The easiest way to prepare a delicious appetizer recipe to is to make these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts in under 20 minutes.
These crisp up well, are quick and easy and so easy to season with a variety of ingredients.
Preparing vegetables as side dishes always works so well for all kinds of mains. Whether you have some pasta, grilled paneer, naan and curry to rices dishes; there are so many ways to use vegetables to complement the flavors.
And while preparing sides, it is always a great to have a recipe that will come together in a matter of minutes and minimum effort. And that is when the air fryer steps in. Air fried vegetables make amazing sides for meals and they double up as perfect appetizers.
Whether it is air fried cauliflower or sweet potato fries; these are my choice along with other air fried vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms and baby corn. The air fryer makes these perfectly crisp and yet juicy. They do not become dry or brittle and taste great even with minimal spices and flavorings.
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What are Brussels Sprouts
A popular vegetable that looks like small cabbages, Brussels sprouts are delicious and pretty easy to cook. A seasonal green available on the stalk or as individual small rounds, this vegetable appears during Fall and is available till January.
These tiny sprouts are great for stir fries, appetizers or even main dishes. They need only a few minutes to cook and overcooking them gives them an unpleasant gray color and onion garlic kind of odor.
They are super popular as baked or air fried appetizers and I have used them to make a delicious Indian inspired Brussels stir-fry.
Why this recipe works
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a perfect side or appetizer recipe.
- The recipe is naturally Vegan.
- It is also gluten-free by itself.
- This recipe ensures we eat a lot of vegetables in one go.
- The prep for the recipe can be done before hand; then we only need to air fry right before serving.
- This same recipe works with minimal seasonings and toppings to using a lot of them.
- The air fryer gives perfectly crisp Brussels Sprouts that are not at all chewy.
- We can make the Brussels crisp throughout or soft in the centre by one simple tweak.
- The same recipe works for a big or small batch really well.
Why use the Air Fryer
Brussels Sprouts are a slightly complex ingredient to work with. First, it is either on the favorites list for folks or on the hated list. Moreover, it is also often on the never tried list.
But once you try Air Frying them, they will definitely get onto the favorites list for everyone. Air frying them is easy to make. The air fryer heats up within minutes compared to the conventional oven.
Plus, the recipe is a timed one. Though we may need to modify the time a little, it works for most of the Brussels Sprouts. That way it is super easy and promising. That being said, we can easily bake the Brussels too.
And the texture of air fried Brussels is unmatched! It makes the perfect side or appetizer.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Brussels Sprouts: This is the prime ingredient here. Try and get similar size Brussels Sprouts or simply halve or quarter the larger ones to bring them all to almost equal size. That way they all crisp together and not that the tiny ones burn and the larger ones are uncooked. Also ensure to clean them well and remove the hard leaves and stems.
- Garlic: Some garlic takes the recipe to a new level. The garlic crisps up with the Brussels and gives the recipe so much taste, flavor and texture. Skip it if you do not like garlic, but I strongly recommend using it.
- Seasonings: The only seasonings we need are salt and pepper. While we can add a ton of other seasonings, they are not really necessary in the recipe. Dried oregano, chili flakes, garlic powder or even garam masala works here.
- Oil: We need a dash of oil for air frying the Brussels Sprouts. Any oil works, I prefer to use Olive Oil or Avocado oil for the recipe.
- Balsamic Glaze: Finishing off the recipe with a savory, sweet and delicious balsamic glaze is perfect. It goes well with the crisp Brussels to make a delicious recipe.
- Pomegranate: Some pomegranate arils gives the recipe flavor, crunch and a pop of color. Skip these if you do not have them.
- There are multiple options to top the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Shredded parmesan, garlic powder, dried chives or even fresh scallion greens are great.
See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.
How to make this recipe
1- Clean the Brussels Sprouts by removing the tough leaves and stems. Halve the larger ones and keep the small ones intact. Transfer them all to a large bowl.
2- Add salt, pepper and oil.
3- Mix everything well till the Sprouts are coated well in seasoning and oil.
4- Heat the air fryer to 360 F. Add the Brussels Sprouts once the air fryer is hot. Make sure they are in a single layer so they cook evenly.
5- Air fry for 8 minutes. Then remove the basket and shake gently.
6- Add in sliced garlic cloves.
7- Air fry for another 4 minutes. If the Brussels are not crisp as needed, air fry for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the basket.
8- Transfer the Brussels Sprouts back to the large bowl.
9- Add in balsamic glaze and mix well.
10- Serve the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts toped with some pomegranate arils and chopped cilantro.
Expert Tips and Notes
- Make sure the Brussels Sprouts are even in size. They tend to cook evenly on all sides and together. If they are not, chop the larger ones into halves or quarters to make them even in size.
- Fresh Brussels work best. If they are dry and old, the Brussels Sprouts tend to become chewy instead of crunchy.
- The balsamic glaze is a complex flavored ingredient. It helps add so much flavor, a hint of sweetness and some salty taste to the Brussels Sprouts.
- Do not skimp on the oil. We need that much oil to crisp up the Brussels Sprouts. With lesser oil than that, they tend to burn and not crisp up well.
- The seasonings are easy to switch in the recipe. I like to use salt and pepper to keep it simple. However, dried oregano, chili flakes, taco seasoning, garam masala or garlic powder works as well.
- While I use only Brussels, it s easy to add in more vegetables to the sir fry. Asparagus, potatoes, baby corn or mushrooms work really well.
Soaking the Brussels Sprouts
There are two types of people; those who like crisp Brussels Sprouts and those who prefer them crisp outside but still soft inside.
If you like them crisp throughout, use them directly after prepping. However, if you like the centers to be tender, simply soak them in water after halving for 10 minutes. That way the Sprouts will crisp up on top but remain soft inside.
And yet, do not worry, this soaking will never make them soggy. Just drain the water well before air frying them.
Baking the Brussels Sprouts
No air fryer? No worries at all. Before I had my air fryer or even when I am making a super large batch for a gathering, I use a baking tray to prepare the Brussels Sprouts.
To bake these instead of air frying; simply prep them, coat them in seasonings and oil and spread them in a lined baking tray. Bake these in a preheated oven at 375 F for 15-18 minutes, adding garlic just 4 minutes before the end. This method works equally well.
Recipe FAQs
The step is optional. Soaking them in water will ensure they have soft centers on air frying; plus the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action. If we air fry them without soaking, they crisp up from top to center. So make the choice based on how you like them.
The seasonings for Brussels can be as simple as salt and pepper to more complex red chili flakes, dried oregano, parsley, garlic powder or taco seasoning. Pick what you like best and prepare the Brussels.
Yes for sure. Either season and prep them before hand and keep. Air fry just before serving. The other option is to finish all the way till air frying, reducing the time by about 3-4 minutes. Reheat them by air frying for the remaining time and serve immediately.
The most common issue with non-crispy Brussels is the lack of fat. Use enough oil so the Brussels get a chance to crisp up instead of burning and becoming dry.
Yes certainly. Simply pop the frozen ones with seasoning and oil in the air fryer. They do not need any soaking or halving. Plus, leave some extra space between them while air frying. It might help to add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they crisp up well.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean the Brussels Sprouts by removing the tough leaves and stems. Halve the larger ones and keep the small ones intact. Transfer them all to a large bowl.1 lb Brussels Sprouts
- Add salt, pepper and oil.1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Pepper powder, 1½ tablespoon Oil
- Mix everything well till the Sprouts are coated well in seasoning and oil.
- Heat the air fryer to 360 F. Add the Brussels Sprouts once the air fryer is hot. Make sure they are in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- Air fry for 8 minutes. Then remove the basket and shake gently.
- Add in sliced garlic cloves.3 cloves Garlic
- Air fry for another 4 minutes. If the Brussels are not crisp as needed, air fry for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the basket.
- Transfer the Brussels Sprouts back to the large bowl.
- Add in balsamic glaze and mix well.1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- Serve the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts toped with some pomegranate arils and chopped cilantro.¼ cup Pomegranate Arils, 3-4 stalks Cilantro
Video
Notes
- Make sure the Brussels Sprouts are even in size. They tend to cook evenly on all sides and together. If they are not, chop the larger ones into halves or quarters to make them even in size.
- Fresh Brussels work best. If they are dry and old, the Brussels Sprouts tend to become chewy instead of crunchy.
- The balsamic glaze is a complex flavored ingredient. It helps add so much flavor, a hint of sweetness and some salty taste to the Brussels Sprouts.
- Do not skimp on the oil. We need that much oil to crisp up the Brussels Sprouts. With lesser oil than that, they tend to burn and not crisp up well.
- The seasonings are easy to switch in the recipe. I like to use salt and pepper to keep it simple. However, dried oregano, chili flakes, taco seasoning, garam masala or garlic powder works as well.
- While I use only Brussels, it s easy to add in more vegetables to the sir fry. Asparagus, potatoes, baby corn or mushrooms work really well.
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