Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan: Your New Favorite Easy Side Dish
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are incredibly simple to make, dressed only with savory seasonings and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This recipe isn’t just a new favorite; it’s a game-changer for preparing Brussels sprouts. It’s so quick and easy, transforming these often-misunderstood vegetables into a crispy, delectable side dish that even skeptics will adore. If you’ve been hesitant to try Brussels sprouts or have had less-than-stellar experiences, now is the perfect moment to discover how truly delicious they can be!
Discovering the Delight of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are small, vibrant green cruciferous vegetables that strikingly resemble miniature cabbages. Their name hails from Brussels, Belgium, where they were first cultivated as early as the 16th century. For centuries, they’ve been a staple in European cuisine, celebrated for their unique flavor and nutritional density.
For many, including myself, Brussels sprouts were once an acquired taste, often associated with unpleasant childhood memories of overcooked, sulfurous vegetables. However, my perception completely changed later in life when I experienced them prepared correctly. When cooked to perfection, Brussels sprouts offer a delightful nutty and subtly sweet flavor, accompanied by a satisfying al-dente crunch. This balance of taste and texture is what makes them truly enjoyable.
The negative reputation of Brussels sprouts largely stems from poor preparation. Overcooked sprouts can indeed become bitter, mushy, and emit a strong, sulfur-like odor—a culinary disaster no one wants to encounter. Thankfully, the air fryer method revolutionizes how we cook these tiny greens. It provides an almost foolproof way to achieve perfectly crispy, tender-on-the-inside sprouts, banishing bitterness and mushiness for good. This technique highlights their best qualities, making them an irresistible addition to any meal.
Why You Will Absolutely Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
This air fryer Brussels sprout recipe isn’t just a convenient side dish; it’s a culinary revelation that combines ease, incredible flavor, and impressive health benefits. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making them again and again:
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal active time, these sprouts are incredibly easy to prepare. They go from raw to perfectly crispy in minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet delicious vegetable side.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While this recipe is simple enough for everyday meals, its savory flavor profile and elegant presentation also make it a perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. It’s a versatile addition to any menu.
- Irresistible Flavor and Texture: The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around the sprouts, resulting in beautifully caramelized exteriors and tender interiors. The savory seasonings, combined with the salty, nutty notes of Parmesan cheese, create a truly addictive taste and texture combination.
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Brussels sprouts are renowned for their exceptional health benefits. They are naturally low in calories and fat, making them a fantastic choice for those watching their intake. Beyond that, they deliver a significant boost of dietary fiber and plant-based protein per serving, promoting satiety and digestive health.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: These miniature cabbages are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, notably Vitamin K, which is vital for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system. They also contain folate, manganese, and several B vitamins.
- Potential Disease Prevention: Research indicates that, like other cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale), Brussels sprouts contain compounds that may help prevent certain cancers. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are also linked to reducing the risk of chronic health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Incorporating them regularly into your diet is a smart move for overall well-being.
If you’re a devoted fan of Brussels sprouts, you’ll certainly want to explore these other fantastic and easy recipes: Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts and Brussels Sprouts Gratin.
A Few Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its reliance on a handful of common, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already! For precise measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card further down the page.
- Brussels Sprouts: For the absolute best results, always opt for fresh Brussels sprouts. They offer a superior texture and flavor compared to their frozen counterparts. If you’re lucky enough to find them on the stalk, grab them! Cutting them off yourself ensures maximum freshness.
- Olive Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is highly recommended for its flavor and quality, but feel free to substitute with other high-heat oils like peanut oil, avocado oil, or even a neutral vegetable oil if preferred.
- Garlic Powder: This provides a foundational savory note.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor that complements the sprouts beautifully.
- Thyme: Dried thyme works perfectly in this recipe, lending an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple table salt and freshly ground black pepper are fine, but for an enhanced flavor, consider using Kosher salt for a cleaner taste and larger flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper for a more pungent aroma.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shredded parmesan is key for that delicious, salty, umami finish. You can buy pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or for a truly superior taste and melt, grate your own from a block.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: A Simple Guide
Get ready to enjoy perfectly crispy and flavorful Brussels sprouts in a flash! This recipe takes just a few minutes of prep and a couple of simple steps, ensuring you’ll be noshing on these tasty greens sooner than you think.
- Prepare the Sprouts: Begin by placing your trimmed and halved fresh Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts are thoroughly and evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and helps them crisp up beautifully.
- First Air Fry: Carefully transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts into your air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate properly, which is crucial for achieving that desirable crispiness. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and air fry for 8 minutes. Remember to pause halfway through the cooking time and give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Add Parmesan & Finish: After the initial 8 minutes, remove the air fryer basket. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the partially cooked sprouts. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue to air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sprouts reach your desired level of crispiness and the Parmesan is melted and slightly golden.
Serve Immediately: Once done, carefully transfer the crispy, cheesy Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Enjoy them hot as a delicious side! They are best when fresh out of the air fryer.
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Tips and Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful air fryer Brussels sprouts is simple with a few key techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your dish:
- Proper Preparation is Key: Always trim the tough, woody end of each Brussels sprout. For smaller sprouts, simply halve them. For larger ones, quartering them can ensure more surface area for crisping and more even cooking. Cutting them in half is crucial for achieving those extra crispy edges, especially on the flat side of the sprout.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most important tip for air frying anything, especially vegetables you want to be crispy. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to steaming instead of frying. Cook the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid a soggy result.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: For uniformly golden and crispy sprouts, remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures all sides are exposed to the hot air and cook evenly.
- Seasoning Variations: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While parmesan is a fantastic finish, don’t stop there!
- Fresh & Zesty: A sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice after cooking can brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Heat & Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a touch of heat.
- Savory & Umami: A drizzle of soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) after cooking adds a delicious umami depth.
- Sweet & Tangy: For a sweet-savory twist, try a drizzle of maple syrup or balsamic vinegar/glaze over the finished sprouts. The tanginess of balsamic pairs wonderfully with the earthiness of the sprouts.
- Herbal Touches: Experiment with other dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or a hint of smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover Brussels sprouts will maintain their quality for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend! Re-crisp them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. The microwave tends to make them soft.
FAQ’s
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking crispy Brussels sprouts:
Why won’t my Brussels sprouts get crispy?
Achieving crispy Brussels sprouts is all about high heat and proper technique. If using an air fryer, ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket; cook them in a single layer so air can circulate effectively around each sprout. Shaking the basket halfway through is also vital for even browning. If you’re roasting them in the oven, similar principles apply. Make sure you use enough oil—a good rule of thumb is at least 2 tablespoons of oil for every pound of sprouts—and roast them at a high temperature, typically 400-425 degrees F (200-220 degrees C). Placing them cut-side down in a single layer on a baking sheet helps caramelize the flat surfaces and crisp up the outer leaves beautifully. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so ensure sprouts are dry before oiling.
Can you put frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, but be aware that they may not achieve the same level of crispiness as fresh ones due to their higher moisture content. For the best possible results, do not thaw them first. Place the frozen sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is plenty of space between each one to allow for proper air circulation. You’ll likely need to experiment with the cooking time, as frozen sprouts typically take longer than fresh ones—add an extra 5-10 minutes. Cook them until the outside leaves are completely crispy and the inside is tender. If they come out bitter or mushy, they probably needed to cook longer to evaporate more moisture and develop flavor.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for Brussels sprouts?
While many air fryer recipes suggest preheating, it’s not strictly necessary for Brussels sprouts. However, preheating for about 3-5 minutes can help ensure more consistent cooking and crispier results, as the sprouts hit a hot cooking environment immediately. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but monitor your cooking carefully and adjust time as needed.
Can I make air fryer Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
While you can prep the sprouts (trim and halve) and even toss them with oil and seasonings a few hours in advance, these air fryer Brussels sprouts are truly best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they are at their crispiest. If you do cook them ahead, plan to reheat them in the air fryer to revive their crisp texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Flexibility in the kitchen is always a plus! Here are some common substitutions you can make:
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: While fresh sprouts are highly recommended for optimal crispiness and flavor, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if fresh aren’t available. Be prepared for a slightly different texture, as frozen sprouts tend to be a bit mushier or more watery. Cook them directly from frozen and extend cooking time as needed.
- Olive Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil is great, but peanut oil, avocado oil, or a neutral vegetable oil can also be used effectively, especially if you prefer a higher smoke point or a less distinct flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For a fresh garlic flavor, you can substitute with minced fresh garlic (about 1-2 cloves per teaspoon of powder) or garlic paste. Keep an eye on it during cooking, as fresh garlic can burn more easily.
- Onion Powder: If you don’t have onion powder, you could try dried minced onion or even dried chives. For a finer consistency, grind them slightly before adding.
- Thyme: If using fresh thyme instead of dried, use about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme for every 1 teaspoon of dried thyme called for in the recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shredded Romano cheese or Pecorino cheese are excellent substitutes for Parmesan, offering a similar salty, sharp, and savory profile.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try
The air fryer is an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance, perfect for creating crispy, flavorful dishes with less oil. I’ve been diligently expanding the collection of air fryer recipes on my website. Here are a few more of my absolute favorites that you should definitely add to your rotation:
- Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
- Edamame Beans in the Air Fryer (pictured above)
- Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls
Serving Suggestions
These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of main courses. They make an excellent healthy side dish for:
- Roasted Meats: Perfect alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork loin, or a juicy steak.
- Fish & Seafood: Complements baked salmon, pan-seared cod, or shrimp scampi beautifully.
- Pasta Dishes: Adds a healthy green crunch to creamy or tomato-based pasta.
- Holiday Feasts: A lighter, yet flavorful alternative or addition to traditional holiday vegetable sides.
- Vegetarian Meals: Can be a standalone healthy snack or part of a larger vegetarian platter.
This week, I’m delighted to be part of a group of food blogger friends, all sharing their favorite side dishes perfect for the upcoming holidays. This delicious Brussels sprouts recipe is my second contribution this week, following a fantastic Instant Pot Sweet Potato Mash recipe I shared on Monday. You can find more amazing Salads and Side Dishes to browse on my site, and be sure to check out the full list of inspiring Holiday Side Dishes from the other talented bloggers below!
Wednesday Holiday Side Dish Recipes:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts from An Affair from the Heart
- Apple and Chestnut Stuffing from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Homemade Rice Pilaf from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
- Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower from The Spiffy Cookie
- Old-Fashioned Candied Yams from Palatable Pastime
- One Pot Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Orzo from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Pineapple Casserole from A Day in the Life on the Far
- Potato Gratin with Gruyére, Bacon, and Leeks from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus Bundles from Blogghetti
- Pumpkin Methi Luchi from Magical Ingredients
- Roasted Pepitas from Art of Natural Living
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole from Hostess At Heart
Don’t wait any longer to try this healthy, low-carb, and incredibly delicious recipe! These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your diet and serve as a wonderfully versatile side dish for countless meals. They’re proof that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy!
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Print Recipe
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
- Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Oven Digital and Programmable, Nonstick (35050), 2.5 Liters, Black
- COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh brussels sprouts halved and trimmed
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
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Place the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
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Add in the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-coated.
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Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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Add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Ensure they are in a single layer.
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Remove the basket and add the parmesan cheese. Air fry for another 3-4 minutes or until your desired crispiness is achieved and the cheese is melted and golden.
Nutrition
Calories: 127kcal |
Carbohydrates: 10g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g |
Cholesterol: 4mg |
Sodium: 184mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 2g