Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized & Addictive

If you think you do not like Brussels sprouts, you have not made them in an air fryer. Hot circulating air creates deeply caramelized, crispy leaves and a tender sweet interior — nothing like the soggy sprouts of the past.

Why the Air Fryer Makes the Difference

• Ready in just 15 minutes
• Perfectly crispy every time — no sogginess
• Healthy, low-calorie side dish
• Works with fresh or thawed frozen sprouts

Simple Ingredients

You need just a few pantry staples. Good olive oil is key for that golden crispy exterior. Garlic powder gives deep savory flavor without burning like fresh garlic can in the air fryer.

How to Make Them

1. Prep: trim stem ends, cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
2. Season: toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
4. Air fry 12-15 min, shaking basket halfway through.
5. Serve immediately with balsamic glaze or lemon juice.

Flavor Variations

• Honey Sriracha: toss with honey and sriracha after cooking
• Parmesan: sprinkle freshly grated parmesan in last 2 minutes
• Bacon: add chopped bacon before air frying
• Lemon Tahini: drizzle with tahini and lemon for Mediterranean twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately as a side dish. Best eaten fresh and crispy right out of the air fryer alongside roasted chicken, steak, or salmon.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Recipe by SeeMeCook

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

Golden, caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy outer leaves and a tender center – ready in 15 minutes in the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Balsamic glaze or lemon juice to serve

• Optional: freshly grated parmesan

Directions

• Trim the stem ends off Brussels sprouts and cut each in half lengthwise.
• Toss in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Preheat air fryer to 400F (200C) for 3 minutes.
• Arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
• Air fry 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze or fresh lemon juice.