There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crisp, garlicky crunch of Brussels sprouts cooked just right. This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet Toppings Recipe is my go-to when I want a quick, flavorful veggie side that feels special but requires minimal effort.
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 Sweet Toppings Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet Toppings Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet Toppings Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I love sharing this recipe because it turns a humble veggie like Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just warming up to Brussels sprouts, this air fryer method guarantees crispy edges, tender-inside bites, and beautifully toasted garlic every time.
- Quick & Easy: The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, giving you crispy sprouts in under 20 minutes.
- Garlic Infusion: Thinly sliced garlic adds a mellow, fragrant punch without overpowering the sprouts.
- Customizable Toppings: You can keep it simple or add a touch of sweetness or tang—balsamic glaze, maple syrup, or Parmesan all work wonders.
- Consistently Crispy: The air fryer’s design ensures even cooking and that delightful crunch, which I've struggled to achieve in traditional roasting.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe shines because it uses simple, quality ingredients that let the natural flavors of Brussels sprouts and garlic sing. Plus, the optional sweet toppings add a delicious contrast that’s worth trying if you love a sweet-savory combo.
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh, firm sprouts are key—look for bright green ones without blemishes for the best results.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the sprouts crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Garlic cloves (optional): Thinly sliced for gentle roasting; it caramelizes and mellows, creating that irresistible aroma.
- Balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds tangy sweetness that complements the earthiness of sprouts perfectly.
- Pomegranate molasses (optional): Rich and slightly tart, it deepens the flavor profile if you like a bold touch.
- Pure maple syrup (optional): For a subtle, natural sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty, salty finish that I personally adore.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season and what’s on hand. You can easily swap out or add toppings, making it fit your mood or meal perfectly.
- Variation: I once tossed in some chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for a fall-inspired version — the crunch and sweetness were fantastic!
- Dietary modification: To keep it vegan, simply skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Spicy kick: Adding a sprinkle of red chili flakes before air frying gives the sprouts a lovely heat.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top right after cooking can elevate the flavor beautifully.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming off the tough ends and removing any brown or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half, or quarters if they’re on the larger side—this helps everything cook evenly. I used to skip cutting them evenly and noticed some parts got burnt while others stayed undercooked. Consistency is key!
Step 2: Optional Soak for Tenderness
If you prefer Brussels sprouts that are tender inside yet still crisp on the outside, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking. I usually skip this because I like a little bite inside, but try it and see how you like them better! Be sure to pat them completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Season and Preheat
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While it warms up, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use enough oil to coat but not soak—too much oil can make them soggy. This simple seasoning forms the base for deliciousness, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: First Cook and Shake
Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (small batches cook best). Cook for 5 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a good shake or toss. This step encourages even browning and that signature crispiness. Return them for another 5 minutes. At this point, your kitchen might start to smell like you’re about to enjoy something delicious—and you are!
Step 5: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking
Add your thinly sliced garlic to the basket and toss the sprouts to distribute it evenly. Then cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, shaking regularly to prevent the garlic from burning. The garlic roasts perfectly here—mild, nutty, and sweet—just the way I like it. Watch closely since garlic can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Step 6: Dress and Serve
Transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl and add any of the optional sweet toppings you love—balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan. I like mixing a couple, like a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s absolutely addictive.
Top Tip
From my experience, the key to this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet Toppings Recipe is controlling moisture and keeping an eye on the garlic. Here are some quick tips I've learned the hard way.
- Dry Thoroughly: After any soaking, pat the sprout halves very dry. Excess water steams the Brussels sprouts instead of crisping them.
- Shake Often: I always shake the basket mid-cook to make sure all sides get that beautiful golden crisp.
- Garlic Timing: Add garlic toward the end of cooking to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Batch Size Matters: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket—it reduces airflow and leads to soggy sprouts.
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these sprouts with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme to brighten the plate and add a fresh forkful to every bite. If I’m using Parmesan, a quick scatter right before serving looks gorgeous and adds even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple pasta dish. I've also served it alongside grain bowls with quinoa and chickpeas for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like piling the finished Brussels sprouts in a shallow wooden bowl and drizzling balsamic glaze in an artistic zigzag across the top. It makes even a simple side look like a centerpiece! Also, adding pomegranate seeds on top makes for a beautiful pop of color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay good for up to 4 days. When I’ve reheated them, they still have a lot of that lovely crispiness if done right.
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze air-fried Brussels sprouts because they tend to get mushy after thawing. If you do freeze them, use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but fresh is definitely best for texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, I spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them at 350°F in the oven. This method revives the crisp edges without drying them out, much better than a microwave in my experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Definitely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts in a conventional oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through. The garlic should be added during the last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
The optional sweet toppings like balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, and maple syrup add a beautiful balance by counteracting the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts with sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Yes! You can trim and cut the Brussels sprouts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just wait to season and air fry them right before serving for the best texture.
Soaking is optional and can help make the inside of the sprouts a bit more tender. I usually skip it because I prefer a firm inside with a crispy outside, but feel free to soak if you want a softer bite.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet Toppings Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, tasty, and invites so much creativity. I hope you’ll give it a try and tweak it until it feels just right for you. Once you nail that perfect crispy bite with a hint of sweet or tangy topping, Brussels sprouts will never be just a side dish again!
Print
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet 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 cooked to perfection with olive oil, garlic, and optional toppings like balsamic glaze and Parmesan cheese. A quick and healthy side dish ready in just 22 minutes.
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)
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 Brussels Sprouts: Trim off the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any brown outer leaves. Cut them in half from stem to end, and quarter any very large pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Optional Soak: Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and cover with warm tap water. Let sit for 10 minutes to tenderize the insides. Then drain and pat dry.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes following your manufacturer's instructions.
- Season Sprouts: Place the dried Brussels sprouts in a clean mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry Initial: Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then remove the basket and shake to toss the sprouts for even cooking.
- Continue Cooking: Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the basket again; the sprouts should be getting crispy and nearly done.
- Add Garlic: Add the sliced garlic to the sprouts and toss to distribute. Cook for 2 to 4 more minutes, shaking frequently, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply crisp.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Transfer sprouts to a serving bowl and stir in any desired optional toppings like balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for best texture.
- Freezing is not recommended as sprouts become mushy after thawing, but if needed, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Soaking sprouts is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a firmer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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