These crispy, tender air-fried Brussels sprouts are so incredibly delicious, you’ll definitely be coming back for seconds! Prepare to transform your opinion of this often-maligned vegetable into a new family favorite.

The air fryer has quickly become one of the most beloved kitchen appliances, and for good reason. It excels at delivering incredibly crispy textures in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven. From French fries to chicken wings, the air fryer makes quick work of achieving that coveted golden-brown crunch. But where it truly shines is with vegetables, transforming them from mundane to magnificent.

I’ve personally put my air fryer through its paces with a variety of vegetables, consistently achieving impressive results. Favorites include air fryer cauliflower, air fryer sliced mushrooms, air fryer portobello whole mushrooms, and air fryer broccoli. Each of these emerges from the air fryer perfectly cooked, with delightful textures that make eating your greens a joy.

Brussels sprouts, in particular, are a vegetable that truly benefits from the air fryer’s rapid, circulating hot air. When cooked correctly, they are incredibly flavorful, but getting the texture just right is crucial. Overcooked Brussels sprouts can be mushy and sulfurous, while undercooked ones are too firm and bitter. The air fryer, however, helps achieve the perfect balance.

These air-fried Brussels sprouts are a game-changer. They boast wonderfully crispy edges and a tender, yielding interior, all coated in a savory blanket of melted Parmesan cheese. This combination creates an irresistible side dish that will convert even the most skeptical eaters. In fact, these were so good that both of my notoriously picky children not only tried one but eagerly asked for more!

Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts

You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create this fantastic side dish. The magic truly lies in the simplicity and the cooking method. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh is best! Look for firm, bright green sprouts. We’ll trim their ends and halve them for optimal crisping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key. A combination of mixing some in initially and sprinkling more at the end creates layers of cheesy goodness.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps achieve that beautiful crispness and allows the seasonings to adhere properly.
• Spices: A simple blend of garlic powder, salt, and pepper is all it takes to enhance the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts without overpowering them.

This minimalist approach ensures that the true flavor of the Brussels sprouts shines through, complemented perfectly by the salty, umami notes of Parmesan and a hint of garlic.

How to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts to Perfection

Achieving perfectly crispy and tender air-fried Brussels sprouts is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts. Start by thoroughly washing your Brussels sprouts. Next, carefully cut off the tough ends and remove any outer leaves that are discolored, wilted, or shriveled. For even cooking and maximum crispiness, cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. If you have particularly large sprouts, you can quarter them. Place all the prepped halves into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season and Coat. To the bowl with the halved Brussels sprouts, add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each sprout is evenly coated with the oil and spices. This crucial step not only imparts flavor but also helps create that desired crispy exterior. Once coated, transfer the Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer as much as possible to allow for optimal air circulation.

Step 3: Initial Air Frying & First Cheese Layer. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 7-10 minutes, making sure to toss or shake the basket every two minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning, allowing the sprouts to get beautifully crispy on the edges. After this initial cooking time, remove the basket, give them one last good toss, and then evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the Brussels sprouts. Do not stir or toss them after adding the cheese; we want that Parmesan to melt beautifully and form a delicious crust.

Step 4: Final Crisp and Serve. Reduce the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue to air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this stage. The goal is for the Parmesan cheese to be beautifully melted and slightly golden, creating a savory, cheesy crust, while the Brussels sprouts themselves develop even crispier edges. Once they reach this perfect state, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the incredible aroma and taste of your perfectly cooked, cheesy air-fried Brussels sprouts!

Why Parmesan Makes All the Difference

Brussels sprouts inherently possess a slight bitterness, which can be off-putting for some. However, through years of cooking and experimenting, I’ve discovered that Parmesan cheese is the perfect counterpoint to this characteristic. Its salty, nutty, and savory notes beautifully balance the bitterness, transforming the overall flavor profile into something truly incredible. The melted Parmesan creates a delicious crust that clings to the sprouts, adding an extra layer of texture and umami that elevates this simple vegetable to gourmet status.

Trust me on this – one bite of these cheesy, crispy-edged Brussels sprouts, and you will understand why they’ve become a sensation in my kitchen. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a revelation.

Tips for Achieving the Crispiest Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

While the recipe is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your air-fried Brussels sprouts from good to absolutely phenomenal:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most important rule for air frying. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to steamed rather than crispy vegetables. If you’re cooking a larger batch, work in two or more batches.
• Ensure Sprouts are Dry: Before tossing with oil and spices, make sure your Brussels sprouts are thoroughly dry. Excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up properly. A quick pat with a paper towel after washing usually does the trick.
• Halve or Quarter Uniformly: Cutting the Brussels sprouts into similar-sized pieces ensures that they cook evenly. This prevents some pieces from burning while others are still undercooked.
• Shake Frequently: Tossing the basket every 2-3 minutes during the initial cooking phase is crucial for uniform browning and crispiness.
• Use Fresh Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan works, freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and provides a richer flavor and better texture.

Flavor Variations to Explore

This recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as a wonderful base for other flavor combinations:

• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze after cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Maple Bacon: Cook some chopped bacon until crispy, then toss the cooked Brussels sprouts with the bacon and a touch of maple syrup.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your spice mix for a subtle or strong heat.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest sprinkled over the finished sprouts adds a bright, fresh note.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile air-fried Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for almost any meal:

• Weeknight Dinners: Pair them with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a perfectly grilled steak.
• Holiday Feasts: They’re a crowd-pleasing addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spreads.
• In Salads or Grain Bowls: Chop them up and add them to your favorite hearty salad or warm grain bowl for extra texture and flavor.
• As a Snack: Honestly, they’re so good, you might just find yourself snacking on them straight from the bowl!

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious these are!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and bring back their crispiness, the air fryer is your best friend. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Love

Once you realize the magic an air fryer can work, you’ll want to try it with everything! Here are a few more popular air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Quesadillas: Quick, easy, and perfectly crispy quesadillas every time.
• Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts: No fresh sprouts on hand? No problem! This guide shows you how to get great results with frozen ones.
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside – a perfect potato side.

These cheesy, crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts are genuinely addictive, and I never thought I’d utter those words about Brussels sprouts! Their transformation from a sometimes-dreaded vegetable to a highly anticipated side dish is truly remarkable.

Give this easy and delicious side dish a try, and I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below! It’s a fantastic way to introduce a nutritious and flavorful vegetable into your diet, and it might just become your new go-to recipe for Brussels sprouts.