Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Crispy and delicious Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are extremely easy to make and ready in less than 20 minutes.

These small cabbages are lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, tossed with bacon and olive oil, and topped with parmesan for perfection!

Same as Gluten-Free Yorkshire Puddings, Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans, and Homemade Mini Pigs in a Blanket, they are the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Sunday lunch, or Christmas dinner.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Brussel Sprouts in an Air Fryer?
• Top Tips From the Chef
• How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Brussel Sprouts?
• Recipe Variations
• Storage and Reheating
• Recipe FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are the best vegetable to cook in an air fryer.

This simple side dish gets crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

If you don't own an air fryer, you can bake these mini cabbages in a regular oven.

Simply preheat your oven to 190° C (370° F) and cook them for 30 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.

I use my air fryer when I need quick and simple air fryer recipes such as Easy Air Fryer Asparagus, Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Okra Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Homemade Tater Tots in Air Fryer, Fish Sticks in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas, and Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers. 

The air fryer does an amazing job creating “fried” tasting foods without deep-frying but with less fat and calories.

And that's exactly why I bought an air fryer in the first place.

Why This Recipe Works

• You can make this healthy side dish while your oven is in use, the perfect side dish for big dinner parties and weeknight dinners!

• This Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipe is extremely easy to make and only requires a few ingredients and 17 minutes.

• It is versatile, you can omit the bacon and make this dish vegetarian-friendly. You can add garlic or balsamic for extra flavoring.

• The leftovers are great as a snack. You can keep them refrigerated for up to five days!

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Brussel sprouts - This recipe requires fresh brussels sprouts. To prepare them, trim the stalks, get rid of the outer leaves (if necessary), and cut them in halves. If you like your Brussels sprouts a bit softer on the inside, soak them in water for 10 minutes before roasting them.

• Bacon - Use your favorite cut for extra saltiness. Skip it if you want to keep your side dish vegetarian.

• Olive oil - A little olive oil helps the Brussel sprouts crisp up and adds the dish extra flavor. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.

• Parmesan - Use a block of parmesan and freshly grate it just before using it. You can substitute it with any hard cheese you prefer.

How to Make Brussel Sprouts in an Air Fryer?

This is a very easy recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

However, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results:

Cut the bacon into small dices and set them aside.

Wash and trim Brussels sprouts, and cut them in half.

Soak the Brussel sprouts in water for 10 minutes if you like them soft and tender and not too crispy. This step is optional.

Place the Brussel sprouts in a bowl and add the salt, black pepper, olive oil, and bacon.

Give them all a good mix and then place them in your air fryer's basket in a single layer.

Do not overcrowd the basket, if your air fryer's capacity is not big enough to take them all, do it in batches.

Set your air fryer to 180° C (360° F) and roast them for 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside.

Shake the basket halfway when cooking.

Sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese and serve your cooked brussels sprouts while still warm.

Top Tips From the Chef

• Make sure to prepare the Brussel sprouts properly: Trim the stalk, get rid of the outer leaves, and cut the larger ones in half to make sure they all are the same size.

• Soak the Brussel sprouts in water for 10 minutes before roasting them if you like soft and tender brussels sprouts.

• Place the Brussel sprouts in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding for crispy brussel sprouts.

• Shake your air fryer basket halfway during the cooking to flip the Brussel sprouts.

• Adjust the timing and the temperature as they vary depending on the model of your air fryer.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Brussel Sprouts?

Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts is a great side dish to serve during the festive season.

Serve this delicious side dish along with Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Individual Salmon en Croute, Chuck Roast in Oven, Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy, Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips, Rice Stuffed Chicken, Baked Sea Bass, Slow Roasted Turkey Legs (With Gravy), or Beef Bourguignon for special occasions.

Or serve them along with Air Fryer Sausage, Easy Air Fryer Crab Cakes, Baked Cod with Panko, Turkey Shepherd's Pie, or Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté) for a quick weeknight meal.

Recipe Variations

• Toss the Brussels sprouts with a mixture of honey, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes before air frying. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a delightful twist.

• Coat the Brussels sprouts with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger and garlic powder before air frying. Top with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

• Toss the Brussels sprouts with a mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a bit of apple cider vinegar before air frying. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.

• Coat the Brussels sprouts with a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce before air frying for a sweet and savory Asian twist.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool to room temperature before storing.

Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

I don’t recommend freezing leftover brussels sprouts as the sprouts will be mushy when reheated.

Reheating

If you want to reheat your leftover Brussels sprouts in your air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Arrange the parmesan brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Reheat for about 3-5 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket occasionally for even heating.

Check for desired warmth and crispiness.

To reheat in an oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until heated through and slightly crispy.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more festive side dish recipes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making these easy, delicious, and super-crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Parmesan and Bacon as much as you enjoy eating them! 🙂 

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

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