Oh my goodness, you’re going to love these easy air fryer Brussels sprouts! Seriously, they’re one of my go-to side dishes when I need something quick, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love that crispy, golden exterior paired with a tender inside? Plus, the air fryer works its magic to make these little green gems a total breeze to whip up. In just 25 minutes, you can have a nutritious side that’s packed with flavor and a great way to sneak in some veggies. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a side dish that’s not only tasty but also super simple! Make sure to trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half for that perfect cook. The olive oil helps everything crisp up beautifully, while the garlic powder adds a lovely flavor that you’ll just adore. And don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to really bring out those amazing flavors! You’ll see, it’s all about keeping it fresh and straightforward!
How to Prepare Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Getting these little beauties ready is a total breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time. Let’s dive into the process!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps achieve that wonderful crispy texture we all love. If you skip this step, your Brussels sprouts might end up a bit soggy instead of golden and crunchy. So, set that temperature and let it warm up while you prep the sprouts!
Tossing the Brussels Sprouts
Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to get those Brussels sprouts ready! In a large bowl, toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix them well so every sprout gets a nice coating of flavor. I like to use my hands for this—just get in there and give them a good toss! It’s such a satisfying way to ensure every bite is packed with that amazing garlic goodness.
Cooking the Brussels Sprouts
Now, place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is key for even cooking! You’ll want to cook them for about 12-15 minutes, but don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through. This little shake helps them cook evenly and get that perfect crisp all around. After the timer goes off, check for tenderness—if they’re not quite there yet, toss them back in for a few more minutes. Trust me, you’ll want them just right!
Serving Suggestions
When they’re done, serve them hot right from the air fryer. They make such a fantastic side dish! Want to take them to the next level? Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top right before serving for an extra burst of flavor. You could even drizzle a little balsamic glaze or toss in some toasted nuts for added crunch. The possibilities are endless, and I’m telling you, they’ll disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients that pack a nutritional punch, perfect for any meal.
- Air frying means less oil, resulting in a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—absolutely irresistible!
- Minimal cleanup; just a bowl and your air fryer, making it a breeze to whip up!
- Versatile enough to pair with almost any main dish or serve as a stand-alone snack.
- Perfect for meal prep; they taste amazing even reheated!
- Great way to introduce more veggies into your diet without feeling like a chore.
- Customizable with different seasonings or toppings to suit your taste.
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your easy air fryer Brussels sprouts turn out absolutely perfect every time! Here are my top tips to guarantee success:
- Cut Evenly: Make sure to trim and halve your Brussels sprouts evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some overdone while others are still crunchy. Aim for similar sizes—about 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal!
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: When placing the sprouts in the air fryer, keep them in a single layer. If they’re too crowded, they won’t crisp up as beautifully. You may need to cook them in batches if you’re making a larger quantity.
- Check for Tenderness: Everyone has their own preference for how tender they like their Brussels sprouts. I recommend starting with 12 minutes and then checking. If they need more time, pop them back in for a few minutes. The goal is that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic. Or, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking for a fresh zing.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If you prefer your Brussels sprouts a little more charred, you can increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning. A little extra crispiness can take them to the next level!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have the most delicious air-fried Brussels sprouts that are sure to impress! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying easy air fryer Brussels sprouts, you’ll be happy to know they’re not just delicious but also packed with goodness! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you decide to add toppings like Parmesan cheese or other seasonings. But overall, you can feel good about adding these tasty sprouts to your plate! They’re a great way to enjoy a healthy side dish that will keep you energized and satisfied.
FAQ about Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! You can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but keep in mind that they’ll need a little extra love. Start by adding about 5 more minutes to the cooking time, and make sure to give them a good shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. The texture might be a bit softer compared to fresh ones, but they’ll still be tasty!
What can I serve with Brussels sprouts?
These crispy little gems pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes! I love serving them alongside roasted chicken or salmon for a wholesome meal. They also work great with quinoa or even a hearty pasta dish. If you’re looking for something cozy, try them with a warm, creamy risotto—yum!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), simply let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp. Trust me, you’ll want that crunchy goodness back!
Equipment Needed
Alright, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to whip up these easy air fryer Brussels sprouts! Here’s a quick list of the essential equipment I always have on hand:
- Air Fryer: This is the star of the show! Choose one with a good capacity, so you can make enough for everyone.
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is perfect for tossing those Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasonings. It’s all about getting that flavor in every bite!
- Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements make a difference, especially with oils and seasonings. Grab a set to keep everything consistent.
- Cutting Board: You’ll need a sturdy cutting board for trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts. Safety first, right?
- Sharp Knife: A good knife will make quick work of trimming those sprouts. Make sure it’s nice and sharp to avoid any kitchen mishaps!
- Tongs or a Spatula: These are handy for shaking the basket and serving your perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts without dropping any.
With this equipment, you’ll be all set to create a delicious side dish that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!
Variations of Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for easy air fryer Brussels sprouts, the fun really begins! There are so many delicious ways to mix it up and make this side dish uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite variations that you just have to try:
- Spicy Cajun: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your sprouts before cooking. This will give them a zesty kick that’s absolutely fantastic!
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the cooked Brussels sprouts for a sweet and tangy finish. It really elevates the dish and adds a beautiful shine!
- Maple Mustard: Mix together a tablespoon of maple syrup and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Toss your Brussels sprouts in this mixture before air frying for a sweet and savory combo that’s simply divine.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Just chop them finely and toss them in with the olive oil for a fragrant twist!
- Cheesy Delight: If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar on the Brussels sprouts in the last few minutes of cooking. Let it melt and get all gooey—yum!
- Mixed Veggie Medley: Toss in some baby carrots, cauliflower florets, or bell pepper slices along with the Brussels sprouts. This adds color, flavor, and extra nutrients to your dish!
- Asian-Inspired: Add a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. You could even toss in some chopped green onions for that extra crunch!
Feel free to get creative and combine these ideas or invent your own! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Just remember, the key is to keep it fun and delicious. Enjoy experimenting with your easy air fryer Brussels sprouts!
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Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: 7 Irresistible Flavor Boosts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Easy air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe for a quick and healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Check for tenderness and adjust cooking time if necessary.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Notes
- Cut Brussels sprouts evenly for uniform cooking.
- You can add Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy air fryer brussels sprouts
