Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Make perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts faster with this simple air fryer method. These air fryer Brussels sprouts are tossed in finely grated Parmesan, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper, producing tender centers and crisp, golden edges in about 15 minutes.

If you have extra Brussels sprouts, try variations like Brussels sprouts with bacon or bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts for added richness and flavor.

The Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

If you love vegetables that are crispy, salty, and satisfying, these are for you. This method focuses on quick, healthy side dishes that get delightfully crispy without deep frying.

Ready in about 15–20 minutes, these Brussels sprouts become tender inside and crisp and caramelized on the outside.

Ingredients You Need

These air fryer Brussels sprouts are straightforward and use only a handful of pantry staples.

• Brussels sprouts – about 1 lb., trimmed and halved.
• Olive oil – enough to lightly coat the sprouts so they crisp (about 1 tablespoon for 1 lb.).
• Finely grated Parmesan cheese – finely grated Parmesan adheres better and creates a pleasant savory crust.
• Garlic powder – adds flavor and a bit of crust.
• Salt and pepper – to taste.

Which air fryer should I buy?

Choose an air fryer based on how much you plan to cook and how much countertop storage you have. Smaller 2-3 quart models are compact but often require batch cooking for family-sized portions. A 4–6 quart or larger basket gives you room to cook more food at once and can handle whole meals.

If you own a small basket, plan to make multiple batches to keep the sprouts in a single layer for even crisping.

Is the air fryer better than the oven?

An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven that circulates hot air rapidly, which crisps food with less oil than deep frying. It’s an excellent choice when you want fast, crunchy results without using a lot of fat.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast these in a conventional oven—balsamic or sea-salt roasted Brussels sprouts are a great oven-friendly alternative.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat the air fryer. Preheat to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Trim and halve. Trim stems and cut each sprout in half lengthwise so the flat side can brown.
3. Toss with oil and seasonings. In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add the finely grated Parmesan and mix until evenly coated.
4. Arrange in a single layer. Place sprouts in the basket flat-side down and not touching; cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
5. Cook and flip. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip or shake the basket, then cook an additional 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges.
6. Finish and serve. Remove when they reach your desired crispness. Sprinkle extra Parmesan if desired and serve immediately.

Storage

Allow Brussels sprouts to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to revive crispiness rather than using the microwave.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts pair well with roasted meats, pork tenderloin, or winter vegetables. They make a great holiday side or a healthy weeknight accompaniment. Serving suggestions include:

• Roasted or baked turkey tenderloin for a lean protein pairing.
• Instant Pot butternut squash for a sweet, soft contrast.
• Slow-cooked or pressure-cooked pork roast for a hearty main.

Brussels Sprouts Recipes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
• Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts
• Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
• Balsamic Sea Salt Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Love this recipe? Leave a comment below and tag photos on social media using the hashtag to show how yours turned out—we enjoy seeing your variations and serving ideas!