Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Say goodbye to soggy sprouts! Get ready to discover the ultimate way to make crispy air fryer brussel sprouts with an irresistible balsamic glaze. This recipe truly uses the magic of your air fryer to transform a simple vegetable into a delicious, healthy, and quick-to-prepare side dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions, packed with flavor and making a fantastic addition to any meal you plan to serve.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

You’ll quickly make these air fryer brussel sprouts a regular in your meal rotation. They offer an incredible combination of ease, deliciousness, and healthful benefits you’ll appreciate.

• Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer guarantees beautifully browned, tender-crisp sprouts every single time. Say goodbye to mushy vegetables forever!
• Flavorful & Light: Achieve maximum flavor with minimal oil, allowing the natural goodness of the sprouts to truly shine through.
• Effortless Cooking: This entire recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for even the busiest schedules without sacrificing amazing taste.
• Wholesome Side: A naturally healthy and nutrient-dense side that perfectly complements nearly any main course you can imagine.
• Weeknight Winner: These simple yet flavorful sprouts are perfect for any night of the week, offering a quick solution.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Whipping up these incredible air fryer brussel sprouts requires just a few simple, fresh ingredients. You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, making this recipe for perfectly roasted brussel sprouts even more convenient for a quick and healthy meal whenever you need it. Gather these fresh components to start your culinary adventure and taste the difference.

• 1 pound brussels sprouts
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Notes & Substitutions

• Freshness First: Always choose firm, bright green brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor. Avoid any yellowing.
• Oil Options: Avocado oil makes a great alternative to olive oil, offering a high smoke point.
• Garlic Levels: Adjust the amount of garlic to your personal preference; a little more never hurts!
• Sweet Swaps: If you’re out of balsamic, try maple syrup or honey for a different sweet glaze.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe entirely gluten-free.
• Kick It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat, if desired.

Equipment You’ll Need

You only need a few basic tools to make these crispy air fryer brussel sprouts. These common kitchen items ensure a smooth cooking process from start to finish.

• Air Fryer: Either a basket-style or oven-style air fryer works perfectly for this recipe.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing the sprouts with oil and seasonings evenly.
• Small Saucepan: Needed for simmering the rich and flavorful balsamic glaze.
• Whisk: To ensure a smooth, well-combined and emulsified balsamic glaze.
• Tongs or Spatula: For shaking the air fryer basket and handling the hot cooked sprouts.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy air fryer brussel sprouts with a delectable balsamic glaze. This beginner-friendly guide ensures success every single time, making cooking enjoyable and stress-free.

1. Prep the Sprouts: Begin by trimming the tough, woody ends from your brussels sprouts. Then, carefully cut each sprout in half through the stem. For any particularly large sprouts, quarter them to ensure they cook evenly and become uniformly tender-crisp.
2. Season and Toss: Place all the prepped brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle generously with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer: If your specific air fryer model requires preheating, set it to 400°F (200°C) now. This crucial step helps ensure a consistent cooking temperature and promotes maximum crispiness for your delightful air fryer brussel sprouts.
4. First Fry: Arrange the seasoned brussels sprouts in a single layer within your air fryer basket. It’s essential to avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation. Air fry for 15 minutes, making sure to shake the basket or stir the sprouts halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even browning on all sides.
5. Add Garlic: After the initial 15 minutes, open the air fryer basket and sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh garlic evenly over the partially cooked sprouts. Continue to fry for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until the garlic turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully fragrant, and the sprouts are perfectly tender-crisp.
6. Make the Glaze: While the sprouts finish cooking, prepare your rich balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Continue to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and starts to look syrupy. Keep a very close eye on it; it can reduce and burn very quickly.
7. Finish the Glaze: Promptly remove the saucepan from the heat once reduced. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the fresh lime juice, and the soy sauce until all ingredients are smoothly and thoroughly combined. This creates a balanced, rich, and tangy dressing.
8. Combine and Serve: Transfer the hot, crispy air fryer brussel sprouts to a beautiful serving platter. Drizzle generously with the freshly prepared balsamic dressing. Finish with an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice on top, to taste, for a final bright flourish. Serve immediately and savor these delightful air fried brussels sprouts!

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Achieve perfectly crispy air fryer brussel sprouts every single time with these expert tips and tricks. They make all the difference in achieving that ideal texture and flavor!

• Single Layer is Key: Never overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation, which is vital for maximum crispiness.
• Shake for Evenness: Regularly shaking the basket or gently stirring the sprouts ensures all sides get golden brown and perfectly crispy.
• Size Matters: Smaller sprouts cook faster than larger ones. Adjust your cooking time based on the specific size of your brussels sprouts to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Dry Sprouts: Always pat your sprouts completely dry before tossing with oil. Any moisture will create steam, which directly prevents them from crisping up nicely.
• Glaze Vigilance: Balsamic glaze can go from perfect consistency to burned in a matter of seconds. Keep a very close eye on it while it simmers and reduces.
• Preheat Power: Always preheat your air fryer for consistent, optimal cooking results and to achieve the maximum crispiness for your delicious air fryer brussel sprouts.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

These versatile air fryer brussel sprouts make an excellent, flavorful addition to almost any meal and offer many possibilities. They are a fantastic easy side dish for any occasion.

• Serving Suggestions: Pair these delicious sprouts with succulent roasted chicken, flaky baked fish, grilled steak, or even alongside a hearty pasta dish for a well-rounded meal.
• Storage: Store any leftover air fried brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and ready to enjoy.
• Reheating: Reheat quickly in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 3-5 minutes to magically regain their crispiness and warmth.
• Parmesan Perfection: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot sprouts immediately after cooking for a savory, cheesy finish.
• Bacon Boost: For an extra layer of savory flavor, stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon pieces with the sprouts before serving.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper for an added kick.
• Sweet & Tangy: Drizzle with a delicious honey mustard sauce instead of balsamic glaze for a completely different and delightful flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

Enjoying these air fryer brussel sprouts means you’re adding a powerhouse of nutrition to your plate. Brussels sprouts are incredibly rich in essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin K and Vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. This recipe keeps them naturally low in calories and incorporates healthy fats from olive oil. Please note that all nutritional estimates are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

According to the USDA, fresh brussels sprouts are a nutrient-dense vegetable that fit well into a healthy diet.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	1.5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbs	12g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	4g
Protein	4g
Vitamin K	150% DV
Vitamin C	90% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I get my air fryer brussel sprouts really crispy? Ensure your sprouts are completely dry, avoid overcrowding the basket, and always cook them in a preheated air fryer. Shaking the basket regularly also helps for even browning.
• Should I preheat my air fryer? Yes, preheating your air fryer helps achieve a consistent internal temperature and ensures maximum crispiness right from the start. This crucial step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
• Can I use frozen brussels sprouts for this recipe? While fresh is always recommended for the best results, you can use frozen sprouts. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before proceeding with the recipe to prevent any soggy outcomes.
• What temperature and time are best for air frying brussels sprouts? Cook brussels sprouts at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of crispness. Always keep a close eye on them towards the end.
• How do I prevent soggy sprouts? Always pat your sprouts thoroughly dry before oiling, use a minimal amount of oil, and ensure they are arranged in a single layer without overcrowding. Excess moisture and too much oil contribute to sogginess.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate, easy-to-follow guide to creating perfectly crispy air fryer brussel sprouts every single time. This recipe delivers incredible flavor, impressive crispiness, and fantastic nutritional benefits with truly minimal effort. It’s a testament to how simple and utterly delicious healthy eating can be for busy parents and beginners alike. Try this recipe tonight and transform your perception of this fantastic, versatile vegetable. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!