Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
10 min	15 min	25 min

Introduction

These air fryer crispy Brussels sprouts come out golden, salty, and caramelized with the best tender-crisp bite.

They are perfect as a quick weeknight side dish, a holiday veggie, or a snack to munch straight from the basket.

Olive oil, garlic, and a touch of vegetable bouillon powder give them big roasted flavor, without ever turning on the oven.

Ingredients (4 servings)

Shop mode (keeps screen active)

Ingredients:

1½ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp granulated vegetable bouillon
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Get Ingredients →

Order the ingredients from your local store for pickup or delivery. You'll check out through Instacart.
When you purchase through this link, we'll receive a small fee at no extra cost to you.

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Prep the Brussels sprouts

Rinse the Brussels sprouts, trim the stem ends, and slice each sprout in half through the core.
Pat them very dry with a clean kitchen towel, which helps them crisp instead of steaming in the air fryer.
Season the sprouts

Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil.
Sprinkle on the garlic powder, vegetable bouillon powder, salt, and black pepper, then toss until everything is evenly coated.

Advertisement
Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes so the sprouts start cooking in a hot basket.
Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil if it tends to stick.
Air fry until crispy

Arrange the Brussels sprouts in the basket in a mostly single layer, leaving a little space for air circulation.
Cook at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket well every 5 minutes for even browning.
If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches so the sprouts can crisp instead of turning soggy.
Season to taste and serve

Check a few sprouts for doneness; they should be deeply browned on the edges and tender when pierced with a fork.
Taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed, then serve hot right from the basket.

Advertisement

Substitutions

Olive oil -> avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, so it handles air fryer heat very well. The sprouts still crisp nicely and taste rich.
Vegetable bouillon powder -> nutritional yeast and extra salt: Use a teaspoon of nutritional yeast plus a small pinch of extra salt. You get a deep savory flavor and light cheesy notes.
Garlic powder -> smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds gentle heat and a smoky edge without burning in the air fryer. It also gives beautiful bronzed color.

Tips

Cut for even cooking: If some sprouts are much larger, cut them into quarters so everything cooks at the same pace. Even sizes mean crispy leaves and tender centers instead of raw or mushy spots.
Dry for maximum crunch: Moist sprouts steam before they brown, so really take time to pat them dry after rinsing. You will notice crispier outer leaves and better caramelized edges.
Adjust time to your air fryer: Every air fryer runs a little differently, so start checking at 10 minutes the first time you make these. If edges are dark but centers feel firm, drop the temperature slightly and cook a few minutes more.
Finish with something bright: For restaurant level flavor, squeeze on a little lemon juice or drizzle balsamic vinegar right after air frying. That hit of acid balances the richness and makes the sprouts taste fresher.
Reheat leftovers the right way: To reheat leftovers, pop them back into the air fryer at 360°F for 3 to 4 minutes. They regain their crisp edges instead of turning soft like in the microwave.

Energy	135	kcal
Protein	7	g
Total Fat	7	g
Carbohydrates	16	g
Dietary Fiber	7	g

FAQ

Why did my Brussels sprouts not get crispy in the air fryer?: Most often they were either too wet or too crowded in the basket. Pat them very dry, then cook in a single layer with space between pieces. If needed, cook a second batch instead of piling them higher.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?: You can, but they will not get quite as crispy as fresh sprouts. Thaw them first, press out extra moisture, then air fry a little longer until browned.
How can I make the Brussels sprouts taste less bitter?: Good browning plus enough salt and a little acid really tame bitterness. Cook until the cut sides are deep golden, then finish with lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic. If you like, add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet contrast.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?: Yes, but cook in several batches so each one has room to crisp. Keep finished sprouts on a sheet pan in a 250°F oven while you air fry the rest.