Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
Boiled sprouts are the reason many people dislike them, because they turn sulphurous and soft. Roasted hard, they are sweet, nutty and crisp at the edges. Air fryer Brussels sprouts get there in about 12 minutes, without waiting for the oven, and the loose outer leaves crisp up like crisps. Here is the method, plus a balsamic glaze and a frozen version.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 21min
- Prep
- 8min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 90kcal
Why the air fryer works for Brussels sprouts
Air fryer Brussels sprouts brown quickly because the hot air hits the cut face of every half directly. That face caramelises, which turns the sharp, bitter taste into something sweeter and nuttier. The loose outer leaves also separate and crisp, so you get a crunchy contrast with the soft middle. Doing the same in an oven takes 25–30 minutes.
A basket air fryer is also better for sprouts than boiling because there is no smell of cooking cabbage and no waterlogged texture. A spoonful of oil is enough. If you cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer regularly, the balsamic and maple glaze is worth learning, as it adds sweetness and a sticky finish in the last minute.
How to make Brussels sprouts in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Trim and halve Trim the base of each sprout and pull off any loose or yellow outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half through the stalk. Cut very large ones into quarters so all the pieces are about the same size.
- Season Toss the sprouts in a bowl with the oil, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 190 °C for .
- Cook Tip the sprouts into the basket, turning as many as you can cut side down, as the flat face is what browns. Cook for , shaking the basket every . They are ready when the cut faces are deeply browned and the loose leaves are crisp.
- Glaze Mix the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small bowl. Toss the hot sprouts in it and cook for 1 more minute so the glaze turns sticky. Serve straight away.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Brussels Sprouts | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Halved fresh sproutsShake every 4 minutes | 190 °C | 12–14 min |
| Whole small sprouts | 190 °C | 15 min |
| Quartered large sprouts | 190 °C | 10 min |
| Frozen sproutsNo need to thaw | 190 °C | 15–18 min |
| Sprouts with bacon piecesNot vegetarian | 190 °C | 12–14 min |
| Reheating sprouts | 180 °C | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
You may also like: Christmas dinner in an air fryer
Tips
- Cut side down in the basket. After tossing the sprouts in oil, set as many as you can cut side down. The flat face browns best against the hot basket.
- Shake often. The small outer leaves can scorch. Shaking every 4 minutes moves them around, and the loose leaves that fall off become the crispest bits.
- Keep the sprouts the same size. Quarter the large ones so every piece cooks in the same time.
Serving
Serve the sprouts with a roast dinner, as part of a Christmas plate, or alongside pork chops or sausages. Brussels sprouts in an air fryer also work cold, tossed through a salad with cranberries or grated apple. See the vegetables page for other side dishes. Parsnips and roast chestnuts are good seasonal companions, and leftover sprouts can go into bubble and squeak.
Storing and reheating
Leftover sprouts keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat air fryer Brussels sprouts, cook them at 180 °C for 3–4 minutes, shaking once, until they are steaming hot all the way through (75 °C). They crisp up again better than in a microwave.
Variations
- With bacon: Add 100 g bacon lardons, snipped into pieces, to the basket from the start and cook as normal. The fat helps the sprouts brown (not vegetarian).
- Parmesan and lemon: Finish with a handful of grated hard cheese and the zest of half a lemon, off the heat so the cheese does not burn. Use a vegetarian-labelled parmesan-style cheese to keep the dish vegetarian.
- Honey and chilli: Use 1 tsp honey in place of maple syrup and add a pinch of chilli flakes to the glaze.
Troubleshooting
- The sprouts are burnt on the outside and raw in the middle
- They were too big or the heat was too high. Cut large sprouts into quarters, and lower the temperature to 180 °C for 15–16 minutes if the leaves darken too quickly.
- The sprouts are soggy and pale
- They were wet or the basket was overfull. Dry the sprouts after washing, spread them in one layer and avoid cooking more than 500 g in a basket of 4–5 litres.
- The glaze burns on the basket
- Sugar burns fast. Add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup only in the last minute, or toss the cooked sprouts in the glaze outside the air fryer.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Brussels sprouts take in an air fryer?
Halved sprouts take 12–14 minutes at 190 °C, shaken every 4 minutes. Whole small sprouts need about 15 minutes, and quartered ones 10 minutes.
Can you cook Brussels sprouts from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen sprouts at 190 °C for 15–18 minutes without thawing, shaking several times. They come out softer than fresh sprouts, so cut any large ones in half.
Do you need to boil Brussels sprouts before air frying?
No. Parboiling makes them soggy and is not needed, as the dry heat cooks them in 12–14 minutes. Halving them is enough to get a tender middle.
What temperature should Brussels sprouts be cooked at?
190 °C gives crisp edges and a tender middle. Use 180 °C for large sprouts and 200 °C for frozen ones.
How do you reheat Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
Heat them at 180 °C for 3–4 minutes, shaking once, until they are steaming hot all the way through and crisp again.
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