Perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside air fryer Brussels sprouts are easy to make and delicious, with or without oil.
This easy Brussels sprouts recipe is one of my favorite ways to use my air fryer! Brussels sprouts cook up like a dream in the air fryer in half the time that it takes to roast them in the oven.
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Want to make this a meal? Check out my air fryer sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. It uses this as the base recipe and adds tender sweet potato, your whole grain of choice, and lemon tahini sauce for a quick lunch or dinner that's super satisfying.
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 perfect air fryer Brussels sprouts, it's crucial that you slice your sprouts into ¼" thick pieces. This thin width helps them cook faster and increases surface area, which lets them get even crispier on the outside.
Do you need to soak them before cooking?
You have the option to soak your Brussels sprouts before you cook them in your air fryer.
If you prefer softer Brussels sprouts, soak the slices in water for 10 minutes. Then, drain them, pat them dry, and proceed with the recipe below.
Because Brussels sprouts have so many layers, soaking gets water inside the veggies, so they are basically steaming as they air fry, softening the middles more.
Whether you need to soak or not is up to you! I prefer a bit more texture, so I usually skip the soaking.
Halving or multiplying the recipe
If you want to make Brussels sprouts for one 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 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. Then, cook for 1-2 minutes at a time, shaking each time you stop, until they're all cooked through.
How to make Brussels sprouts in the air fryer
Like I said above, this is my absolute favorite way to make Brussels sprouts! It's fast and flavorful, and the texture is perfection.
Measure out two cups of the sliced Brussels. You can opt to soak them in water for 10 minutes at this point, if you want them softer. If you soak, just drain them and pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking.
Now, toss them with oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt, making sure all of the Brussels sprouts get coated in the seasonings.
Air fry, shaking once, and you've got perfect Brussels sprouts in under 15 minutes!
How to make them oil-free
I see you, oil-free friends! You can make these Brussels sprouts oil-free with just one small tweak.
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 of olive oil, and sautéed peppers and onions for a quick, easy, and freaking delicious pasta dish. Even my kid 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 sprouts 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 blender coconut curry sauce.
How to store them
If you do have any leftovers, they will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. You can serve leftovers warm or cold.
To reheat, either pop them into the microwave or the air fryer. In the air fryer, you can reheat these at 350° F for five to seven minutes, and they'll get crispy again!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts sliced lengthwise into ¼" thick pieces (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil omit for oil-free
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt or more, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Brussels sprouts into ¼" thick pieces. If you prefer softer Brussels sprouts, soak the slices in warm water for 10 minutes. Then, drain them and pat dry.
- In a bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts slices, oil and/or maple syrup, vinegar, and salt. Spread them out in your air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400° F for 8 to 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!
Jelmer
Really yummy
Maria
I made these yesterday as I had some brussels sprouts I wanted to use up. Easy recipe. I used maple syrup in place of the olive oil. We ate them as a snack watching a movie. Great! I will definitely be making these again.
I have a philips air fryer and cooked them for 8 min.
Clean up was really easy too.
Thanks for the recipe
Becky Striepe
You are very welcome, Maria! Thank you for coming back to rate and leave such a lovely comment.
Louise Marshall
I have a Cuisinart air fryer , will Brussel sprouts work well in that
Becky Striepe
Yes, it should! Different air fryers can cook faster or more slowly, so you just may need to adjust cooking time from brand to brand.
Harold Burton
I’m always looking for lighter chicken recipes. This looks like a good one to try!
Harold Burton
Dingo35
I love brussels in the air fryer. I do put mine in the Instant Pot first on Manual and press 0, Quick release. Perfect when browned in the Air Fryer. Crunch outside, just perfect texture inside!
Becky Striepe
Oh I bet they cook up so quickly that way!
Jane
I’ll have to try this because I made the recipe as directed and the sprouts were too hard for my liking inside, even after six frying for another 5 minutes, which got the crispy bits too burnt and ruined the whole thing. And yes, I did slice in 1/4 pieces. Seems to me you have to cook the sprouts a little first or they don’t get done.
Rose Martine
This recipe looks awesome!!! Since I don’t use grain flour, do you think almond or coconut flour would work well as a substitute? Thanks!
Becky Striepe
I haven't tested it with either of those, so I can't say for certain. Let me know how they work, if you give it a try!
Rená
Question! Do you have a spot on your site where you have other frozen fake meats (Gardein) items that you make in the air fryer?
Becky Striepe
I don't have a post on making frozen vegan meats, but I do have a YouTube video on cooking frozen food like that in the air fryer. Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruOR5s3zH6I&t=70s
Kristen Novak
Do you preheat the air fryer to 400?
Becky Striepe
I never preheat my air fryer.