Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (oil free option)

Name: Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups halved Brussels sprouts (sliced in half lengthwise (for thicker sprouts, slice into thirds)); 1 tablespoon olive oil OR maple syrup*; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

January 6, 2017 by Becky Striepe 45 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for helping me keep the lights on!
See my Privacy Policy for more details.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

You guys, I am so excited to share my latest recipe: perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside air fryer Brussels sprouts.

Guys, 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 me 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 of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.

More air fryer goodness: 40+ Vegan Air Fryer Recipes (because I’m obsessed!)

How to Make Brussels Sprouts in your Air Fryer

You have some options when you’re making this recipe, and I have some tips on how to get the best results, as well.

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 them in the basket, the ones in the middle won’t get crispy. Because a crowded basket can hinder air circulation, if you double the recipe, it may take 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.

To make these Brussels in your air fryer, simply slice your sprouts in half lengthwise. This makes them cook faster and increases surface area, which lets them get even crispier on the outside.

For bigger sprouts, slice them into 3 lengthwise pieces, instead of two.

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 these oil free, if that’s your jam. When I first shared my air fryer Brussels sprouts adventure on Instagram, someone asked about ditching the oil, so I tested an oil free version for you guys, 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 as crispy as if you used oil, but I can guarantee that they will be delicious.

How to Eat Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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

You can also pile these crispy Brussels on top of a Buddha bowl, and you’re in business. 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.

Ready to cook some perfect vegan Brussels sprouts? Watch the recipe video at the top of the page, or get the written recipe below!