Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Use the air fryer to serve impossibly crispy Brussels sprouts in a flash.
Serves4
Prep10 minutes
Cook15 minutes
My secret to getting dinner on the table every weeknight is a new sous chef — the air fryer. When I put this countertop appliance to work, I’m free to attend to the main dish while it works, virtually unattended. All I have to do is wait for that delightful “ding,” telling me the food needs a flip or is ready to eat.
Every air-fryer veggie I’ve tried has been sweeter, crunchier, and more flavorful than if I had roasted them — and Brussels sprouts are no exception. In fact, Brussels sprouts may be the perfect veggie to cook in the air fryer. Thanks to the super-hot circulating air their insides become tender while the outsides crisp to perfection.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
- Heat air fryer to 375°F. Not all air fryers require preheating, but for the crispiest Brussels sprouts it is best to start with a hot air fryer.
- Prep the Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends from all of the Brussels sprouts and cut any that are large in half. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Add to air fryer. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer for maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air.
- Air fry for 15 minutes. Shake or rotate baskets to ensure even crispness.
- Toss with shallot butter (optional): Add extra flavor with a 3-ingredient shallot butter drizzle.
Three Tips for Restaurant-Style Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Decent Brussels sprouts can come out of a hot oven, but anyone who has eaten crispy Brussels sprouts at a restaurant knows that greater edible experience exists. Your favorite restaurant relies on the deep fryer for that texture, but if you have an air fryer, you can serve that same deep-fried texture at home. Here are three trusty tips for serving crispy, restaurant-style Brussels sprouts.
- Halve Brussels sprouts larger than 1-inch. Speeds up cooking so the Brussels sprouts are tender inside quickly and maximizes surface area for crisping.
- Spread Brussels sprouts out. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in an even layer, and not in a pile so that the air can circulate and the veggies can crisp instead of steam.
- Finish with a buttery glaze. While it is entirely optional, finishing air fryer Brussels sprouts with shallot butter takes a simple weeknight side dish over the top.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Use the air fryer to serve impossibly crispy Brussels sprouts in a flash.
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes
Serves 4
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1 pound
Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon
olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
For the shallot butter (optional):
- 1
medium shallot
- 2 tablespoons
unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon
red wine vinegar
Instructions
Heat an air fryer to 375ºF. Meanwhile, trim 1 pound Brussels sprouts and halve any that are larger than 1-inch wide. Transfer to a medium bowl, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and toss to combine.
Add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer and arrange into a single layer (air fry in batches if needed). Air fry, stopping to shake the basket (or rotate the pans in larger air fryers) about halfway through, until browned and tender, about 15 minutes total. Meanwhile, make the shallot butter if desired.
Finely chop 1 medium shallot. Place 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave. (Alternatively, melt in a medium saucepan over low heat, then remove from the heat.) Add the shallots and 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, and stir to combine.
When the Brussels sprouts are ready, transfer into the bowl or saucepan with the shallot butter and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.