Welcome to a delicious, health-friendly journey of transforming Brussels sprouts into a fantastic dish using an air fryer! Air frying offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying, reducing calories and fats but retaining all the flavors. With this recipe, we will turn Brussels sprouts into a crispy, savory delight.
It's a perfect side dish, snack, or even a full vegetarian meal. It's easy, quick, and leaves your kitchen free from the greasy smell of frying. Let's dive in and learn how to make crispy, tasty, air-fried Brussels sprouts. Get ready to wow your family and guests!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First and foremost, it's all about the texture. The high heat of the air fryer crisps up the outer leaves beautifully while keeping the insides tender. This creates a perfect balance between crunchy and soft, making every bite an explosion of varying textures. Moreover, this method also enhances the natural, nutty flavor of the Brussels sprouts, with a slight caramelizationthat's utterly delicious.
Secondly, the beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and convenience. Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process, but it also allows for healthier cooking. Since air fryers require very little oil, you end up with a dish that's lower in calories but still full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for those trying to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste. Plus, it's versatile. You can enjoy these air-fried Brussels sprouts as is or toss them with your favorite seasonings or sauces to switch up the flavors. It's a foolproof method that ensures consistently excellent results every time.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts - These tiny, compact cabbages are the star of the show. They have a slightly bitter taste that becomes wonderfully nutty and sweet when air fried. If you can't find Brussels sprouts, green beans can be a decent substitute.
Olive Oil - Used for coating the sprouts before air frying. It enhances the taste and helps them to crisp up nicely. Canola or avocado oilcan be used as an alternative.
Salt - To enhance the flavor of the sprouts. You can adjust the quantity as per your taste. If you're watching your sodium intake, a good substitute could be a salt-free seasoning blend.
Pepper - Adds a little heat to balance the sweetness of the sprouts. You can use white pepper for a less pronounced flavor.
Garlic Powder - Provides a nice, mild garlic flavor. If you don't have garlic powder, granulated garlic or fresh minced garlic can be used instead.
Tips
- Ensure the Brussels sprouts are dry before adding oil to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; the sprouts should be in a single layer for even cooking.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to rotate the sprouts for even browning.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste; you might prefer more or less garlic, salt, or pepper.
- Keep a close eye on the sprouts towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from burning.
How to Serve
Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish, adding a splash of color and a dose of healthy nutrients to any meal. They pair well with a variety of main dishes, thanks to their savory, slightly sweet flavor.
- Serve these air-fried Brussels sprouts alongside grilled chicken or steak for a balanced, hearty meal.
- You could also toss them into a salad for some extra crunch and flavor.
- For a festive, vegetarian option, try serving these Brussels sprouts with quinoa and roasted butternut squash.
Looking for more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Brussels Sprouts for 15 delicious recipes.
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts and pat them dry. Trim the ends and cut them in half lengthwise.
- In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure the Brussels sprouts are dry before adding oil to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; the sprouts should be in a single layer for even cooking.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to rotate the sprouts for even browning.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste; you might prefer more or less garlic, salt, or pepper.
- Keep a close eye on the sprouts towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from burning.
My 13 yr old son added bacon
(For protein mom)to this recipe & it was delicious