There's nothing quite like the crunch of crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. But achieving that perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a fork-tender interior can often be a game of chance. Well, not anymore! With our recipe, you can have your Brussels sprouts delightfully crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside in no time - complete with an incredible dipping sauce that takes flavors to the next level. Want to use frozen Brussels sprouts? I’ve got instructions for that too!
I'm thrilled to share with you a recipe that's become a new favorite in my kitchen — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
Whether you're already a sprouts superfan or still on the fence about these miniature cabbage lookalikes, this recipe is bound to make you fall head over heels for them.
The combination of sweet maple syrup, olive oil, and seasonings transforms these veggies into crispy, caramelized bites of heaven.
Now, let's talk about the dipping sauce.
It's creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and has a hint of grainy mustard and Worcestershire sauce — it's just the perfect companion to our sprouts.
The chives add a subtle oniony flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup and balances the richness of the mayonnaise. I promise, one dip, and you'll be smitten!
Whether you're planning your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu, looking for a new side dish to spice up weeknight dinners, or just craving a snack, this brussel sprouts recipe for the air fryer is sure to impress!
Looking for more Brussels Sprout inspiration? Don’t miss my Roasted Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Blackstone Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprout Salad, and Caramelized Brussels Sprouts.
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: These little green gems are the star of the show. Fresh Brussel sprouts will get crispier, but frozen are nice as well.
- Maple Syrup: If you don't have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave nectar would work too.
- Olive Oil: You could also use avocado oil or another oil if you prefer.
- Sea Salt: You could also use kosher salt or Himalayan pink salt.
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness. You could also use crushed red pepper flakes and garlic powder for another pop of flavor.
For the Dipping Sauce
- Mayonnaise: This creamy base gives our dipping sauce its smooth texture. You could use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter alternative.
- Minced Fresh Chives: These add a pop of color and a mild onion-like flavor to the sauce. If you don't have chives, scallions or parsley could work too.
- Maple Syrup: Just like in our Brussels sprouts, the maple syrup in the sauce provides a hint of sweetness. Feel free to swap it with honey or agave nectar.
- Grainy Mustard: This adds a tangy flavor and a bit of texture to our sauce. Dijon mustard could be used as a substitute if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This brings a savory, umami flavor to the dipping sauce. If you don't have it on hand, soy sauce or tamari can be used instead. Or try balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Fresh Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming your Brussels sprouts and cutting them in half. Place them in a bowl and drizzle them with maple syrup and olive oil, then sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts are well coated.
You'll want to preheat your air fryer to 350° F next. This is the perfect temperature to get those sprouts crispy without burning them.
Now, arrange your sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. But don't worry, it's worth the wait!
Slide the basket into the air fryer and let it do its magic. Cook until the sprouts are crispy and brown, about 17 to 22 minutes. Don't forget to toss them halfway through to ensure even cooking!
Frozen Brussels Sprouts
If you're using frozen Brussels sprouts, the process is just as easy! Toss your frozen sprouts with the syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. No need to thaw them first - talk about convenience!
Preheat your air fryer to 375° F. The slightly higher temperature will help the frozen sprouts get just as crispy as fresh ones.
Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed. Then, cook for 20 to 25 minutes until they're fork tender and crispy.
Dipping Sauce
While the sprouts are cooking, let's whip up a quick dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chives, maple syrup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pop it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Choosing Your Sprouts: Whether making fresh or frozen crispy brussel sprouts in the air fryer, make sure you choose high-quality sprouts. Fresh ones should be bright green with tight leaves, while frozen ones should be free from ice crystals or freezer burn.
- Preparing Your Sprouts: If you're using fresh Brussels sprouts, cut them in half for even cooking. If they're particularly large, you may want to quarter them.
- Don't Overcrowd: For crispy Brussels sprouts, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate freely and cook the sprouts evenly.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake. This helps the sprouts to cook evenly and become crispy all over.
- Serve Immediately: Air fryer Brussels sprouts are best served right away while they're hot and crispy.
FAQs
Do you rinse off Brussels sprouts before cooking?
Absolutely, you should rinse Brussels sprouts before cooking.
However, it's best to wash them right before you're ready to cook them. Washing too far in advance can lead to unnecessary moisture, which can cause them to become soggy and spoil faster.
What temperature do you air fryer Brussels sprouts at?
In my experience, the best temperature for cooking Brussels sprouts in the air fryer is 350° F.
When you cook at a higher heat, the sprouts will get crispy before they are cooked through. Cooking at 350 ° F mimics deep-fried Brussels sprouts that are crispy on the outside and also fork tender.
Tools
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- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
- Add a fun twist to your side dishes with our Air Fryer Curly Fries recipe, which delivers perfectly crispy and golden fries without all the oil .
- Try our Air Fryer Onions for a deliciously caramelized and crunchy addition to your meals, offering a whole new way to enjoy this versatile vegetable .
- If you're looking for a unique, healthy snack or side dish, don't miss our Air Fryer Tomatoes recipe; it turns fresh tomatoes into a slightly sweet, incredibly flavorful treat
- And finally, for a savory, easy-to-make side, check out our Air Fryer Mushrooms recipe, where the humble mushroom gets a crispy makeover that's sure to please any crowd
30-Minute Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (fresh or frozen)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Dipping Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grainy mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce gluten free if necessary
Instructions
Fresh Brussels Sprouts
- Trim and half your Brussels Sprouts.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350° F.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket, cooking in batches as needed.
- Place the basket in the air fryer and cook until crispy and brown, about 17 to 22 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Frozen Brussels Sprouts
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with the syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375° F.
- Arrange the sprouts in a single layer of your air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed.
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes,
Dipping Sauce
- Combine the mayonnaise, chives, maple syrup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- For serving
- Serve your Brussels sprouts warm with the dipping sauce
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