Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

See my guide on how to use an Air Fryer.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are irresistibly crispy and so easy to make! Seasoned with garlic and Parmesan, these Brussels sprouts are a delicious healthy side dish.

air fryer brussels sprouts with parmesan on a serving spoon held over a serving dish

Ever wondered how to make the crispiest Brussels sprouts? Cook them in the air fryer!

Cooking Brussels sprouts in the air fryer makes them extra crispy thanks to the hot air that circulates around the veggies as they cook. Every time I make these, I always end up eating most of them straight from the air fryer basket. They are that good!

While Air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispier than oven roasted Brussels sprouts, they are also a little firmer in the center. We love them this way, but if you’re looking for a Brussels sprouts recipe that makes extra tender Brussels, you might prefer roasting them in the oven.

On the other hand, if you’ve ever been disappointed by mushy Brussels, then air fryer sprouts are going to be just what you’re looking for. There’s not a mushy veggie in sight with this easy air fryer recipe.

These crispy Brussels are the perfect side dish to serve with Baked Chicken Breast, Honey Garlic Instant Pot Chicken and Crock Pot Pork Chops.

For more healthy vegetable side dish ideas, try Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Potatoes and Air Fryer Cauliflower!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are the crispiest sprouts around! Follow these tips for perfect air fried Brussels sprouts:

Dry them well after washing. Any moisture left on the sprouts will prevent them from becoming the crispiest.
Halve or quarter the sprouts. The centers of Air fryer Brussels sprouts will be firmer than oven roasted Brussels sprouts. By cutting large sprouts into quarters and regular sized sprouts in half, you’ll end up with Brussels that are more tender in the center.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. For maximum crispiness, you want the hot air to circulate all around each sprout. So arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, with a bit of space in between each one.
Season them well! This recipe uses garlic and Parmesan cheese, plus plenty of salt and pepper to make these air fryer Brussels sprouts deliciously addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brussels Sprouts: Choose Brussels sprouts that are bright green with tightly packed leaves and no dark spots or other signs of spoilage.
Olive Oil: Tossing the sprouts with a little olive oil adds flavor and helps to make them crispy.
Salt & Pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste to season the Brussels sprouts.
Garlic: Use one or two cloves of minced fresh garlic, depending on your tastes and the size of your garlic cloves. If you prefer to use garlic powder, I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon.
Parmesan Cheese: For a double dose of cheesy flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese partway through the cook time and then sprinkle on some more after the Brussels are cooked.

Recipe Note: If you prefer to make air fryer Brussels sprouts without garlic and Parmesan you can season the sprouts with just olive oil, salt and pepper. Or try one of the other seasoning ideas below.

Find the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Trim the stems off of the Brussels sprouts. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half, and quarter any extra large sprouts.
Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the sprouts with the seasonings.
Put the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reserve the mixing bowl for later use.
Air fry for 7 minutes at 370° F.
Return the partially-cooked sprouts to the mixing bowl. Toss them with the minced garlic and part of the Parmesan cheese.
Return the sprouts to the air fryer and cook for 4-6 more minutes, until crisp-tender.
Sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan and season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

More Seasoning Ideas

For Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, after air frying for 7 minutes toss the sprouts with a mixture of 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (honey also works well), 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar and 2 cloves minced garlic. Then air fry for 4-6 more minutes, until crispy. Alternatively, you can cook down some balsamic vinegar on the stove to make a balsamic glaze to drizzle over the air fried Brussels sprouts.
For lemon garlic Brussels, toss them with olive oil and the juice of half a lemon before air frying. Then toss with the minced garlic (and Parmesan, if desired), partway through the cook time, as directed in the recipe. You can also add lemon zest after air frying for an extra pop of bright lemon flavor.
Add some crispy baked bacon crumbles after cooking for the most delicious Brussels sprouts with bacon.
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a delicious way to add some spice.
Try serving air fryer Brussels with a drizzle of Honey Mustard.

Frozen Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

You can air fry Brussels sprouts from frozen. They will turn out less crispy than fresh Brussels sprouts, but will still be delicious.

While I don’t preheat the air fryer for fresh Brussels, I recommend preheating it for frozen. This way, the veggies will start to cook and crisp as soon as they hit the hot air fryer basket. Preheat for four minutes at 370° F.
Frozen Brussels sprouts may need a few extra minutes of cook time. They are done when they are crisp-tender when pierced with a fork.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Brussels sprouts are best eaten immediately after cooking, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat for a few minutes at 370° F in the air fryer.

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