Air fryer Brussels sprouts

It was during a hectic weeknight, when my culinary curiosity led me to experiment with my new kitchen gadget—the air fryer. Among the various vegetables I had on hand, Brussels sprouts caught my eye, and I decided to give them a whirl in this innovative appliance. To my delight, the result was nothing short of transformative. The air fryer Brussels sprouts emerged with a delightful crispiness, perfectly caramelized on the outside while tender on the inside, all achieved with minimal oil.

This newfound method of preparing Brussels sprouts revolutionized my approach to cooking this often-misunderstood vegetable. Traditionally, achieving such a texture would require roasting in a hot oven, often with copious amounts of oil. However, the air fryer rendered this process not only simpler but also significantly healthier. With just a fraction of the oil, the air fryer managed to produce a superior crisp, making it a fantastic option for those who are health-conscious or time-pressed.

One of the most compelling advantages of using an air fryer is its convenience. For busy individuals, the prospect of preparing a nutritious and delicious side dish in under 20 minutes is incredibly appealing. The air fryer’s rapid cooking time and ease of use make it an essential tool in any modern kitchen. Moreover, by reducing the amount of oil used, air fryer Brussels sprouts become a guilt-free indulgence, aligning with the dietary preferences of many health-focused readers.

Preparing the Perfect Brussels Sprouts

To achieve the best results when cooking air fryer Brussels sprouts, the preparation process is crucial. The first step is selecting high-quality Brussels sprouts from the market. Look for sprouts that are bright green and firm to the touch, as these indicate freshness and ensure the best texture and flavor. Avoid any that are yellowing or have soft spots, as these are signs of aging and will not crisp up as desired.

Once you’ve selected your Brussels sprouts, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Start by trimming off the ends to remove the tough, woody base. This not only enhances the texture but also allows for a more even cook. Next, peel away any brown or damaged outer leaves. These leaves can turn bitter when cooked and detract from the overall taste.

Uniformity in size is another key factor in achieving perfectly cooked air fryer Brussels sprouts. Cutting the sprouts into halves or quarters, depending on their size, ensures that they cook evenly. If the sprouts are of varied sizes, the smaller ones may become overcooked while the larger ones remain underdone. For those who prefer a more tender inside, soaking the sprouts in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking can help achieve this texture by slightly softening them.

These preparation steps are essential for several reasons. Properly trimmed and cleaned Brussels sprouts have a better flavor and texture, while uniform sizing ensures even cooking. Additionally, soaking can provide a desirable contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior. By taking the time to prepare your Brussels sprouts correctly, you set the foundation for a delightful and crispy result when using the air fryer.

The Air Fryer Magic

Cooking Brussels sprouts in an air fryer transforms this often-misunderstood vegetable into a delicious, crispy delight. To begin, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial as it ensures that the Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately, leading to a consistent texture and even browning. Without this step, the sprouts may cook unevenly, resulting in a less-than-perfect dish.

Next, prepare your Brussels sprouts by trimming the ends and cutting them in half. Place the halved sprouts in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing them until they’re evenly coated. The olive oil not only helps in achieving that sought-after crispiness but also enhances the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts. For an added burst of flavor, incorporate thinly sliced garlic into the mix. The garlic will roast alongside the sprouts, infusing them with a subtle, aromatic touch.

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This arrangement ensures that each piece cooks evenly. Set the timer for 15-18 minutes, depending on the size of your sprouts and your desired level of crispiness. At the halfway mark, around 8-9 minutes, shake the basket to redistribute the sprouts. This step is essential as it prevents them from sticking together and promotes uniform cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways to suit various palates. Once you’ve achieved that perfect crispy texture, consider enhancing the flavor with a few simple yet delectable additions. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a savory depth, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze introduces a sweet and tangy note that balances the natural earthiness of the Brussels sprouts. For a refreshing twist, a dash of lemon zest can brighten up the dish, making it a perfect accompaniment to lighter meals.

When it comes to pairing air-fried Brussels sprouts with main dishes, the options are plentiful. These sprouts make an excellent side dish for roasted chicken, adding a crunchy contrast to the tender meat. They also pair wonderfully with grilled fish, where the crispiness of the sprouts complements the delicate flakiness of the fish. For a more robust meal, consider incorporating them into a hearty grain bowl. Combine the Brussels sprouts with quinoa, farro, or brown rice, and toss in some roasted vegetables and a protein of your choice for a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Encourage your culinary creativity by experimenting with various toppings and seasonings. Crushed nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can add an extra layer of texture, while a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey can introduce a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can provide a burst of freshness, making your air fryer Brussels sprouts even more appealing.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced optional but delish!

Instructions

1. Trim off the ends of the Brussel sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from stem to end. If any are very large, cut them into quarters from stem to end so that all the pieces are fairly similar in size and cook evenly.
2. OPTIONAL—This step makes sure the Brussels sprouts a little more tender in the middle; that said, if you don’t mind a firmer sprout, you can skip it—I like my Brussels sprouts firm/tender inside and crispy outside, so I typically skip it—Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and cover with warm tap water. Let sit 10 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees, according to the manufacturer’s instructions (for my air fryer, that’s 3 minutes of preheating).
4. Drain the Brussels sprouts and with a towel, lightly pat dry. Wipe out the bowl you used for soaking, then add the Brussels sprouts back to it (if you didn’t soak the sprouts, simply place them in a large mixing bowl). Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with the salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then add them to your fryer basket.
5. Cook the sprouts for 5 minutes, then slide out the basket and shake it to toss the Brussels sprouts to promote even cooking. Cook 5 additional minutes, then slide out the basket again. The Brussels sprouts should look like they are getting nice and crispy and are almost done (if not, let them cook a minute or so longer). Add the garlic cloves and toss to coat once more. Cook 2 to 4 additional minutes, checking and shaking the basket often, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply crisp.
6. If adding toppings, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl (or wipe out the mixing bowl you previously used) and stir in any desired toppings. Enjoy hot.

Notes

• TO STORE: Refrigerate Brussels sprouts in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
• TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• TO FREEZE: The Brussels sprouts will get mushy once thawed, so I don’t recommend freezing them. If you have lots leftover, you can freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

• SERVING: 1(of 4)
• CALORIES: 67kcal
• CARBOHYDRATES: 10g
• PROTEIN: 4g
• FAT: 2g
• SATURATED FAT: 1g
• POTASSIUM: 443mg
• FIBER: 4g
• SUGAR: 2g
• VITAMIN A: 856IU
• VITAMIN C: 96mg
• CALCIUM: 48mg
• IRON: 2mg