Ridiculously Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

I’ll be honest—I wasn’t always a fan of Brussels sprouts. But once I tried making air fryer Brussels sprouts, everything changed. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside, very tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. No more mushy, bitter sprouts—these are roasted to perfection in just 12 minutes!

I serve them as a quick side dish, tossing them in balsamic glaze, or adding bacon for extra crunch, this air fryer recipe makes the best Brussels sprouts ever.

I’ve been making more air fryer recipes lately, and these two always turn out amazing. Air Fryer Butternut Squash gets perfectly tender with a hint of caramelization, and Air Fryer Potato Skins come out crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I keep it simple and flavorful with just a few ingredients:

• Brussels Sprouts – I use fresh, firm sprouts and halve them for even cooking.
• Olive Oil – Helps them get that golden, crispy texture.
• Salt & Pepper – Basic, but essential for the best flavor.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a little kick without burning in the air fryer.
• Parmesan (Optional) – For extra umami and a crispy, cheesy finish.
• Balsamic Glaze (Optional) – A drizzle at the end adds sweet, tangy depth.

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How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Prep the Brussels Sprouts

I wash and trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts, then slice them in half. If they’re extra large, I quarter them so they cook evenly.

Season the Sprouts

In a mixing bowl, I toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until they’re well coated.

Preheat the Air Fryer

I set my air fryer to 375°F—preheating helps them cook evenly and get extra crispy.

Air Fry to Perfection

I spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the basket (no overcrowding!). Then, I air fry them for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Serve & Enjoy!

Once crispy and golden, I toss them with Parmesan or balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

If you want restaurant-style crispy Brussels sprouts, here are my best tricks:

What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These crispy Brussels sprouts go with everything! I love serving them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon. They also make the perfect holiday side dish or a quick snack with a garlic aioli dip.

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Recipe Variations & Substitutions

I love switching things up depending on my mood:

One of the best things about air fryer Brussels sprouts is how easy they are to customize! Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:

• Spicy Kick – Toss with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or hot honey for heat.
• Garlic Parmesan – Add grated Parmesan and minced garlic right after air frying for a cheesy, savory finish.
• Sweet & Tangy – Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey for a delicious balance of flavors.
• Bacon Lover’s Brussels – Mix in crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
• Asian-Inspired – Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an umami twist.
• Maple Glazed – Coat with maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet, caramelized version.
• Vegan & Dairy-Free – Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for flavor.

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Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover air fryer Brussels sprouts, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat and bring back the crispiness, pop them back in your air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft and soggy instead of crispy. If you’re short on time, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil to revive that golden crunch.

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How to Get Extra Crispy Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

The secret to ultra-crispy Brussels sprouts? Don’t overcrowd the basket! Give them space so the hot air can circulate. Also, adding a tiny splash of oil before air frying helps them crisp up even more.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts at a Party

When I make these for a party, I sprinkle them with Parmesan and serve them with ranch or garlic aioli for dipping. They disappear FAST, so I always make a double batch!

How Long Does It Take to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts take about 12–15 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C). If you like them extra crispy, you can bump the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures they brown evenly and don’t burn on one side. If your sprouts are larger, they may need a minute or two more, while smaller ones may cook faster. Always check them around the 10-minute mark to see how they’re crisping up!

Why Did My Brussels Sprouts Burn in the Air Fryer?

If your Brussels sprouts turned out burnt instead of crispy, there are a few possible reasons. Cooking at too high of a temperature (like 400°F the whole time) can cause the smaller leaves to burn before the inside gets tender. If they’re cut too small or sliced too thinly, they can crisp up too fast and become bitter. Also, using too little oil can cause them to dry out instead of roasting properly. To prevent burning, keep the temp at 375°F, shake the basket halfway through, and always check on them during the last few minutes. If you notice they’re crisping too quickly, lower the heat slightly and reduce the cook time.

FAQs About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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Once you try air fryer Brussels sprouts, you’ll never go back to roasting them in the oven! They’re crispy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy—perfect for a side dish, snack, or holiday favorite.

Try them out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to season Brussels sprouts?

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