Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

 A truly perfect roasted brussel sprout is a thing of beauty: a crispy, dark-brown exterior with a tender, almost sweet interior. While a hot oven can do the trick, the air fryer is a game-changer. It circulates hot air around the sprouts at high speed, creating an incredibly crunchy texture without a lot of oil.¹ It's fast, efficient, and delivers results that are almost impossible to beat.²

The secret to this recipe is twofold: a high cooking temperature and a little bit of breathing room. By not overcrowding the air fryer basket, you allow the hot air to hit every surface of the sprouts, ensuring they get perfectly crispy instead of steaming and becoming soggy. This simple recipe will show you how to transform a vegetable that was once misunderstood into a crave-worthy, delicious side dish.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Yields: 2-4 servings3

Prep time: 5 minutes4

Cook time: 15-20 minutes5

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Ingredients

• 1 lb brussel sprouts⁶

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil⁷

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder⁸

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for flavor and color)

• ½ teaspoon salt⁹

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Brussel Sprouts

1. Wash and Trim: Wash the brussel sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the hard, dry ends at the base and remove any loose or yellow outer leaves.

2. Cut: For best results, cut each brussel sprout in half. For larger sprouts, you can even quarter them. Cutting them into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly.¹⁰

2. Season the Sprouts

1. Toss with Oil: In a medium bowl, add the cut brussel sprouts.¹¹ Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat every piece. The oil is important for helping the seasonings stick and for getting that beautiful, crispy exterior.¹²

2. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the sprouts. Toss again until they are evenly coated.

3. Air Fry to Perfection

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.

2. Arrange in Basket: Place the seasoned brussel sprouts in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket.¹³ Do not overcrowd the basket. This is the most crucial step for achieving crispiness. If you have too many sprouts, cook them in two batches. Overcrowding will cause the sprouts to steam rather than crisp up.¹⁴

3. Cook: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.¹⁵ The sprouts are done when they are tender on the inside and have a crispy, dark-brown exterior.

4. Serve Immediately

1. Remove the brussel sprouts from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving bowl.

2. For extra flavor, you can toss them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

3. Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy.

Tips for Ultimate Crispiness

• Don't Overcrowd: I can't stress this enough. A single, even layer is non-negotiable for crispy results.

• The Right Temp: A high air fryer temperature is key. It helps to evaporate the water in the brussel sprouts quickly, so they get crunchy instead of steaming and turning soft.

• A Little Oil Goes a Long Way: The oil helps the heat transfer and gives the sprouts a beautiful golden color and a crunchy texture.¹⁶

• Check for Doneness: The time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the size of your sprouts, so check on them every few minutes after the 15-minute mark to get the perfect result.