In this recipe for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, I show you how to make them perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. I also give instructions for cooking them with bacon and using frozen brussel sprouts!
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Let me show you how simple it is to make fresh Brussels sprouts so crispy it's almost like potato chips. Air Frying is truly the best way to make brussel sprouts, whether fresh or frozen.
These may be the most hated vegetable, but cooking these mini cabbages until golden brown and crispy in the air fryer makes all the difference. The key to the ultimate crunch factor is to cut them into quarters, coat them in oil, and then let the air fryer get to work.
How to make the crunchiest Brussels in the air fryer
- Prep the brussel sprouts by removing the tough stems, outer leaves and cut into quarters. This helps them cook more quickly and more surface area to get crispy.
- Season the sprouts in your favorite cooking oil, salt and pepper. We need the oil to help them get nice and crispy. You can use any seasoning you like. Keep it dry so there is no excess moisture that can hamper crispiness.
- Air fry the Brussels until they have the perfect crispy texture. These get so much crispier than roasted Brussels sprouts and much less oil than deep frying.
Some other Air Fryer recipes you should definitely check out:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
- Salmon in the Air Fryer
- Keto Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts - Frozen or Fresh!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment
- Air Fryer (Here's the air fryer I like best on Amazon)
Instructions
- Remove the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts and any thick outer leaves. Cut the sprouts into quarters.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with the oil and salt and pepper. pour into the Air Fryer basket and lay in a single layer.
- Cook in the Air Fryer at 350F for 7 minutes. Check to see if the sprouts are tender by piercing with a fork. If not tender, cook at 350F for 3 minutes more after giving the air fryer basket a good shake.
- If the sprouts are tender, but not yet crunchy enough, turn the Air fryer up to 375F and cook for 3 minutes. Check for crunchiness and cook longer, if desired. The cooking time will depend on the size of the brussel sprouts.
- Season the cooked Brussels to taste.
Notes
- You can season these however you like. For a little kick, add some cayenne pepper. You could also finish them off with a little lemon juice or parmesan cheese.
- If you want to add bacon to these, you are going to want to cut 4 pieces of raw bacon into pieces that are at least 2 inches wide and toss them with the Brussels sprouts. Bacon pieces any smaller will get over cooked.
- This recipe works with frozen Brussels as well! Let the sprouts thaw and cut them into quarters. Follow the directions above until the Brussel sprouts are nice and crispy.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.
CB says
Great recipe! Everything turned out crispy and tasty!
Aris van de LoosdrechA says
Thank you for some awesome air fryer recipes! I was hesitant to get an air fryer, thinking it would just be another kitchen appliance fad, was i wrong! My whole family uses this more than any appliance we have...and we have a lot!
MATTHEW Taylor says
This is my third recipe from you and you have killed it yet again. I am so happy I found your site. Keep up the great work. I trust you in your ideas and I’m the type of guy that changes a lot to the recipes but yours have been spot on.
Chris says
I am new to air frying. Do I preheat the fryer before adding the Brussels sprouts?
jenniferbanz says
You can but since it is so small, I ind it not necessary
Susan Albern says
Cooked in an instant pot with air fryer lid. Cooked 6 minutes as directed, shuffled the sprouts, then cooked for 4 minutes. Tossed with honey and red wine and cooked another 2 minutes. The honey carmelized and they were FABULOUSLY DELICIOUS!
Shanna says
Any advice on making this in an instapot instead? I don’t think I can buy another appliance. I love your recipes. I especially like watching you cook them when it pops up on my fb feed.
Thanks!
jenniferbanz says
I wouldn't use the Instant Pot as they would be mushy. I would roast them in the oven
Cyndy says
There is an air fryer accessory lid for the Instant Pot you can find on Amazon. I use mine all the time. Highly recommend if you don't want to buy an extra appliance!
Ellie says
Loved the Brussel Sprouts used Frozen I feel a whole more confident using my air fryer after watching your 4 easy air fryer recipes video. I am new this week and can already tell I bought the right one and found a great coach! Keep it up!
Julie says
I’m going to toss them with balsamic towards the end of cook time. I report back with my results !!!
Daisy says
Can I use frozen Brussel sprouts and if so how long do I cook for?
Paula says
I just made these for the first time with my Instant Pot Crisper Lid on my IP 6 quart. They were great. The extra tips on temperature and timing helped me cook the brussel sprouts to perfection. I added bacon, but my pieces were smaller than recommended. They still cooked just right. I love air frying with my new lid. Quantities with the 6qt are on the smaller side, but perfect when cooking for two.
Jo says
Oh yum, love those crispy edges on those brussels sprouts. It looks absolutely delicious!
Charity Beth Long says
You're speaking my language! I'll make my brussels sprouts with bacon for sure. Looks delish!
Rebecca Blackwell says
I love Brussels sprouts but had never tried cooking them in the air fryer until I saw this recipe. They looked so good I decided to try them tonight and they were every bit as good as they look in the pictures. Thank you so much for a great recipe! We will make these again and again.
Sara says
What a great way to make a tasty veggie! I have been cooking a lot in my air fryer, but would have never thought to do brussels sprouts!
Debbie says
Jennifer I am new to the air fryer world and these Brussels sprouts sound amazing. Such a creative way to cook my favorite veggie. I can't wait to try these..thanks for you wonderful recipe.
Jess says
Holy moly! These brussel sprouts look and sound amazing! I LOVE my air fryer and can't wait to try this sprouts version out! Mmmmmm!
Denise says
Wow! Those Brussel sprouts not only look delicious, but addicting! This would be a great side to any meal, or even just a snack on its own!
Veronika says
Too bad I don't have an air fryer... But I would like to make this recipe! Brussels sprouts are one of my favorites!
Amber says
I just bought brussels sprouts last night at the grocery so trying this recipe tonight in the air fryer. What do you think about adding a little drizzle of balsamic over top also?
Pam Greer says
Wow, these come out perfectly cooked and crispy every time! A favorite recipe for the air fryer!
Lauren Escamilla Stangoni says
Hi, which specific air fryer do you use? Any pros/ cons to it? New here, but can't wait to try this recipe!
jenniferbanz says
I use this one and love it: https://amzn.to/2IipxjZ
Mary Sallie Soto says
Was given an air fryer because on my door is posted do not to turn store or oven off by my great children. Easy air fryer stops automatically. I have made cat fish nuggets. I am impressed.