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These air fryer brussels sprouts are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an easy and delicious side dish for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn this often-overlooked vegetable into air fried brussels sprouts your whole family will actually crave!
For more ways to do brussels sprouts, try my Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts!
Why you’ll love this air fried brussels sprouts recipe!
If you’ve ever thought you didn’t like brussels sprouts, this recipe might completely change your mind. The secret is all in the cooking method. Air frying transforms them from soft and bitter to crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor.
As they cook, the outer leaves get perfectly crisp while the inside stays tender. Add a touch of maple syrup, and you get a subtle sweetness that balances their natural earthiness beautifully.
- Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer gives these brussels sprouts that irresistible golden, crispy texture without needing a lot of oil, so you get all the crunch with less guilt.
- Quick and Easy Side Dish: With minimal prep and just about 15 minutes of cook time, this is one of those air fryer recipes you can rely on during busy weeknights.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper creates the perfect balance of flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Pairs with Everything: From weeknight dinners to holiday meals, these brussels sprouts fit right in with just about any main dish.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Brussels sprouts – Fresh brussels sprouts work best; trim the ends and halve larger ones for even cooking.
- Olive oil – Helps the sprouts crisp up and adds rich flavor.
- Maple syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the edges.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning that brings everything together.
Substitutions
- Make them spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
- Add parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the sprouts right after cooking.
- Go savory: Skip the maple syrup and add garlic powder or balsamic vinegar instead.
- Use bacon: Toss with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Try different sweeteners: Swap maple syrup for honey or agave if needed.
How To Make Brussels Sprouts In Air Fryer
- Prep the sprouts: Trim the ends and cut larger brussels sprouts in half so they cook evenly. Place the sprouts in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Add the brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for about 12 minutes. Toss or shake the basket around the 6-minute mark to ensure even crisping.
- Season: Cook until golden brown and crispy, then adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve right away for maximum crispiness!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer brussels sprouts pair well with so many meals:
How to Store and Reheat
- To Store: Keep leftover brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soaking isn’t required, but you can soak them in cold salted water for about 20 minutes if you want to clean them thoroughly. Just be sure to dry them completely before cooking.
This usually happens if the air fryer is overcrowded or the sprouts are too wet. Make sure they’re dry and spaced out for the best results.
Yes! They use minimal oil and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious side dish.
You can, but they won’t get quite as crispy. For best results, thaw and dry them before air frying.
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 brussels sprouts stalks (about 3 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and maple syrup, stir to coat all the Brussels Sprouts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for about 12 minutes. Stir halfway through. (After 6 minutes)
- Continue cooking until brussels sprouts are golden brown.
- Adjust seasoning, if necessary, serve as a side dish.
I absolutely love your take on air fryer Brussels sprouts! I’ve been experimenting with different vegetables in my air fryer, and these crispy sprouts are a game changer. The 12-minute cook time is so convenient for busy weeknights. It’s impressive how you highlighted the balance of flavor and texture — I often find that making veggies exciting can influence even the pickiest eaters. This approach not only encourages healthier eating geometry dash lite habits but also reflects how simple cooking methods can bring families together over nutritious meals. Thank you for inspiring us to try new things in such a delicious way!
These turned out perfectly in the air fryer!