Dry Brussels sprouts, a light coating of oil and room in the basket help the edges brown in an air fryer. Cut larger sprouts into quarters so their centers cook alongside smaller halves.
This version has not been verified by a Chefly kitchen test. Cooking time and the approximately 4-side-serving yield are estimates; air fryers vary.
Jump to ingredients · Jump to method
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, about 450 grams
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Up to 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional, for serving
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, optional, for serving
Use maple syrup rather than honey if serving a vegan variation. For a tangy finish, add lemon juice after cooking.
Air fryer method
- Wash the sprouts, trim woody ends and dry thoroughly. Halve small sprouts and quarter larger ones to make similar-sized pieces.
- Toss with oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if its manufacturer recommends preheating. Arrange sprouts in a loose single layer with room for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed; basket capacity determines the number of batches.
- Air-fry approximately 12–15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. Start checking early. Remove loose leaves if they brown ahead of the larger pieces.
- Check that the centers are tender when pierced and edges are browned rather than burnt. Continue briefly if needed. Serve immediately, adding optional honey, maple syrup or lemon juice after cooking.
Why are the sprouts soft instead of crisp?
Excess surface water and a crowded basket encourage steaming. Dry well and reduce the batch size. More frequent shaking does not fully compensate for an overloaded basket.
Can I use frozen sprouts?
Frozen sprouts need a separate timing and texture check; the method above is written for fresh sprouts. Do not promise the same crispness or cooking time with frozen vegetables.
Serving and variations
Serve beside roast chicken, lentils or crispy roast potatoes. Optional nuts or Parmesan introduce additional allergens and are not included in this recipe’s base ingredients. No nutrition figures are provided because serving size and toppings change them.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C), at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use within 3 days for this recipe. Reheat in the air fryer at about 350°F (175°C), checking frequently, until leftovers reach 165°F (74°C); a fixed few minutes may not be enough. The texture will differ from freshly cooked sprouts.
See USDA guidance on cooling, storing and reheating leftovers.