Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts in 15 minutes (oil free option)

Perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Air Fryer Brussels sprouts. They only take 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes to make!

Y'all I have a problem: I am the only person in my house who likes Brussels sprouts. And I. LOVE. Brussels sprouts!

Roasting them up in the oven just for myself didn't feel worth the time investment, but Brussels cook up like a dream in the air fryer. This recipe makes two to three servings, but see below for details on how to make more.

More air fryer goodness: 50+ Vegan air fryer recipes (because I'm obsessed!)

Tips for perfectly crispy results

You have some options when you're making this recipe, and this section includes tips on how to get the best results.

To make these Brussels in your air fryer, simply slice your sprouts into 1/4" thick pieces. This thin width helps them cook faster and increases surface area, which lets them get even crispier on the outside.

If you want to make Brussels sprouts for just one person in your air fryer, you can halve this recipe with no problems. It works like a charm! Your Brussels may cook more quickly in a less-crowded basket, so just keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking.

You can also double the recipe and still cook everything up in one batch, but if you want to make more than twice as many, I'd definitely do this in batches.

If you crowd your Brussels sprouts in the basket, the ones in the middle won't get crispy. Because a crowded basket can hinder air circulation, doubling the recipe may mean it takes a bit longer to cook.

If the Brussels sprouts in the middle of the basket aren't to your liking when doubling this recipe, give the basket a thorough shake, and cook for 1-2 minutes at a time, shaking each time you stop, until they're cooked through.

Measure out two cups of the sliced Brussels, then toss with oil, vinegar, and salt. Air fry, shaking once, and you've got perfect Brussels sprouts in under 15 minutes.

Oil-free variation

I see you, oil-free friends! Not all of my recipes can be made oil-free, but this one definitely can with just one small tweak.

It's totally possible to make crispy, delicious oil free Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, if that's your jam. When I first shared that I was working on this recipe on Instagram, someone asked about ditching the oil, so I tested an oil free version for you, as well.

It's easy!  Just replace the tablespoon of oil with a tablespoon of maple syrup, and you're in business.

I can't promise that oil free Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts will be exactly as crispy as if you use oil, but I can guarantee that they will be delicious.

How to serve

Serve these up as a side dish with your favorite plant-based protein and a starch. They're terrific with BBQ Tofu and my cauliflower mashed potatoes or with beans and rice or quinoa.

Need to add some oomph to your next salad? Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts to the rescue! Check them out in this Warm Brussels Sprout Salad.

I've also been tossing them with cooked pasta, a bit more olive oil, and sauteed peppers and onions for a quick, easy, and freaking delicious pasta dish. Even my 6-year-old loves it! "Dad! Try this pasta! It's SO GOOD!" he said. And my heart grew three sizes.

You can also pile these crispy Brussels on top of a grain bowl, if that's more your speed. Start with quinoa, rice, or any other whole grain. Then add beans, tofu, or nuts/seeds. I like to top off this kind of bowl with a great sauce, like my All-Purpose Coconut Curry Sauce or 5-Minute Peanut Butter Sauce.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe

Perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Air Fryer Brussels sprouts only take 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes to make!

4.92 from 12 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Air Fryer, Vegan

Keyword: air fryer brussels sprouts

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Becky Striepe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts - sliced lengthwise into 1/4" thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil OR maple syrup*
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

• In a bowl, toss together the Brussels, oil or maple syrup, vinegar, and salt.
• Cook at 400F for 8-10 minutes, shaking (and checking their progress) after 5 minutes and then at 8 the minute mark. You're going for crispy and browned, but not burnt!

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Video

Notes

• I can't stress enough how important it is to get 1/4" thick pieces. Thicker slices will not cook fully. Slice the sprouts lengthwise. Depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts, that might mean cutting them in half, thirds, or more. 
• Use maple syrup for an oil free option. Just note that if you ditch the oil, the finished product won't be quite as crispy as the version with oil. But it's still delicious!
• Calorie count is for the recipe with oil, because it's my favorite way to make these!

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal

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