Rethink Disgusting Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts in 15 Minutes

Okay, so listen, I used to HATE Brussels sprouts. Like, run-the-other-way HATE. But then I got an air fryer, and everything changed! Seriously, these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a total game-changer. They’re ridiculously easy, they get unbelievably crispy, and they’re actually…dare I say it…healthy?! It’s kinda nuts.

I remember the first time I made them. I was skeptical, of course. But that first bite? Wow! The outside was perfectly crisp, and the inside was tender. My kids, who are usually super picky, devoured them! Now, it’s a regular side dish in our house. If I can convert a Brussels sprouts hater like me, I promise you can make this a hit at your dinner table. Trust me on this one!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

Five minutes of prep? Yes, please! And the air fryer does the rest. Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier.

Perfectly Crispy

Forget soggy sprouts! The air fryer makes ’em crispy like little veggie chips. My favorite part is they have crispy edges!

Healthy and Delicious

We’re talking guilt-free deliciousness here! Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s a side you can feel good about.

Versatile Side Dish

Pairs with EVERYTHING! Chicken, steak, fish, even tofu. Seriously, try it – you won’t regret it.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Okay, here’s what you’ll need. Don’t skimp on the fresh Brussels sprouts – they make all the difference! You’ll want about a pound, trimmed and halved. Then grab a tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Oh, and balsamic glaze? Totally optional, but trust me, it’s SO good!

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to business! This is so easy, you’ll be making Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts every night. Here’s the lowdown:

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

First things first: grab your pound of Brussels sprouts. Now, you’ll want to trim off the very end of the stem – just a little snip will do. Then, slice them in half lengthwise. If you’ve got any that are HUGE, you can quarter them so they cook evenly. We don’t want any burnt bits!

Seasoning the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Next, toss those halved sprouts into a bowl. Drizzle ’em with that tablespoon of olive oil (don’t be shy!), then sprinkle on the half teaspoon of salt and quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Now, get your hands in there and toss everything together until the sprouts are nicely coated. This is important – it helps them get crispy!

Air Frying to Perfection

Okay, this is key: PREHEAT your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Seriously, don’t skip this step! Once it’s hot, arrange the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of crisping. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, BUT – and this is important – shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. They’re done when they’re tender and golden brown with crispy edges. Keep an eye on them; every air fryer is different!

Serving Your Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Now, the best part! Serve those crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts immediately. And if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle them with a little balsamic glaze. Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously, you’ll be hooked!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Want perfectly crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts every time? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Seriously, this is HUGE! If you cram too many sprouts in there, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. Cook ’em in batches—it’s worth the extra few minutes, I promise!

Adjust Cooking Time

Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on things! Start with 12 minutes, but you might need a bit more or less depending on your model. You’re looking for that golden-brown, crispy perfection!

Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts

Frozen ones? Eh, they’ll work in a pinch, but fresh Brussels sprouts are where it’s at! They just get so much crispier and have better flavor, trust me.

Experiment with Seasonings

Don’t be afraid to get creative! A little garlic powder? Yum! Smoked paprika? Even better! A pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick? You do you!

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe, right? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! There are SO many ways to customize these little guys. Here are a few of my faves:

Spicy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Want a little kick? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder before air frying. Adds a nice little zing!

Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Oh man, these are good! After they’re done cooking, toss ’em with some grated Parmesan cheese. Melty, salty, deliciousness!

Balsamic Glazed Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Seriously, this takes ’em to the next level. That balsamic glaze just adds a touch of sweetness and tang that’s totally addictive.

Maple Glazed Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and savory? Yes, please! Drizzle with a little maple syrup after cooking for a seriously yummy twist. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Okay, so you’ve got these amazing Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts…now what? Here are some ideas to make your meal complete!

Pair with Roasted Chicken

Classic combo, right? The crispy sprouts are SO good with juicy roasted chicken. Can’t go wrong!

Serve with Steak

Level up your steak night! These sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side that perfectly complements a tender steak.

Add to a Salad

Seriously, try it! They add a great crunch and flavor to any salad. My favorite is with some goat cheese and cranberries. Yum!

Serve as a Thanksgiving Side

Forget the boring green bean casserole! These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a total Thanksgiving showstopper. Guaranteed to impress!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Made too many Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts? No problem! Here’s how to keep ’em tasty for later.

Storing Leftovers

Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

Wanna get ’em crispy again? The air fryer is your best bet! Just toss ’em in for a few minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. Microwaving? Eh, not so much… They’ll get kinda soggy. Air fryer is the way to go!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Got questions about making perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Okay, so you *can* use frozen, but they won’t get as crispy. They tend to release more water, so you’ll end up with a softer texture. If you’re using frozen Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure they’re really dry before you season them.

What temperature is best for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts?

I always go with 400°F (200°C). It’s the sweet spot for getting them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Trust me on this one!

How do I prevent them from burning?

Two things! First, don’t overcrowd the basket (we talked about that, right?). Second, shake that basket halfway through cooking! It helps them cook evenly and prevents any rogue sprouts from getting too toasty. If you see they’re browning too fast, you can lower the temperature a bit.

Can I add other vegetables?

Totally! Broccoli, bell peppers, and onions are all great additions. Just keep in mind that different veggies have different cooking times, so you might need to adjust accordingly. Add the quicker-cooking veggies later in the process. Just experiment and have fun with it!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition stuff. Here’s the deal: this is just an estimate, okay? But roughly, for a serving of these amazing Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, you’re looking at around:

• Calories: 100
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 8g

Of course, this can change depending on how much olive oil you use and whether you add that balsamic glaze (which, let’s be real, you totally should!). But hey, it’s mostly Brussels sprouts, so you’re getting a good dose of fiber and vitamins. Not bad for something that tastes this good, right?

Enjoy Your Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts!

Okay, go make these! Seriously, you won’t regret it. And hey, if you try ’em, let me know what you think! I love hearing your feedback!

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