Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts! Seriously, they are a game changer. The way they come out perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying tender inside is just heavenly. I remember the first time I made them; I couldn’t believe how easy they were and how quickly they disappeared at the dinner table! Plus, using the air fryer means less oil and a healthier side dish, which is a win-win in my book. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—just the way Brussels sprouts should be.
- Healthy and guilt-free, thanks to the air fryer using less oil.
- Versatile side dish that pairs well with just about anything.
- Delicious savory flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfect for sneaking in some veggies while still satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
To whip up these scrumptious air fryer Brussels sprouts, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved for that perfect bite
- 2 tbsp olive oil, to help achieve that crispy goodness
- 1 tsp garlic powder, for a savory kick
- 1 tsp salt, to enhance all those delicious flavors
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, for just the right amount of spice
- 1/4 tsp paprika, to add a hint of smokiness
Feel free to adjust any of these to your taste—I love adding a little more garlic powder for an extra punch! Enjoy the process of making these tasty sprouts!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Now, let’s get to the fun part—preparing those glorious Brussels sprouts! I promise, it’s super straightforward and just a tad messy (but in the best way!). Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step because it ensures that your Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately and evenly, giving them that perfect crispy outside. Just a few minutes of preheating will make a world of difference!
Seasoning the Brussels Sprouts
Next up, grab a big bowl and toss those halved Brussels sprouts in with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. I like to use my hands here—get in there and make sure every sprout is coated evenly! You want that seasoning to cling on so each bite bursts with flavor. Don’t be shy—if you love garlic like I do, add a little extra!
Cooking the Brussels Sprouts
Now, it’s time for the main event! Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. This way, they’ll cook evenly and get that nice crispy finish. Cook them for about 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end; when they’re golden brown and crispy to your liking, they’re ready to come out. Wow, just thinking about that aroma makes my mouth water!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer Brussels sprouts turn out absolutely perfect! First, don’t overcrowd the basket—give those little guys room to breathe so they can crisp up nicely. If you have a lot, it’s better to cook in batches. Also, adjust the seasoning to match your taste! A sprinkle of extra salt or pepper can really elevate the flavor. And don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking; this helps them cook evenly and get that golden color. Trust me, these little tips will make a world of difference in your final dish!
Variations of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these air fryer Brussels sprouts! One of my favorites is to sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a deliciously cheesy twist. You could also try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving for a tangy kick! Feeling spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. And don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices—thyme or rosemary can add an amazing flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! These air fryer Brussels sprouts are not just delicious; they’re also a healthy addition to your meal. Here’s a rough breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
- Carbohydrates: 10g (Fiber: 4g)
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 2g
Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how nutritious these little green gems are! Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these fabulous air fryer Brussels sprouts? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and season them in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook—easy peasy!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They may lose some crispiness, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crunch!
What can I use instead of olive oil? If you prefer, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or even melted butter! Just remember, the oil helps achieve that delightful crispiness.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Sure! Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before seasoning. This will help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer!
Hope this clears up any questions you might have—now get ready to enjoy those tasty sprouts!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts make the perfect side dish for so many meals! I love serving them alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a well-rounded dinner. They also pair beautifully with a hearty grain bowl or atop a fresh salad for extra crunch. Feeling fancy? Try them as a tasty topping on your favorite pizza or pasta dish! Trust me, once you’ve got these on your plate, every meal becomes a little more special.
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a great source on the health benefits of Brussels sprouts, visit Healthline.
Print
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: 7 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with a savory seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for desired crispiness and cook longer if needed.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Try adding Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
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 brussels sprouts, crispy brussels sprouts, healthy side dish