There's something about the crisp, caramelized edges and tender centers of perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts that just hits the spot. This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe brings that magic to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Trust me, once you've tried it this way, it might become your go-to veggie side dish for good.

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts that are golden brown and slightly charred on the edges, showing a mix of crispy dark green outer leaves and softer caramelized yellow-green inner layers. The Brussels sprouts are mostly halved, exposing their round, layered texture with a light grating of white cheese sprinkled on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth napkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly excited every time I make this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe because it transforms what could be a dull veggie into a flavorful, crispy, garlicky delight. It’s fast, fuss-free, and easily customizable — plus, who doesn’t love a side dish that cooks itself while you prep the rest of dinner?

Quick and Easy: It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weekday side dish.
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer crisps up the edges beautifully without drying out the sprouts.
Customizable Flavors: You can add garlic, balsamic glaze, or even maple syrup to suit your taste buds.
Minimal Cleanup: Using the air fryer means less mess than roasting in the oven.

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts halved and cooked until the edges are dark brown and crispy, showing a mix of bright green, golden yellow, and deep brown colors from caramelization, with a light sprinkle of shredded white cheese on top. The Brussels sprouts have a textured look with some charred parts and a slightly oily shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in making this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe shine — from the olive oil that helps create that crisp texture, to the garlic and Parmesan that boost flavor in the simplest way.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with a few whole cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl of pomegranate molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of pure maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts work best — trimming and halving them ensures even cooking.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and helps achieve that golden crispness without burning.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural nuttiness of the Brussels sprouts.
Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced, they become crispy and impart an irresistible aroma.
Balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness that balances the sprouts’ earthiness.
Pomegranate molasses: Offers a tart and fruity twist if you want to experiment.
Pure maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts just enough to add a savory punch and nutty notes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. I sometimes swap the garlic for smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or drizzle on a bit of maple syrup when I want a sweeter side.

Variation: If you want to make it vegan, skip the Parmesan and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead — it adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes before air frying to give it a playful kick that wakes up your palate.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, I love tossing in diced apples or dried cranberries after cooking for an extra burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts — snip off the tough stem ends and peel away any browned leaves. Then, halve them through the stem so they cook evenly. If you have really large ones, go ahead and quarter them; uniformity ensures consistent cooking. I often skip soaking them in warm water, but if you want them extra tender inside, a 10-minute soak helps. Just be sure to pat them dry well before tossing with oil.

Step 2: Get Your Air Fryer Ready

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. (My machine takes about three minutes to reach temperature.) This step helps start the crisping right away, so your Brussels sprouts come out perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Toss with Oil, Salt & Pepper

Once the sprouts are dry, toss them in a bowl with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning is the foundation of the flavor. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure every piece is coated. Then spread them in the fryer basket without crowding — air circulation is key to that crispy outside.

Step 4: Cook and Shake

Cook for 5 minutes and then give the basket a good shake to move the sprouts around for even cooking. Cook for another 5 minutes, then check for a crispy, golden color. Add the garlic slices and toss them in, then cook for 2 to 4 more minutes until the sprouts are crispy and the garlic is golden brown. Don’t be afraid to peek and shake the basket here; this helps avoid burning and promotes even crisping.

Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Transfer your sprouts to a bowl and stir in any toppings you like — balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, or a drizzle of maple syrup all add a delicious finishing touch. Freshly grated Parmesan is my personal favorite right after cooking for a bit of salty umami.

Top Tip

Through lots of air fryer trial runs, I’ve learned a few tips that will make your Brussels sprouts turn out just right every time.

Don’t skip drying: After rinsing or soaking, pat your Brussels sprouts dry thoroughly—moisture on the surface will steam them instead of crisping.
Shake the basket: Giving your sprouts a shake halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly and prevents sogginess.
Add garlic late: Toss garlic in during the last few minutes so it crisps without burning and turns nicely golden.
Watch the crowding: Fill the basket in a single layer for best crisping—too many sprouts will steam instead of roast.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the finished sprouts with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic glaze — it feels fancy but is so easy. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley for an extra flavor pop and crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a cozy pasta dish. When I’m craving comfort food, I’ll serve these crispy Brussels sprouts alongside mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like to arrange the sprouts on a festive platter, sprinkle them with bright pomegranate seeds, and add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary to make the plate pop. It turns a humble side into something that grabs attention.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay good for about 4 days. When I reheat, I prefer to use the oven so they keep their crisp texture instead of getting soggy.

Freezing

Honestly, freezing isn’t my favorite option here because the texture gets mushy after thawing. But if you do freeze them, use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheating on a baking sheet in an oven at 350°F works best to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the sprouts soft and less appetizing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe?

Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release moisture during cooking, which can prevent them from getting crispy in the air fryer. For best results, use fresh Brussels sprouts, but if you’re in a pinch, thaw and pat frozen sprouts very dry before cooking.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating the air fryer at 375 degrees helps the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and develop that lovely crispy texture right from the start. I recommend preheating for about 3 minutes for best results.

Why do you add garlic later during cooking?

Adding thinly sliced garlic in the last few minutes lets it crisp up without burning. Garlic cooks quickly and can get bitter if overcooked, so wait until the Brussels sprouts are mostly done before tossing it in.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead by trimming and halving them, then storing them in the fridge until ready to cook. However, I recommend cooking them just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh. Leftovers can be reheated later as explained above.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a little kitchen hero for me — quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. I hope you give it a try and find the same joy in those crispy, garlicky bites. It’s a simple way to elevate a humble veggie into a dish you’ll actually look forward to serving and eating again and again.