Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional but delish!); 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar; Drizzle pomegranate molasses; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly crispy yet tender Brussels sprouts, especially when they’re bursting with garlicky flavor. This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe offers just that—quick, easy, and beyond delicious, making it a staple in my kitchen whenever I need a veggie side that everyone will actually ask for seconds of.

A white bowl filled with one layer of roasted Brussels sprouts, each halved, showing a mix of green, golden brown, and charred dark brown colors with a slightly crispy texture. Some of the Brussels sprouts have a light sprinkle of white grated cheese on top. A silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a striped cloth visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of my go-tos because it makes Brussels sprouts taste honestly irresistible, even if you’ve never been a fan before. The garlic adds this lovely, mellow punch while the air fryer crisps them perfectly without any fuss.

Crispy Texture: The air fryer cooks the sprouts so they’re crispy on the outside but tender inside, which is just the dream combo.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, making it super easy to whip up anytime.
Customizable Toppings: Whether you want a touch of sweetness or a cheesy finish, you can tailor it your way.
Fast & Hands-Off: The air fryer does most of the work, freeing you up to focus on other parts of your meal.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, cut in half showing a yellow-green inside with crispy browned edges, and some outer leaves with dark char marks. The Brussels sprouts are sprinkled with grated light-colored cheese, adding a fine textured topping. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a spot-on role here. The Brussels sprouts bring that hearty, slightly nutty base, while garlic gives a rich aroma and flavor boost. The olive oil helps everything crisp up beautifully, and the optional toppings add exciting layers depending on your mood or occasion.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with some whole Brussels sprouts, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, whole uncracked garlic cloves and a few thinly sliced garlic pieces arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with thick balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl with pomegranate molasses, a small white ceramic bowl with pure maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: Aim for firm, bright green ones without too many loose outer leaves for the best texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the sprouts crisp perfectly in the air fryer.
Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors and seasons evenly.
Ground black pepper: Offers a gentle kick that balances the earthiness.
Garlic cloves (optional): When sliced thin and cooked just right, garlic goes from harsh to wonderfully mellow and toasty.
Balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a tangy-sweet depth that contrasts beautifully with the caramelized sprouts.
Pomegranate molasses (optional): This syrupy tart-sweet topping is a game changer if you want something exotic and festive.
Pure maple syrup (optional): A subtle natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory and bitter notes.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds that salty, nutty finish that makes the dish feel special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on my mood or what’s in season. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze is my classic go-to, but sometimes I’ll sprinkle on Parmesan for a savory kick. Don’t hesitate to get creative—it’s surprisingly versatile!

Variation: Once, I tossed in some crushed red pepper flakes to add heat, and it absolutely made the dish pop—perfect if you like a little spice.
Dietary Friendly: Going vegan? Skip the Parmesan and try nutritional yeast or toasted nuts instead for a cheesy, crunchy texture.
Seasonal Switch-Up: In fall, I sometimes add chopped roasted chestnuts or pomegranate seeds as a festive touch and it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts Like a Pro

Start by trimming the ends and peeling off any brown or tough outer leaves. Cut them in half stem to tip, and if you’ve got big ones, quarter them for even cooking. This little extra effort ensures every bite cooks at the same pace—no one wants soggy outsides and crunchy middles!

Step 2: Optional Soak for Tenderness

I sometimes soak the sprouts in warm water for 10 minutes to soften the inside a bit. It’s totally optional, though—I often skip this step for that ideal “crispy outside, tender inside” texture I adore.

Step 3: Season and Oil Them Up

Drain and pat the sprouts dry with a towel; nobody likes soggy Brussels! Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re nicely coated. This simple seasoning prep unlocks great flavor when cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry for Crisp Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F—usually about 3 minutes in mine. Spread the sprouts in the basket (don’t overcrowd!) and air fry for 5 minutes. Then, shake the basket to give them a toss and cook for another 5 minutes. At this point, they should be getting golden and crisp.

Step 5: Add Garlic & Finish Cooking

Slide the basket out again, toss in your thinly sliced garlic, and mix it with the sprouts. Cook for 2-4 more minutes, shaking the basket here and there to avoid burning the garlic. Once the sprouts are deeply golden and the garlic has softened, you’re ready!

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Transfer to a bowl and mix in your favorite toppings—balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan all work beautifully. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

From cooking these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to get them just right every time. These tips can help you avoid sogginess and get even, crispy results.

Dry Thoroughly: After rinsing or soaking, pat the sprouts dry. Water is the enemy of crispiness!
Don’t Overcrowd: Give your sprouts space in the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate for maximum crunch.
Shake Often: Tossing or shaking the basket mid-cook promotes even browning and prevents burning.
Add Garlic Last: Garlic burns faster than sprouts, so add it near the end to avoid bitterness while still getting that aromatic flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

crispy Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan—it melts slightly on the hot sprouts and adds a savory boost. Sometimes I go for a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few pomegranate seeds to add a pop of color and tangy sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme aren’t necessary but they bring fresh greenery that’s nice for presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty grain bowl. I often serve them alongside a simple quinoa pilaf or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the bold flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to arrange these on a large platter tossed with pomegranate seeds and toasted walnuts for crunch. If you’re hosting a casual get-together, serve them in a pretty bowl with a side of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or tangy yogurt dip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I have go into an airtight container and get refrigerated right away. They keep well for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I usually warm them in the oven rather than the microwave to help keep that crispness intact.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze Brussels sprouts cooked this way because they tend to get mushy after thawing. But if you have a lot leftover, freezing in a freezer-safe container is possible—just know the texture won’t be quite the same after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method revives their crisp edges without drying them out like a microwave might.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe?

Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used, but they tend to release more moisture, which may affect how crispy they get. If you do use frozen, defrost and pat them very dry before air frying to improve the texture.

Is it necessary to soak the Brussels sprouts before air frying?

Soaking the Brussels sprouts is optional. It softens the insides slightly but you can skip it if you prefer a firmer texture. I usually skip it to retain that lovely crisp-tender balance.

What are the best toppings to add to this recipe?

Balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, and freshly grated Parmesan are all fantastic toppings. Choose based on your taste preference—sweet, tangy, or savory.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, nothing beats coming home to a batch of these fragrant, crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe that feel both indulgent and healthy. They’re proof that Brussels sprouts can be truly crave-worthy when treated right. I hope you give this a try and that it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too—you’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear at the table!