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.
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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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
Balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, and freshly grated Parmesan are all fantastic toppings. Choose based on your taste preference—sweet, tangy, or savory.
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!
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and optionally topped with balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese. A quick, healthy side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 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!)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
- Drizzle pomegranate molasses
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim off the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from stem to end. If any are very large, quarter them to ensure even cooking.
- Optional Soak: Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and cover with warm tap water. Let them sit for 10 minutes to soften the center, then drain and pat dry. This step can be skipped if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit according to the manufacturer's instructions (typically 3 minutes).
- Season: Toss the Brussels sprouts in a bowl with olive oil, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until evenly coated.
- Initial Cook: Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then, remove the basket and shake it to toss the sprouts for even cooking.
- Continue Cooking: Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then shake the basket again. Check that the sprouts look crispy and almost done.
- Add Garlic and Finish Cooking: Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves to the basket, toss to coat, and cook for 2 to 4 more minutes, shaking often, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply crisp.
- Add Toppings: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and stir in any optional toppings such as balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- To store, refrigerate Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
- Freezing is not recommended as Brussels sprouts become mushy upon thawing, but if necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Soaking the sprouts is optional and helps to soften the center for a less firm texture.
- Shake the air fryer basket frequently for even cooking and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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