Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Easy Recipe)

These Air Fryer Brussels sprouts will completely change your mind about the misunderstood veg!

They’re crispy, crunchy, and golden brown on the outside and tender and creamy in the middle.

The textures are terrific, but the flavors are completely addictive, thanks to the luscious dressing.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

If you’re having trouble getting kids to appreciate Brussels sprouts, this recipe is for you.

First of all, thanks to the Air Fryer, these sprouts will cook in no time – just 10-12 minutes and they’re all set!

Next, let’s talk about the texture.

Poorly cooked Brussels sprouts are mushy, soggy, and downright disappointing. But these babies have the perfect balance of crunchiness and creaminess.

They’re flavored flawlessly, too. The sweet and savory coating and the mayo-mustard dip mask that vegetal taste beautifully.

Trust me; if you stick to this recipe, you won’t ever have leftover Brussels sprouts again.

Ingredients

The ingredient list is short and sweet, but brimming with flavor. Here’s everything you need for this recipe. 

• Brussels sprouts. Try to get sprouts that are more or less the same size, so they cook evenly. Fresh is always best, but you can also use frozen (more on that a little later). 

• Maple syrup. Use it to sweeten both the dressing and the dip.

• Olive oil. Coating the Brussels sprouts with just a little bit of olive oil enhances their flavor and gives them a crispy, crunchy exterior. 

• Kosher salt.  A little bit of saltiness to balance out the maple sugar.

• Ground black pepper. For a bit of a kick.

• Mayonnaise. The main component of the dip. You can always count on mayo to make the best creamy sauces.

• Stone-ground mustard. It adds a nice tang that balances out the mayo and maple syrup.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

This recipe is as simple as mixing and air frying. Seriously, check out how easy this side dish comes together. 

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts. Rinse and pat them dry, and trim off the stems. Peel 1-2 layers of outer leaves, then slice large sprouts in half.

2. Make the dressing. Whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the Brussels sprouts to coat.

3. Air fry the Brussels sprouts. Place them in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes. Shake the basket, and cook for 4-6 more minutes. 

4. Make the dipping sauce. While the sprouts cook, whisk together maple syrup, mayo, and mustard in a small bowl. 

5. Serve. Arrange the Brussels sprouts on a platter with dip (or toss them in the dip). Serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Want your holiday side dish to steal the show? Follow these quick tips for ultra-tender and tasty Brussels sprouts. 

• Keep them uniform. Buy similar-sized Brussels sprouts, so they cook evenly. Cut any larger sprouts in half.

• Don’t soak them first. Contrary to what you may have heard, you don’t need to soak Brussels sprouts before cooking. Instead, just trim the edges and peel off the outer leaves.

• Give them room to breathe. Do not overcrowd the Air Fryer basket, or the hot air won’t circulate properly. Instead, arrange the sprouts in a single layer, and don’t let them overlap. Cook in batches if you have to.

• Shake them up! Shake the basket halfway through. This is to ensure the Brussels sprouts are cooked on all sides.

• Check for doneness. To ensure your Brussels sprouts are tender, pierce them with a fork. If the fork glides through like butter, they’re ready!

Why Are My Brussels Sprouts Soggy?

No one wants sad, soggy Brussels sprouts. And even in the air fryer, it can happen.

Here are a couple reasons your Brussels sprouts didn’t crisp in the air fryer:

• Overcrowded basket. If the basket is too crowded, those sprouts will boil instead of fry. So, be sure to give them plenty of room to cook.

• Low heat. Make sure the heat setting is knocked up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything less, and they will be soggy.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch up your Brussels sprouts game? Then you have to try some (or all!) of these yummy variations. 

• Bacon. Everything is better with bacon! For a smokey, meaty treat, crumble bacon on top of Brussels sprouts after they come out of the air fryer. You can even drizzle a little bacon fat on top for even more flavor. 

• Feta. The tangy, bright kick of feta tastes amazing with Brussels sprouts. After they come out of the air fryer, crumble some feta on top. It looks so pretty, too!

• Frozen Brussels sprouts. Yes, you can even make this recipe with frozen Brussels sprouts! To ensure they’re super crispy, give them more room in the basket. And you will need to cook them a little longer. 

• Honey. Brussels sprouts are so savory and earthy, a dash of sweetness is amazing. Drizzle a little honey on top, and watch them disappear. Don’t worry, they won’t be overly sweet.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These sprouts make the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.

And if you are wondering what to serve outside of the holidays, I have a few fantastic suggestions!

• Meatloaf
• Grilled chicken breast
• Mac and cheese
• Instant Pot Ribs
• Rosemary roasted potatoes
• Salmon
• Roasted turkey

How to Store Brussels Sprouts

Leftover Brussels sprouts are never a problem, thanks to this recipe. But if you do have some, here are the best ways to store them:

To Store. Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool, and place them in an air-tight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. 

To Freeze. Place cooled Brussels sprouts in a freezer bag, and push out as much air as possible. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

To Reheat. Thaw frozen Brussels sprouts in the fridge overnight. Then, pop them in the Air Fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I Air Fry Frozen Brussels Sprouts?

Yes. Air Fry frozen sprouts at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Keep in mind, however, that frozen sprouts may not crisp up as much as fresh.

Of course, giving frozen sprouts more room in the basket will help. And giving them just a little more time cooking will also help them crisp better.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

Air Fryer Okra
Air Fryer Dumplings
Air Fryer Corn Dogs
Air Fryer Ribs
Air Fryer Biscuits