These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They have the most delicious garlicky flavor that works with all kinds of dishes.
You are going to love these simple and very easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Made in an air fryer, they cook quickly and have the most delicious texture. Tender on the inside like they would if they were roasted in the oven, they have a crisp outer layer because of the air fryer. The seasonings add great flavor that will make this side dish a family favorite.
Unlike frying, air frying uses quickly circulating hot air to cook the outside of the brussels sprouts. Since there is little oil used, your vegetables don't turn out greasy, but instead crisp and healthy. This is a great side for a regular dinner, or for serving during the holidays. Let's look at the ingredients we'll be using to make these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
Video Tutorial
What you'll need
- Brussels Sprouts.
- Oil. Best oils for air frying are: avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and soybean oil. Read more here: Best Oils for Air Fryer.
- Seasonings. Paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
How to make Brussels Sprouts in Air Fryer
1. Trim the brussels sprouts, remove any dry leaves, and slice them lengthwise.
2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add the brussels sprouts and and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
3. Place the brussels sprouts into a bowl and add oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Mix gently using your hands.
4. Arrange the Brussels sprouts on the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Tips for the best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Parboil the brussels sprouts. Partially cooking them will make it easier to get them tender during the cook time in the air fryer. This allows the insides to cook at the same rate as the outsides.
- Drain fully and allow to cool before air frying. You don't want to steam the brussels sprouts, so draining and cooling, we allow the moisture from boiling to evaporate so you get that crispy outside on your sprouts.
- Don't overcrowd. Lay the brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate to all the surfaces of the vegetables. Crowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking.
- Vary the cook time. If you are using a basket air fryer, then you can cook them for about 12 minutes. If you have an oven-type air fryer, then you may need to add about 5 minutes to the cook time.
Add-ins and Substitutes
- Add other vegetables. Air fry them with onions, garlic, broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower for a more varied veggie dish.
- Add plant-based Parmesan cheese. You can add some vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts for extra flavor.
- Make them with tempeh bacon. For a little salty, savory flavor, add chopped tempeh bacon that has been sauteed to this side dish.
- Use a sauce. Toss these brussels sprouts in a Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce, Chermoula Sauce, garlic and vegan butter sauce, or a coconut cream-based sauce.
How to Store
You can store any leftovers of these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them on the stovetop, in the microwave, or for a few minutes in the air fryer to get crispy again.
What to Serve with it
- Pastas. Serve these brussels sprouts with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Spinach, Creamy Zucchini Pasta, Mushroom Bolognese Pasta, or Pasta with Roasted Pepper Sauce.
- Grains. Enjoy them atop your favorite grains, like rice, quinoa, bulgur, sorghum, or millet. You can also serve them with Spinach Rice, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, or Mushroom Rice.
- Vegetables. Pair them with Simple Baked Asparagus, Quick Stovetop Green Beans, Broccoli Rabe with Garlic, or Simple Roasted Broccoli.
- Potatoes. Serve these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with some Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, Vegan Spinach Mashed Potatoes, Baked Baby Potatoes, or Paprika Baked Potato.
These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are healthy, crispy, and utterly delicious. This side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser whenever you serve it.
More tasty vegan air fryer recipes:
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Trim the brussels sprouts, remove any dry leaves, and slice them lengthwise.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add the brussels sprouts and and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
- Place the brussels sprouts into a bowl and add oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Mix gently using your hands.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts on the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Notes
Add-ins and Substitutes
- Add other vegetables. Air fry them with onions, garlic, broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower for a more varied veggie dish.
- Add plant-based Parmesan cheese. You can add some vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts for extra flavor.
- Make them with tempeh bacon. For a little salty, savory flavor, add chopped tempeh bacon that has been sauteed to this side dish.
- Use a sauce. Toss these brussels sprouts in a Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce, garlic and vegan butter sauce, or a coconut cream-based sauce.
Following the directions my brussel sprouts came out perfectly! I'm still trying out my new air fryer so this recipe easy to follow.
Thank you so much, Pat!