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My family's obsession with crispy Brussels sprouts led me to discover this amazing air fryer method. These sprouts come out perfectly golden and crispy in just minutes. Trust me, once you try them this way you'll never go back to oven roasting. The air fryer transforms these little veggies into irresistible bites that even my picky teenagers devour.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Takes just minutes to make when I'm rushing to get dinner on the table.
- Loaded with good stuff our bodies need like fiber and vitamins.
- So versatile. I love adding different toppings based on what's in my pantry.
- Gets incredibly crispy without turning mushy inside.
What You'll Need
- Fresh Brussels sprouts from your local market. Cut them in half lengthwise.
- Good quality olive oil. I use my everyday cooking olive oil.
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Simple but perfect.
- Fresh garlic if you're feeling fancy. It adds such wonderful flavor.
Let's Make It
- First Step:
- Clean your sprouts and slice them down the middle.
- Want Extra Tender Sprouts?
- Give them a quick soak in water. 10 minutes does the trick.
- Season Them Up:
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings until well coated.
- Time to Cook:
- Pop them in at 375°F. Cook 5 minutes, give them a shake, another 5 minutes, one final shake, then 2-4 minutes more until golden.
Fun Ways to Mix It Up
- Splash some balsamic vinegar over them when they're done cooking. So good.
- Crumble bacon on top for extra crunch. My husband's favorite.
- Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese right after cooking. Watch it melt.
- Drizzle honey for a sweet touch. My kids love this version.
- Using frozen sprouts works too. Just cook them a bit longer.
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My Tricks for Extra Crispy Results
- 375°F is my magic temperature for perfect results every time.
- Don't skip the basket shaking. It makes such a difference.
- Space them out nicely. They need room to get crispy.
- Try the soaking trick if you want tender middles.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
- Pop them in an airtight container. They'll keep for 4 days in the fridge.
- Warm them up in the air fryer or oven at 350°F to bring back the crunch.
- Skip freezing these. They just aren't the same after.
Why I Love My Air Fryer
My air fryer has changed the way I cook. It's like a tiny super-powered oven that makes everything crispy using barely any oil. It heats up in 3 minutes flat which is perfect for busy weeknights when everyone's hungry and asking what's for dinner.
Perfect Pairings
These sprouts go with everything. They're amazing alongside a juicy grilled chicken breast, next to your favorite pasta, or topped on a grain bowl for lunch.
Better Than Oven Roasted
Ever since I started making Brussels sprouts in my air fryer, I haven't looked back. They come out perfectly crispy every single time and cook in half the time of oven roasting.
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Your Questions Answered
- Yes you need a little oil, but just a splash does the trick. A light coating of cooking spray works too.
- Soaking is totally up to you. Try both ways and see what you like best.
- Frozen sprouts work great. Just give them extra time and don't overcrowd.
Good for Your Body
I love serving these because they're packed with nutrients. My mom always says eating your greens keeps you healthy and these crispy bites make it so easy to do just that.
Sauce it Up
Sometimes I whip up a quick garlic aioli for dipping or drizzle them with my homemade balsamic glaze. They're also fantastic with a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
My Best Tips
- Make sure to dry your sprouts really well after washing.
- Try to cut them all about the same size.
- Wait until they're done cooking to add any fancy toppings.
A Family Favorite
This recipe has become a staple in our house. It's quick enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday dinner. Plus everyone actually eats their vegetables!
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The Perfect Side
Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these sprouts never disappoint. They've become my go-to side dish for pretty much everything.
Getting Kids to Love Sprouts
My secret weapon for picky eaters is a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of Parmesan. The crispy texture usually wins them over and soon they're asking for seconds.
Make It Your Own
Play around with the seasonings. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or make them sweet with a touch of maple syrup.
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Extra Special Touches
Some nights I get fancy and add toasted pine nuts, a handful of dried cranberries, or crumbles of tangy goat cheese. These little extras turn simple sprouts into something really special.
Final Thoughts
This recipe totally changed how my family feels about Brussels sprouts. They're quick, healthy, and honestly addictive. Give them a try and let me know how your family likes them!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is soaking the Brussels sprouts necessary?
- Soaking is optional. It makes the centers more tender, but you can skip it if you prefer firmer sprouts with crispy outsides.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness. The air fryer can also be used for quick reheating.
- → Can I freeze these Brussels sprouts?
- Freezing isn't recommended as they become mushy when thawed. If needed, they can be frozen for up to 3 months but texture will change.
- → How do I ensure even cooking?
- Cut sprouts to similar sizes and shake the basket during cooking. Larger sprouts should be quartered to match smaller ones.
- → What toppings work best?
- Popular options include balsamic glaze, maple syrup, Parmesan cheese, or pomegranate molasses. Add toppings after cooking for best results.