Best Damn Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

When it comes to crispy texture, zesty flavor, and ease of cooking, nothing beats this easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe. The flavorful Parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning make it a hit for both kids and adults, making it the perfect sidekick for any main course.

Why I Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Healthy vegetables just got an upgrade! From my Air Fryer Asparagus, Roasted Zucchini and Peppers, and Sweet Potatoes, I’ve done my fair share of Air Fryer recipes. These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts check all the boxes: They take less time to cook than in a regular oven and use less oil than deep frying, all while still coming out beautifully golden brown and delicious. Welcome to your new favorite way to cook your favorite veggie!

Air frying your Brussels sprouts brings out the best flavors and textures in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect combo of savory, slightly nutty, and even a tad sweet – especially with the smaller-sized sprouts. The high heat in the air fryer allows them to cook quickly while still maintaining their tenderness on the inside. Plus, with minimal oil needed, this recipe is a healthier option compared to traditional methods of cooking. 

Pair ’em with a protein and some whole grains, and you have got yourself a well-rounded meal!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels sprouts: The star of the show! I recommend getting Brussels sprouts that are similar in size for the most even cooking.
• Vegetable oil: This will be used as a coating to create deliciously crispy Brussels sprouts.
• Ranch seasoning: Find this by the salad dressings or in the spice section. I like to use Hidden Valley or McCormick. Trader Joe’s also has an excellent ranch seasoning.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must for maximum flavor!
• Salt & pepper: A little kosher salt and black pepper will round out the flavors.

How to Pick Out Good Brussels Sprouts

Picking out the right Brussels sprouts is actually quite easy. You’ll want to find fresh sprouts at your local grocery store that are generally medium in size, have a good, compact, and tight inner leaf, no brown or yellow leaves, and may feel slightly heavy for their size. Make sure you select sprouts that are all similar in size, as this will help them cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Preparation

Wash the sprouts of any dirt or debris and dry thoroughly. Then, use a small knife and cut off as much of the stem as possible. If you’ve purchased Brussels sprouts loosely, the stems will likely be minimal, but you should still trim them as necessary. Remove any loose, small, or damaged outer leaves. For this recipe, we’ll cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise.

Add the Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl and toss with the vegetable oil so they are all evenly coated. Next, we mix the dry ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper together and toss it in with the sprouts. Use your hands and make sure the Brussels are evenly coated with the mixture.

Cooking

Once seasoned, place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket/tray. 

Now, set the air fryer to the air fry setting at 350°F for 12 minutes. No preheating is necessary. Shake the basket a couple of times during cooking. If using a tray model air fryer, open the door and quickly toss the sprouts as best possible with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Start checking the sprouts after about 10 minutes for doneness. The outside leaves should be good and dark and crispy – pretty close to a charred look. This is what we want. It’s that char that creates the magical flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts.

Serving

When the cooked Brussels sprouts are done, place them into a large bowl to be served at the dinner table. This little green retains heat pretty well, so they should stay good and hot. They already have all the seasoning they need, so no need to add anything else. 

Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts!

​What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts make a great side dish to many different main courses. They’re versatile and can be served with various flavors and cuisines. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with these air fryer Brussels sprouts:

• Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
• Best Damn Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Best Damn Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Roast

Storage and Reheating

Storing and reheating these air fryer brussels sprouts is as easy as it gets! Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To reheat in the air fryer, set the temp to 325°F and air fry for about 4-5 minutes.
• To reheat in a microwave, place the sprouts in a microwave-safe container and heat for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

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