Brussels sprouts get a tasty upgrade in this easy air fryer recipe that yields crispy, caramelized edges and tender insides.
The balsamic glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, boosting the natural earthiness of the sprouts.
Ideal as a side dish or snack, this recipe is quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Air frying crisps Brussels sprouts evenly without excess oil, creating a satisfying texture.
- The balsamic glaze adds a rich dimension of flavor without overpowering the sprouts' natural sweetness.
- Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe accessible for everyday cooking.
Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brighten your side dish repertoire with these crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts finished with a luscious balsamic glaze. Easy, quick, and flavorful!
- Prep time
- 10 minutes
- Cook time
- 15 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half through the stem.
- Season and air fry In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping, until the Brussels sprouts are tender inside and crispy on the edges.
- Make the balsamic glaze While the sprouts cook, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced and thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine and serve Transfer the cooked Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Helpful Tips
- For even crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture; older sprouts can be bitter and less tender.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey to make this recipe vegan.
- Allow the balsamic glaze to cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from thinning out too much on the hot sprouts.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again, about 5 minutes.
Do not leave cooked Brussels sprouts at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for crispiness. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before air frying to reduce sogginess.
How do I know when Brussels sprouts are fully cooked?
They should be tender inside when pierced with a fork and have a crispy, caramelized exterior from air frying.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Substitute maple syrup for honey to make it vegan.
Leave a Reply