Best Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Fresh Or Frozen Recipe

Why We Love This Easy Air Fried Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts have become quite popular over the last couple of decades, have you noticed? These tiny cabbage-like orbs used to be avoided like the plague. But at some point, over time people discovered they make a fabulous vegetable base for all sorts of flavors and toppings. We have certain methods we love for making Brussels Sprouts… Braising them with bacon and beer, or “oven frying” them on a baking sheet with lots of oil to make them extra crispy. However, if you’re looking for a quick and healthy method for making Brussel Sprouts, that pairs well with any sauce or topping, air frying Brussel sprouts is the perfect technique. Air frying Brussel sprouts allows you to use very little oil, yet the leaves of the Brussels turn crispy on the outside, just like deep-fried Brussels. Today we’re providing a simple air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe using fresh or frozen brussel sprouts, plus suggestions on seasoning your sprouts.

Brussel Sprouts or Brussels Sprouts?

But first, let’s get something out of the way… Is it Brussel Sprouts or Brussels Sprouts? We’ve titled our recipe “Brussel Sprouts“ because that is how most people commonly search for recipes. However, these little jewels are named after the city of Brussels in Belgium. Therefore, the proper term is Brussels Sprouts. One single sprout is technically a Brussels Sprout. OK, moving on…

5 Ingredients You Need

Brussels sprouts – fresh or frozen Olive oil – or other high-heat spray oil, like canola or avocado Garlic powder – our favorite for classic sprouts, but feel free to season as you like Salt and pepper – a bit of each to taste

Optional Sprouts Seasonings

Toss the veggies in your choice of spices and seasoning blends! Here are a few ideas to get you going:

Italian seasoning Adobo seasoning Cajun seasoning Chili powder and cumin Chinese 5 spice Cayenne pepper

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Meanwhile, rinse and dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim the root ends and pull off any gnarly outer leaves. Then cut any large Brussels sprouts in half. Pro Tip: You can cut all the Brussels sprouts in half or leave the smallest ones whole. Place the brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket. Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Then toss to coat. Sprinkle the top generously with garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Toss again and spread the brussels sprouts out into an even layer.

How to Make Air-Fried Fresh Brussel Sprouts

Air fry for 5 minutes. Then shake the air fryer basket vigorously and air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes, until crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

How to Air Fry Brussel Sprouts from Frozen

Air fry for 10 minutes. Then shake the basket vigorously, and spread the brussels sprouts back out into an even layer. Continue to air fry for another 6-9 minutes, until warm on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Optional Toppings for Brussel Sprouts

Any sort of sweet and sticky drizzle enhances the earthy flavor of the air-fried brussels sprouts. Consider using balsamic glaze or thick balsamic vinegar, red wine reduction, eel sauce, honey, or sorghum over the Brussel sprouts. You can leave them sweet, or add additional savory ingredients over the drizzle! Considered goodies such as crumbled feta or blue cheese, crispy chopped bacon, parmesan cheese, chopped nuts (especially smoked nuts), or seeds like pepitas. Another great addition to a sticky glaze is spice! Try mixing red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or cumin into your glaze for a spicy kick. Depending on the toppings you decide to add, these little beauties are fabulous low carb, keto, vegan, and gluten-free dish!

Serving Suggestions

These crispy brussels sprouts are perfect for a dinner appetizer or side dish, or as a healthier evening snack. Season the brussels to your tastes and pair with meaty mains like Steak Diane (Cheesecake Factory copycat), delicious Porterhouse Steaks with compound butter, or Steak au Poivre (with Cognac cream). They also are great with deliciously simple chicken dishes, such as Seasoned Chicken or Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets. We love to enjoy them with tender and moist Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Apple Baked Stuffed Pork Chops, and Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin. And, oh, the dipping sauces! Serve ramekins of your favorite sauces on the side, like:

Southern comeback sauce Remoulade Chimichurri sauce Magic aioli sauce Cheese sauce Tzatziki sauce