watch everyone reach for seconds. These Brussels sprouts are quick, crowd pleasing, and the perfect way to make holiday cooking feel a little more magical.
Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, honey, or maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Trim the ends and remove any damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Cook the Brussels sprouts for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and golden.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish, and sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese cheese—or—drizzle the Brussels sprouts with honey or maple syrup, if desired, to serve.
Notes
Looking for more of the best holiday side dish recipes?
- How to Make Honey Roasted Carrots
- How to Make the Best Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
- How to Make Delicious Roasted Pumpkin
This post was all about how to make air fryer Brussels sprouts.
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