Air FryerAir Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Boiled or steamed brussels sprouts get a bad reputation for a reason — but halved and air-fried, the cut edges caramelize into something closer to roasted garlic than boiled cabbage. This is the version worth converting skeptics with.
- for the sprouts
- 1.5 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for serving)
a full side-dish portion — halve the recipe for 2 people, or double for a crowd across two batches.
- Toss the halved brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Spread the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer for maximum contact with the basket.
- Air fry 12–14 minutes, shaking once halfway, until the outer leaves are deeply browned and crisp.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar right before serving, if using.
No fresh garlic? ½ tsp garlic powder stirred into the oil works fine.
Want them sweeter? A drizzle of honey in the last minute of cooking caramelizes fast — watch closely so it doesn't burn.
Sprouts are very small? Leave them whole instead of halving, and add 2–3 minutes.
No balsamic? A squeeze of lemon juice brightens them just as well.
Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back the crisp edges — a microwave turns them soft and a little sulfurous. They don't freeze well; the leaves go mushy on thaw.
Bacon brussels Cook 3-4 strips of chopped bacon in the air fryer basket for 3 minutes first, then add the sprouts to cook in the rendered fat.
Maple-balsamic Skip the plain balsamic finish and whisk it with a teaspoon of maple syrup for a sweeter glaze.
Parmesan-crusted Toss with grated parmesan in the last 2 minutes so it melts and crisps onto the cut edges.
Kantan tip — cut-side down is non-negotiable — that's the surface that caramelizes, and skipping this step is the #1 reason air fryer sprouts turn out just okay instead of great.
Gear that makes this recipe easier
The tools this recipe actually calls for, with the one we'd reach for in each category — these link to our own comparisons, not straight to a store.