There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about the smell of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts wafting through the kitchen—it instantly takes me back to cozy holiday dinners with my family. But let me be honest, those old-school oven-roasted sprouts sometimes end up soggy or too bitter, and that’s where this air fryer version totally changed the game. If you’ve ever thought Brussels sprouts were “meh,” I promise this recipe will have you rethinking that. Air fryer sprouts come out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and with this irresistible caramelized edge that you just can’t get from the oven alone. It’s hands-down one of the easiest, tastiest ways to get your greens with zero guilt and zero fuss. Plus, my kids actually ask for these like it’s some kind of treat—which, honestly, feels like a major win!
What is an air fryer spray?
Think of air fryer sprouts as the cooler, speedier cousin of oven-roasted Brussels sprouts. Essentially, you’re giving those miniature cabbages a quick bath in a little oil (just enough to get them golden and crispy), seasoning them up, and then letting the magic of hot circulating air do all the work. The air fryer crisps up the outsides kind of like frying but without the mess or extra oil. The name’s pretty straightforward—“air fryer sprouts” simply means Brussels sprouts cooked in an air fryer rather than tossed in the oven or sautéed in a pan. It’s a fuss-free, almost foolproof way to enjoy sprouts that come out crunchy, flaky, and full of toasty, nutty flavor every time. Seriously, once you start doing your sprouts this way, you might never go back!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love most about air fryer sprouts is how insanely good the flavor gets with such minimal effort. They develop this beautiful crispy, caramelized surface but stay nice and tender inside—sort of a perfect balance between roasted and fried. Plus, the flavor is totally customizable; you can add garlic, lemon zest, bacon bits, or even a sprinkle of parmesan to seriously fancy things up. That crunch? It’s addictive. The simplicity of it is a lifesaver when life gets busy—pop them in the air fryer, set the timer, and you’re free to tackle anything else on your plate without babysitting the sprouts. Budget-wise, sprouts are super affordable, especially when they’re in season, and a little oil and seasoning go a long way. They’re versatile too! I like to serve them as a side, toss them in salads, or even chop them up for grain bowls. Compared to my tried and true oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, air fryer sprouts are way faster and tend to please picky eaters, which is saying something in my house!
How do I make air fry sprays?
Quick Overview
Making air fryer sprouts couldn’t be easier. You start by trimming and halving fresh Brussels sprouts, toss them in a bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The hot air does all the work, crisping them up in about 15-20 minutes. You get that lovely golden brown color and irresistible crispness without any greasy mess or long wait times. Honestly, I find the air fryer method less fiddly and way more consistent than roasting in the oven—no need to flip every 5 minutes or worry about uneven cooking. Trust me on this one; it’ll become your go-to side in no time.
Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Sprouts:
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts (firm, bright green, and small to medium size work best)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor
For the Finishing Touch:
- Juice of half a lemon (brightens up the dish wonderfully)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (totally optional, but addictive!)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. If your model doesn’t have a preheat option, just run it empty for a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, trim off the slightly woody ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise. If you spot any yellow or damaged outer leaves, peel those off—they tend to get bitter.
Step 2: Toss with Oil and Seasonings
In a large bowl, drizzle the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you’re going for (I really love garlic powder here). Use your hands or a spatula to toss them until every sprout is lightly coated. The oil helps them crisp up beautifully without getting greasy.
Step 3: Arrange Evenly in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the sprouts cut side down in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Crowding them will cause steaming instead of crisping, so if you have a smaller basket, do this in batches. I usually get two batches out of 1 pound without a problem.
Step 4: Air Fry and Shake
Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the sprouts halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye toward the end—when they develop a deep golden brown and smell nutty and toasty, they’re good to go!
Step 5: Add Final Flavors
Transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl, then immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Toss gently, then sprinkle on Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you like. The lemon brightens up the earthiness of the sprouts, and the cheese adds that perfect umami pop.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot straight from the air fryer. Whether as a quick side dish or a snack, these sprouts won’t last long once they hit the table. Fair warning—they might just disappear in minutes at your house like mine.
What to Serve It With
For Breakfast: I love these crispy air fryer sprouts alongside scrambled eggs and a strong cup of coffee. The slight bitterness cuts through the richness of eggs perfectly, making for a balanced morning plate.
For Brunch: Try plating them with avocado toast or smoked salmon and cream cheese for a restaurant-worthy spread. They add texture and a savory spark that feels fancy but is totally fuss-free.
As Dessert: Okay, sprouts aren’t dessert, but here’s a fun twist—drizzle a touch of maple syrup or drizzle balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory finish that pairs surprisingly well with dark chocolate or berry compote afterwards. It’s a nice way to close savory brunches on a playful note.
For Cozy Snacks: When everyone’s just lounging around, these make a phenomenal crunchy snack alongside your favorite dips—ranch dressing or garlic aioli are winners in my book. I’ve definitely caught my kids grabbing these straight off the plate like popcorn!
I’ve found that serving these with a squeeze of extra fresh lemon or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can really jazz things up and elevate the dish for family dinners or casual gatherings. They’ve become a staple that effortlessly elevates whatever else I’m serving. It’s one of those “set-it-and-forget-it” sides that gets rave reviews every time.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Sprouts
Sprout Prep: Always trim the little stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged leaves to avoid bitterness. I like to halve the sprouts for a great balance of tender inside and crispy outside. If the sprouts are huge, quartering them helps everything cook evenly.
Oil and Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the oil—it’s what makes them crisp up nicely instead of drying out. However, a little goes a long way! Too much oil can mean soggy sprouts. Use high-quality olive or avocado oil for the best taste and health benefits.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryer baskets vary, but crowding the basket is the number one reason for limp, steamed sprouts. Give them space to breathe and crisp. I learned this after several disappointing batches and trust me—it’s worth the extra step.
Shake or Stir Halfway: This little move ensures even cooking and golden color all around. Without it, you’re likely to end up with some burnt morsels on one side and pale ones on the other.
Flavor Variations: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add a smoky depth, but don’t hesitate to experiment. A sprinkle of curry powder or five-spice powder gives these an exciting twist. For a fresh pop, toss with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme after cooking.
Finishing Touches: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right after cooking makes the flavors sing. Parmesan cheese adds indulgence—my kids fight over it! For spicy lovers, crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce turns these from side to snack to star.
Oven vs. Air Fryer: I’ve baked sprouts in every way imaginable, and the air fryer consistently wins on crispness and speed. If you don’t have an air fryer, roast them on a high rack in a hot oven and broil briefly at the end to mimic some of the crisp.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: These sprouts are best fresh but can be left out covered on the counter for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, they start losing their crispy magic and taste a little off.
Refrigerator Storage: Pop cooled sprouts into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in the air fryer or a hot skillet to bring back that crisp texture rather than microwaving, which tends to make them mushy.
Freezer Instructions: While not ideal, you can freeze cooked Brussels sprouts by flash freezing on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. Store up to 1 month. Thaw fully in the fridge before reheating. Note: crispness is compromised here, so these are best used in soups or mashed recipes after freezing.
Glaze Timing: If you’re adding fresh lemon juice or cheese, do so after reheating to keep it fresh and vibrant. Glazes or drizzle toppings don’t reheat well, so always add those last-minute.
My trick is to cook only what I need and refrigerate leftovers to reheat just once. I’ve learned the hard way that repeated reheating kills flavor and texture here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I can’t overstate how much this air fryer sprouts recipe has made its way into my weekly rotation. It’s one of those dishes I lean on when I want something healthy but crave something satisfying and crisp. The smell alone brings everyone into the kitchen before dinner even starts. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy—like, “throw and go” easy—making weeknight dinners so much smoother. If you love these, you might also want to check out my recipe for air fryer garlic green beans or crispy roasted cauliflower for more fun takes on healthy, speedy sides. I’m so excited for you to try this and hear how it turns out in your kitchen. Please drop a comment or share your favorite tweaks—I’m always here for swapping tips! Happy cooking, and may your sprouts always be crispy and golden!
air fryer sprouts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts ends trimmed, outer leaves removed, and cut in half lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup pork panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; stir until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes at 400°F.
- When time is up, open the air fryer and stir the Brussels sprouts.
- Sprinkle sprouts with Parmesan cheese and pork panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange in one layer and continue to air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until crisp tender.
- Remove sprouts from air fryer.
- Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
- Serve immediately.
