If you want a quick and flavorful vegetable side dish with crispy edges and a tender center, these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy choice. They’re seasoned with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper, then cooked in the air fryer until beautifully browned and crisp.
Air frying gives Brussels sprouts delicious caramelized edges without requiring a large amount of oil. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve alongside a holiday meal, roasted chicken, steak, or pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pinches salt
- 3 pinches ground black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅓ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ⅓ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cool running water.
Remove any dried, damaged, or yellow outer leaves. Trim away the tough bottom stem, being careful not to remove too much because you want the leaves to stay together.
Pat the Brussels sprouts thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them brown and crisp properly in the air fryer.
Cut each Brussels sprout in half from top to bottom.
2. Season the Brussels Sprouts
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a medium mixing bowl.
Add the olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, dried thyme, and Parmesan cheese.
Toss everything together until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2 minutes.
Preheating helps the Brussels sprouts begin cooking immediately and encourages better browning.
4. Air Fry
Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray.
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
About halfway through cooking, remove the basket and give it a good shake to turn the Brussels sprouts. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents one side from becoming overly browned.
Continue cooking until the Brussels sprouts are tender inside and crisp and golden around the edges.
If you prefer them extra crispy, cook for another 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve
Brussels sprouts naturally shrink as they cook. Give them one final shake in the basket, then transfer them to a serving dish.
Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.
Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Dry them well: Excess water creates steam and can prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming crisp.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Keep the sprouts in a mostly single layer so hot air can circulate around them.
Cut larger sprouts in half: This helps them cook evenly while creating more flat surfaces for browning.
Shake halfway through: Turning the Brussels sprouts helps promote even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming too dark.
Watch the Parmesan: Because Parmesan can brown quickly, check the Brussels sprouts during the final few minutes of cooking.
Easy Variations
Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice immediately after cooking. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the salty Parmesan.
Spicy Brussels Sprouts
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for some heat.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the cooked Brussels sprouts just before serving.
Garlic Butter Version
After air frying, toss the hot Brussels sprouts with a small amount of melted butter and fresh minced garlic.
Extra-Crispy Version
For even more crispy edges, cook the Brussels sprouts for an additional 1–3 minutes, checking frequently so the Parmesan doesn’t burn.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These crispy Brussels sprouts are versatile enough to accompany almost any main course. Serve them with:
- Roast chicken
- Grilled or baked steak
- Pork chops
- Roasted turkey
- Baked salmon
- Meatloaf
- Pasta dishes
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice dishes
They can also be served as a simple vegetarian side dish with a fresh salad and crusty bread.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover Brussels sprouts to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes rather than microwaving them. The air fryer helps bring back some of their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my Brussels sprouts crispy?
The most common reasons are excess moisture, overcrowding, or using too little cooking time. Pat them completely dry and arrange them in a single layer with some space between the pieces.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, although fresh Brussels sprouts generally provide better browning and texture. Frozen sprouts may require a few extra minutes of cooking and can release more moisture.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can trim, halve, and season the Brussels sprouts a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook them.
Can I add more Parmesan?
Absolutely. If you love a stronger Parmesan flavor, sprinkle a little additional Parmesan over the cooked Brussels sprouts immediately before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy way to turn a simple vegetable into a flavorful, crispy side dish. The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, thyme, Parmesan, and lightly caramelized Brussels sprouts creates plenty of flavor without complicated preparation.
With just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have a delicious side dish ready for almost any dinner.