THE BEST Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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🥬✨ The BEST Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

🍽️ Servings: 2–4

⏱️ Total Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Air Fryer Temp: 375°F (190°C)

✅ Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional for caramelization)

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: red pepper flakes or chili crisp for heat

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

  • Trim off the tough ends and remove any yellowed outer leaves.

  • Cut each sprout in half (or quarters if they’re large) for more surface area and crispiness.

Step 2: Season

  • In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with:

    • Olive oil

    • Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice

    • Garlic powder

    • Salt & pepper

    • Maple syrup (optional, but helps with crisping and adds sweetness)

🍁 Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for depth.

Step 3: Air Fry

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.

  • Place Brussels sprouts in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

  • Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until:

    • Outer leaves are crispy

    • Centers are tender

🔥 For extra crispiness, add 1–2 more minutes at the end.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

  • Optional: Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze, lemon juice, or sprinkle with Parmesan, chili crisp, or everything bagel seasoning.

  • Serve hot as a side dish or a snack!

❓ Q&A: The BEST Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

❓Why are my Brussels sprouts burning but not cooked through?

They may be:

  • Cut too small

  • Cooked at too high a temp

  • Not tossed well in oil

👉 Tip: Cut them evenly, coat them thoroughly, and cook at 375°F — not 400°F — for more even results.

❓Can I make them ahead of time?

They’re best fresh, but you can:

  • Store in the fridge up to 3 days

  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes

❓Can I skip the maple syrup?

Yes! It’s optional. But it adds a nice caramelized edge. Sub with honey or leave it out entirely for a savory version.

❓Can I add bacon or pancetta?

Absolutely! Add small pieces of pre-cooked bacon or diced pancetta to the basket during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

❓How do I make them extra crispy?

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket

  • Cut sprouts in halves or quarters

  • Use Panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking..

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