Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Sweet 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); 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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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: 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.

📝

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 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

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

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.

What do the sweet toppings add to the dish?

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.

Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts in advance?

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.

Is soaking the Brussels sprouts necessary?

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!