Air fryer Brussels sprouts are one of the most searched healthy sides every fall. The hot air turns the outer leaves crisp and nutty with just one tablespoon of oil, and a quick honey balsamic drizzle at the end makes even sprout skeptics go back for seconds.
1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quarter any very large ones)
1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan (optional)
How Do You Make Brussels Sprouts in an Air Fryer?
Prep the sprouts: Trim the stem ends, pull off any yellow outer leaves, and cut the sprouts in half from top to stem. Quarter any that are bigger than a golf ball so they all cook at the same rate. Pat them dry.
Season: Toss the sprouts in a bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until every piece is lightly coated. Keep any loose leaves; they turn into crispy chips.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry in a single layer: Spread the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer, splitting them between both baskets of a dual basket air fryer if you have one. Air fry at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket at about 8 minutes, until the outsides are deeply browned and a knife slides easily into the center.
Make the glaze: While the sprouts cook, whisk the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a small bowl.
Glaze and serve: Tip the hot sprouts into a bowl, drizzle with the honey balsamic, and toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan if using, taste for salt, and serve right away while they are crisp.
Dual basket tip: Make it a full dinner. Put the sprouts in basket 1 at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes and lemon garlic salmon or chicken thighs in basket 2, then press Smart Finish (or Sync Finish) so both come out at the same time.
Sprouts + a main: Ninja DZ801 DualZone 8-QtTwo 4-Qt baskets with Smart Finish, just right for a side and a protein for 2 to 4 people.
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe, about 3/4 cup, with the glaze and Parmesan): about 100 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated), 12 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 5 g protein, and 210 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for raw Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Parmesan, and the salt listed. They will vary with brands and how much glaze you use.
Flavor Variations
Hot honey: swap the plain honey for hot honey, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze
Lemon-Parmesan: skip the balsamic; finish with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon, and Parmesan
Everything bagel: skip the glaze and toss with 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning right after cooking
Turkey bacon: add 2 chopped slices of turkey bacon to the basket for the last 6 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get Brussels sprouts crispy in the air fryer?
Halve them, pat them dry, use a light coat of oil, and cook them in a single layer at 375°F. Placing them cut-side down helps them brown, and shaking once halfway keeps them even. A crowded basket steams the sprouts instead of crisping them.
Should I add the balsamic before or after air frying?
After. The sugars in balsamic and honey can burn at air fryer temperatures, so toss the sprouts with the glaze as soon as they come out.
Can I air fry frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes. Don't thaw them. Toss them with the oil and seasoning and air fry at 400°F for about 18 to 22 minutes, shaking a couple of times. They come out a little softer than fresh sprouts.
How many calories are in air fryer Brussels sprouts?
We estimate about 100 calories per serving (1/4 of the recipe with the glaze and Parmesan), with about 4 g fat, 12 g carbs, 4 g fiber, and 5 g protein. These numbers are calculated from standard USDA values for the ingredients and will vary with the brands you use.
Can I make these in a dual basket air fryer?
Yes. Split the sprouts between both baskets for a crispier single layer, or cook them in one basket and a protein like salmon or chicken thighs in the other, using Smart Finish or Sync Finish so both are ready together.
