Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe: The Only Way You’ll Ever Love Brussels Sprouts

Let’s get real for a minute: Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation. Most people associate them with mushy, stinky side dishes served at family dinners that no one actually wants to eat. Well, not anymore! If you’ve never experienced crispy Brussels sprouts that are golden, caramelized, and just a little bit addicting, buckle up. Because with the magic of the air fryer, this side dish is about to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this misunderstood veggie.

So, let’s talk about why Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are going to be your new favorite thing.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome (And You Need It)

Here’s the deal. Brussels sprouts are delicious. When cooked right. And guess what? The air fryer is here to make sure you get crispy, golden, and oh-so-flavorful sprouts in less time than it takes to order takeout. If you’re sick of boiling, steaming, or microwaving your veggies into sad submission, this recipe will change the game.

The air fryer crisps them up perfectly, giving them a rich flavor without needing to drown them in oil. It’s like the magic wand of the kitchen, turning a humble vegetable into a crispy, caramelized miracle. Plus, it’s easy! You don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to make these crispy Brussels sprouts—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll look like a pro.

Ingredients (Keep It Simple, Folks)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy side dish:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil if you’re fancy)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (trust me, it’s worth it)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for that extra kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (don’t skimp, it’s important)
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan for that extra oomph

Substitutions:

• You can swap olive oil for coconut oil if you want a slightly different flavor.
• For a spicy kick, toss in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used (So You Can Shop Smart)

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for this recipe (and hey, might as well grab them from Amazon and stock up!):

• Air fryer: This is the star of the show, so make sure it’s big enough for your sprouts. (Check out this highly rated air fryer if you’re looking for a good one!)
• Sharp knife: For cutting those Brussels sprouts in half.
• Cutting board: Obviously.
• Large mixing bowl: To toss everything together.
• Tongs: For easy flipping of your crispy little bites of heaven.

Step-by-Step Instructions (No Stress, Just Crispy Sprouts)

1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Start by cutting the tough stem off the Brussels sprouts, then slice them in half. No need to be fancy here—just a simple cut. Make sure they’re all about the same size for even cooking.
2. Season Them Up: Toss the Brussels sprouts into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss them around like you’re auditioning for a cooking show until they’re nicely coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it heat up for a few minutes. Preheating isn’t always necessary, but when it comes to crispy, crunchy Brussels sprouts, it’s a must.
4. Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts: Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Don’t overcrowd them—give them room to crisp up!) Cook them for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You want them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
5. Finish and Serve: Once they’re golden and crispy, pull them out of the air fryer. Give them a quick squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle with parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your crispy Brussels sprouts masterpiece.

Calories & Nutritional Info (Let’s Be Real, It’s Not That Bad)

• Calories per serving: ~150-200 calories (depending on oil and toppings)
• Fat: 12g (healthy fats from olive oil)
• Carbs: 12g (it’s a veggie, so it’s legit)
• Fiber: 4g (fiber is good, okay?)
• Protein: 3g (it’s a veggie, it’s not a steak)

Common Mistakes to Avoid (So You Don’t Mess This Up)

1. Overcrowding the Basket: If you pack too many Brussels sprouts in there, they won’t crisp up properly. Give them room to breathe, folks.
2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer: You’ll get a soggy batch instead of crispy goodness. Preheat that thing, please.
3. Not Flipping Halfway: Don’t just let them sit there—shake or flip them halfway through the cook time to get an even crisp.
4. Under-seasoning: Brussels sprouts are like the potato of the vegetable world—great, but bland without seasoning. Don’t be shy with the spices!

Variations & Customizations (Because You Like Options)

1. Keto-Friendly: Skip the lemon and parmesan, and drizzle with bacon grease (yes, we went there) for that smoky, savory flavor.
2. Spicy Version: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili flakes before air frying for a spicy kick.
3. Vegan Twist: Go all-in on the lemon zest and top with a generous handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch.

FAQ Section (Let’s Answer the Internet’s Burning Questions)

Q: Can I make crispy Brussels sprouts without an air fryer? A: Sure, you can roast them in the oven, but who has time for that? The air fryer is way faster and makes them crispy without all the extra oil.

Q: How do I know when they’re done? A: When they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. If they’re soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, you’re good to go!

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? A: Technically, yes. But fresh is best for that crispy texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Let them cool, pop them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to get the crisp back.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can prep them ahead and refrigerate, but for maximum crispiness, cook them right before serving.

Q: What should I serve these with? A: Honestly, these little guys go with everything. Serve them as a side with roasted chicken, steak, or even as a snack on their own.

Q: Can I add cheese? A: Heck yes! A little parmesan or goat cheese crumbled on top makes these even better.

Final Thoughts: Seriously, Stop Buying Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Look, you’ve made it this far. You can do this. The next time you think about buying those sad frozen Brussels sprouts, just remember: crispy Brussels are just an air fryer away. If you try this recipe and end up loving it (which you will), share it with your friends. And don’t forget to brag about how you made Brussels sprouts that actually taste good.

You’ve got this. Now go make some crispy, crispy magic.