This crispy Brussels sprouts air fryer recipe is so straightforward, so simple, it leaves you wondering why you haven’t done Brussels like this before (or maybe you have). Fast and easy, which is perfect for me because I don’t touch Brussels sprouts unless the process is almost effortless. You’ll have perfectly crisp Brussels sprouts with these 5 tips you need to know.
Watch the Video How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe
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It’s pretty amazing, how this cruciferous superfood has landed on so many appetizer menus all over some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in Los Angeles, not to mention, nationwide.
If you’re a foodie and eating out, it’s just expected to find “crispy” Brussels sprouts on menus ranging from Sunday brunch to fancy bar offerings. Maybe they are covered with bacon, gorgonzola cheese, or sprinkled with pecans. It’s definitely a thing to dress them up and price them accordingly.
What about just a decent side, vegan, and nothing else? THIS friends, is the recipe. It’s straightforward with nothing else to it…and that’s what I like sometimes.
This is the ideal homemade recipe for a very quick and simple side dish.
A lot of times, that’s all I want to go with my perfectly baked salmon or teriyaki chicken glistening with sticky sweet sauce.
Brussels just went from $15 for a cup with 500 calories to it, to a nice platterfull for a few bucks and almost negative calories in my opinion. The nutrient value in a simple Brussels sprouts recipe is truly, priceless for both mind and body.
What are Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are small, leafy green buds that closely resemble miniature cabbages. They belong to the cruciferous vegetable family (like kale, broccoli, and cabbage), known for their nutritional benefits.
Benefits
- High in nutrients and vitamins, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A
- Rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases
- Good source of fiber, promoting gut health and digestion
- May support heart health by helping to reduce cholesterol levels
- Contains compounds with potential cancer-fighting properties, contributing to overall health and well-being
Is it Brussel sprouts or Brussels sprouts?
The name “Brussels sprouts” is derived from the city of Brussels in Belgium, where the vegetable is thought to have been cultivated in the 16th century.
So if anyone needs to know, it’s Brussels with an “s”.
Key Tips to Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Whether this is an air fryer recipe or done in the regular oven, these tips and tricks work for both and are imperative to getting perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts.
Tip #1
Super dry. They have to be washed then dried well. I highly suggest washing them whole, then cutting the bottom nubs off, then removing some of the outer leaves as necessary…then washing one more time.
Use very something absorbent to get as much water soaked up and off the sprouts.
Tip #2
Cut into quarters. There’s too much fuss in trying to soak Brussels, par boil them, marinate them. It’s just a no when going with a straightforward and simple recipe.
Cut the Brussels in quarters and you will have cut your roasting time in half and also, the result will be evenly cooked pieces, soft, and still colorfully green.
Tip #3
Do the shake, shake, shake. After cutting the Brussels into quarters and having them in a large mixing bowl, cover the top of the mixing bowl with something that acts as a lid, and shake. Shake it well for a minute or two so the Brussels leaves begin to come apart.
You will get some nicely separated Brussels leaves and intact pieces. The leaves that have separated will become those light and crispy bits that everyone loves about eating crispy Brussels.
Tip #4
Use high heat oil. Olive oil has a low smoke point and is going to burn and taste bitter. Using coconut oil or avocado oil is the best for perfectly roasted and crispy Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.
Once the Brussels are totally dry, shaken, and almost ready to go into the air fryer oven….and read carefully here…coat your hand lightly with the oil.
Use a glove or clean hands, but put oil on your hand and now gently toss the Brussels using your hand until they are very well coated with the oil.
Do NOT pour the oil in and just toss or overuse oil. Overloading oil will result in soggy Brussels. The key is light oil on the hands, and rubbing the Brussels all over and after one time, repeat the step again for very even, and very thin coating.
Doing this major, simple step will give the Brussels some moisture so they are not dry, but they won’t be soggy and they will get those perfect crispy pieces.
Tip #5
Sauce last. After the Brussels spouts are out of the air fryer and crispy, then you can add sauce. Keep in mind to serve right away if you add sauce since the sauce removes some of the crispy element.
When the Brussels are done, toss with salt and pepper, and either add that sauce of your liking (such as balsamic glaze or spicy sweet gochujang dipping sauce), and drizzle a light amount of olive oil.
Ensure that if you do add sauce, the sauce has already been heated in a pan for it’s maximum flavor and therefore, no need to sauté the Brussels with the sauce any further.
Do I have to soak Brussels sprouts?
No, soaking Brussels sprouts is not necessary. If roasting whole Brussels you could par boil them, but this recipe is so easy, it doesn’t require soaking or extra steps.
Tip #2 mentions cutting each sprout into quarters which saves from having to do any soaking.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts – clean, dry, and cut into quarters
- Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Cold Pressed Olive Oil – garnish; drizzle
- Balsamic Glaze – garnish; drizzle (optional)
Equipment
- parchment paper
- large mixing bowl
- mixing bowl lid
How To Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe
- Wash the Brussels sprouts well. Cut off any nubs from the stems. Remove outer leaves that are not intact.
- Dry each sprout very well.
- Cut in quarters. Put in the large mixing bowl.
- Put a lid on the bowl and shake vigorously. Repeat a few times. You will see a beautiful mix of intact Brussels and detached leaves.
- Set air fryer to 400 F and allow to get hot prior to adding the recipe to it. Preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Coat hands with a small amount of coconut oil. Gently coat the leaves of the sprouts, tossing with your hands to ensure proper coating. Repeat once more to get a light coating on the sprouts. Use only a little oil.
- Place parchment paper down on air fryer basket. Arrange the Brussels sprouts. Do not crowd or pile on top. Give space.
- Air fry for about 15 minutes until you can smell the aroma and check that the leaves have become crispied and the sprouts are still colorfully green. The crisp edges will be dark browned, but not black or burnt.
- Remove and quickly toss with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil (plus sauces if you prefer). Serve right away.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups Brussels sprouts dry, and cut into quarters
- ½ tbsp Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil adjust per need; only a thin layer is needed
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Cold Pressed Olive Oil garnish; drizzle
- Balsamic Glaze optional garnish; drizzle
Instructions
- Wash the Brussels sprouts well. Cut off any nubs from the stems. Remove outer leaves that are not intact.3-4 cups Brussels sprouts
- Dry each sprout very well.
- Cut in quarters. Put in the large mixing bowl.
- Put a lid on the bowl and shake vigorously. Repeat a few times. You will see a beautiful mix of intact Brussels and detached leaves. The more loose leaves, the more crispy pieces.
- Set air fryer to 400 F and allow to get a little hot prior to adding the recipe to it. Preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Coat hands with a small amount of coconut oil. Gently coat the leaves of the sprouts, tossing with your hands to ensure proper coating. Repeat once more to get a light coating on the sprouts. Use only a little oil. Ensure the oil is coating all the leaves and even.½ tbsp Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil
- Place parchment paper down on air fryer basket. Arrange the Brussels sprouts. Do not crowd or pile on top. Give space.
- Air fry for about 15 minutes until you can smell the aroma and check that the leaves have become crispied and the sprouts are still colorfully green. The crisp edges will be dark browned, but not black or burnt.
- Remove and quickly toss with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil (plus sauces if you prefer). Serve right away.Salt and Pepper, Cold Pressed Olive Oil, Balsamic Glaze
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