Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of cooking with an air fryer! It’s like having a little kitchen wizard that turns humble ingredients into crispy, flavorful delights in no time. And when it comes to air fryer Brussels sprouts, they are simply a game changer! Imagine biting into perfectly roasted sprouts that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with rich flavors that make your taste buds dance. I love how quick and easy they are to make—just a little olive oil and some seasoning, and you’re off to the races! Plus, they make a fantastic side dish for any meal or a healthy snack when you’re craving something crunchy. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved: Look for fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green. Halving them allows for even cooking and maximizes that crispy texture we all love!
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This is your magic elixir! It helps the Brussels sprouts get that gorgeous golden color and crispy exterior. I prefer using extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A must-have for adding depth and a savory kick to your sprouts. You can also use minced fresh garlic if you’re feeling fancy!
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a lovely warmth and a bit of zing.
- 1/4 tsp paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor and a pop of color. You can use smoked paprika for an extra layer of taste!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer nice and hot! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your Brussels sprouts start cooking right away, giving them that fabulous crispy texture we’re after.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
While your air fryer is heating up, grab a large bowl and toss in your halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika over the top. Now, here’s the fun part—get your hands in there! Mix everything together until the sprouts are well-coated with that delicious seasoning. You want to make sure each little sprout is dressed to impress!
Cooking the Brussels Sprouts
Once your sprouts are ready, it’s time to cook! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Oh, and keep an eye on them towards the end; you want them crispy but not burnt! When they’re golden and fragrant, they’re ready to be devoured! Serve them hot and enjoy that incredible crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just about 28 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives Brussels sprouts that irresistible crunch that you just can’t get from boiling or steaming.
- Rich Flavor: With just a handful of simple seasonings, you get a burst of savory goodness in every bite. Wow, they’re delicious!
- Healthy Snack: These little green gems are packed with nutrients and make a perfect guilt-free snack or side dish.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the spices or add toppings, like parmesan cheese or balsamic glaze, to make them your own!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They store well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick and tasty addition to any meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer Brussels sprouts turn out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd: This is key! Give your Brussels sprouts some room to breathe in the air fryer basket. If they’re too close together, they won’t crisp up as well. If you have a lot, cook them in batches!
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to play around with the seasonings! If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Want to switch it up? Experiment with Italian herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Add Parmesan: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking. It’ll melt beautifully and add a delightful savory kick!
- Check for Crispiness: Everyone’s air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on your sprouts as they cook. Give them a shake halfway through to make sure they’re cooking evenly and check for that golden-brown color!
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, make sure to serve your Brussels sprouts right out of the air fryer. They’re at their crispiest and most delicious when they’re hot!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be the air fryer Brussels sprouts expert in no time. Enjoy experimenting and savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into these crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup). Keep in mind that these values are based on standard ingredients and can vary a bit depending on what you use:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These little green powerhouses are not only delicious but also nutritious! They’re a fantastic way to get your veggies in while enjoying that delightful crunch. So, dig in and feel good about every bite!
FAQ About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess.
How do I know when my Brussels sprouts are done?
Keep an eye on them as they cook! You’ll want them to be golden brown and crispy on the outside. A good rule of thumb is to check them after 15 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed. If they’re not crispy enough, give them a few more minutes!
What can I serve with air fryer Brussels sprouts?
These little gems are incredibly versatile! They make a fantastic side dish for roasted meats, fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. You can also toss them into salads for a crunchy element or enjoy them as a snack on their own!
Can I make air fryer Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the Brussels sprouts and toss them with the oil and seasonings beforehand. Just store them in the fridge and cook them when you’re ready. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in the air fryer to regain that crispy goodness!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The air fryer is your best friend here! Just pop your leftover Brussels sprouts back in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them crisp up again without making them soggy. Enjoy that crunch all over again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made these delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts, and now you’ve got some leftovers. No problem! Let’s talk about how to store them properly so they stay tasty and crispy.
First, allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to seal that container tight!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I absolutely recommend using your air fryer again. It’s the best way to revive that crunchy texture! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), then pop those leftover Brussels sprouts in for about 5-7 minutes. Give them a shake halfway through to ensure even heating. You’ll have them crispy and delicious in no time!
If you don’t have the air fryer handy, you can also reheat them in a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just spread them out on a baking sheet to keep that crispiness alive. But trust me, the air fryer is the way to go for the ultimate crunch!
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: 5 Ways to Make Them Irresistible
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for crispiness and adjust time if necessary.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add parmesan cheese after cooking.
- Try different spices to customize your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer brussel sprouts