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Brussels sprouts have had quite the glow-up over the past 20-odd years. Thanks to breeding efforts by farmers, these cute little kale relatives taste far better than they once did. Another big leap forward in the status of the sprout was when restaurants began deep-frying or roasting them to coax out rich flavors and irresistible crunch from these humble veggies.
Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables to cook, and it doesn’t get much easier than popping them in the air fryer for a healthy, flavorful side dish. With some handy tips, just three ingredients, and less than 20 minutes, you can make incredible air fryer Brussels sprouts.
Here’s how to do it. And for more, see the 7 foods you should only cook in an air fryer and find out how much energy an air fryer uses versus a large oven.
Air fryer Brussels sprouts tips and tricks
Here are a few best practices I use to make every batch of air fryer Brussels sprouts toasty and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Choose the right temperature
The best temperature for air fryer Brussels sprouts depends on how you like them. If you’re looking for tender, green sprouts with just a little browning, set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you, like me, prefer a roasty, toasty, extra-crispy air fryer Brussels sprout, air fry them at 400 degrees F.
Oil is a must
I don’t add oil when air frying frozen, precooked foods like French fries or chicken tenders. However, a little oil is essential to give fresh vegetables a crunchy, browned exterior. You can do this by spritzing the basket with oil, then spritzing the food once you’ve added it. I prefer to toss my Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of oil in a bowl, along with a little salt and any spices I might be using, before cooking.
Give your sprouts some space
The trick to successful air frying is arranging the food in a single layer without overcrowding too much. This will allow your air fryer’s convection heat to crisp up as much surface area as possible and result in faster cooking.
Ingredients for air fryer Brussels sprouts
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Look for rich green sprouts and be sure to remove any wilted layers.
After taking off the ends, make one rough cut down the middle of each sprout.
Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper before cooking. You can do this inside the air fryer basket to save yourself a dish.
Don’t pile sprouts on top of each other or they won’t cook evenly.
How to make air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Wash Brussels sprouts and trim away the ends and any yellow or damaged leaves. Cut each sprout in half (you can leave any sprouts that are less than 1 inch wide or so whole).
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (for more gently cooked sprouts) or 400 degrees F (for browned, crispy sprouts). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, run it at the desired temperature for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, put Brussels sprouts in a medium bowl and toss with olive oil. Add salt and pepper, tossing to coat sprouts evenly.
- Add Brussels sprouts to the preheated air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Shake the basket when time is up, then cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. The total cook time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your sprouts. Poke a sharp knife into the center of a sprout to check for doneness — the inside should be tender.
- Serve air fryer Brussels sprouts immediately. If desired, toss with a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of sriracha and soy sauce, finely grated Parmesan cheese, or balsamic vinegar before serving.
A perfectly simple side that takes almost no effort in the air fryer.
Air fryer Brussels sprouts FAQ
What you can serve with air fryer Brussels sprouts
Why did my Brussels sprouts burn in the air fryer?
Burnt Brussels sprouts could indicate that the temperature was too high or the cooking time was too long. With air frying, it’s important to keep an eye on the food during the second half of cooking. Don’t be afraid to check for doneness before time is up to avoid overcooking. If you dislike very dark, crispy Brussels sprouts, remove any loose leaves before cooking so they don’t burn before the halved sprouts are done.
Why won’t my Brussels sprouts get crispy?
A too-low cooking temperature can cause air fryer Brussels sprouts to come out soggy or dried out rather than crispy and tender. Cook them at 400 degrees (or 375 if you’re concerned about your sprouts getting too dark). Be sure to arrange sprouts in a single layer.
