Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer: A Complete Guide

Air frying is a popular method for cooking Brussels sprouts, as it allows them to become crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying. In this guide, we’ll explain how to cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, including the ideal cooking times, tips for achieving crispy results, and common mistakes to avoid.

1. Introduction

The air fryer is a fantastic tool for cooking Brussels sprouts, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying while still delivering a crispy texture. With minimal oil, Brussels sprouts cooked in the air fryer turn out golden brown and tender on the inside. Whether you’re making Brussels sprouts as a side dish or as a snack, knowing how to prepare and cook them in the air fryer ensures the best results. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.

2. Why Use an Air Fryer for Brussels Sprouts?

Using an air fryer to cook Brussels sprouts offers several advantages:

Healthier Option: Air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier choice while still providing a crispy texture.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer circulates hot air around the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they cook evenly and get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Quick Cooking: Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, allowing you to enjoy crispy Brussels sprouts in a fraction of the time.
Minimal Cleanup: Since air frying requires little to no oil, cleanup is typically quick and easy.

These benefits make the air fryer an excellent choice for cooking Brussels sprouts.

3. How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for the Air Fryer

Properly preparing Brussels sprouts for the air fryer ensures they cook evenly and get a delicious, crispy texture. Here’s how to do it:

Trim the Brussels Sprouts: Cut off the tough stem at the bottom of each Brussels sprout. Remove any damaged or yellowed outer leaves.
Halve or Quarter the Brussels Sprouts: For even cooking and crispy edges, cut the Brussels sprouts in half or quarters, depending on their size.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt, then dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps them get crispy.
Season: Toss the Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or balsamic vinegar.

4. How Long to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

The cooking time for Brussels sprouts in the air fryer can vary depending on their size and how crispy you want them. Here’s a general guideline:

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.

5. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for making crispy Brussels sprouts in the air fryer:

Ingredients:

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor

Instructions:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the Brussels sprouts, remove outer leaves, and cut them in half or quarters.
Toss with Oil and Seasoning: In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve: Once crispy and golden, remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and serve immediately.

6. Tips for Crispy Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For even cooking and crispy results, make sure the Brussels sprouts are in a single layer. If you have a large batch, cook in batches.
Dry Brussels Sprouts Well: Before cooking, make sure the Brussels sprouts are completely dry to prevent them from steaming in the air fryer.
Use Enough Oil: Toss the Brussels sprouts in just enough oil to coat them evenly. This will help them crisp up and prevent them from drying out.
Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the Brussels sprouts cook evenly on all sides.
Adjust the Time for Desired Crispiness: If you prefer your Brussels sprouts extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: Overcrowding can cause Brussels sprouts to cook unevenly and result in sogginess. Make sure to space them out for the best crispiness.
Not Drying the Brussels Sprouts Enough: If there’s too much moisture left on the Brussels sprouts, they may not crisp up properly. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking.
Using Too Little Oil: A small amount of oil is needed to help Brussels sprouts become crispy. Too little oil can result in dry, unevenly cooked sprouts.
Underseasoning: Brussels sprouts have a slightly bitter taste, so don’t forget to season them well with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do Brussels sprouts take in the air fryer?

Brussels sprouts generally take 15-18 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C). The cooking time may vary based on their size and your desired crispiness.

2. Can I cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time (about 3-5 minutes) for them to cook thoroughly.

3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer for Brussels sprouts?

Yes, preheating the air fryer ensures that the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and get crispy. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) before adding the Brussels sprouts.

4. Should I use oil when cooking Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

Yes, using a small amount of oil helps the Brussels sprouts become crispy and enhances their flavor. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice.

9. Conclusion

Cooking Brussels sprouts in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. With the right preparation, cooking time, and seasoning, you can achieve perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts every time. Use these tips and the recipe provided to make Brussels sprouts that are golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, all with minimal oil.