If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts… this is the recipe that changes your mind forever.
Imagine this: little emerald halves with deep golden edges, impossibly crispy on the outside, buttery-tender inside, and coated in a warm glaze of garlic, honey, and balsamic that smells like pure comfort the moment it hits the hot basket.
It’s the kind of side dish that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy holiday afternoon — roasted garlic drifting through the air, a hint of sweetness caramelizing at the edges — but takes a fraction of the usual effort thanks to the air fryer.
Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or Christmas, leaning into keto or healthy eating, craving something sweet and crispy, or trying to recreate restaurant favorites like Yard House, Red Lobster, or Coopers Hawk… this is the only air fryer Brussels sprout recipe you’ll ever need.
Bold flavor. Zero fuss. Total weeknight magic.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Ridiculously crispy — better than oven roasted and much faster.
- Sweet, garlicky, savory glaze that tastes restaurant-level.
- Healthy + keto-friendly (easy to adapt to vegan too!).
- Uses fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts — both work beautifully.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy weeknights.
- A budget-friendly vegetable that feels like a fancy steakhouse side.
- Ready in 12–15 minutes — the fastest way to make sprouts.
- Pairs well with chicken, salmon, steak, or holiday mains.
Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Air fryer (any basket or dual-zone model)
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or spoon
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil for extra crispiness
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for vegan
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional, for deeper color
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2–3 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- Optional topping: red pepper flakes parmesan, or lemon zest
Instructions
- Prep the sprouts. Trim the ends, remove loose leaves, and slice the Brussels sprouts in half. If using frozen, thaw slightly under warm water and pat dry — dryness = crispiness.
- Season generously. In a bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure each piece gets a light, even coating. Pro Tip: Add loose leaves — they turn into ultra-crispy “chips.”
- Air fry until deeply golden. Arrange sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. They should look charred at the edges but still tender in the middle.
- Whisk the glaze. While the sprouts cook, mix honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl. The aroma should be warm and sweet. Pro Tip: Microwave 10 seconds to help flavors bloom.
- Coat and finish. Transfer the hot sprouts to a bowl and drizzle with the glaze. Toss quickly so everything glistens and smells amazing. Add bacon, parmesan, or chili flakes if you like.
- Serve immediately. Crispy Brussels sprouts wait for no one. They’re best right out of the basket when the edges crackle with every bite.
Notes
How to Save It for Later
- Store: Refrigerate airtight up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry 3–4 minutes at 360°F to restore crispiness.
- Freeze: Not recommended — they soften too much.
- Make ahead: Trim + slice sprouts up to 48 hours early.
Nutrition
Little Secrets for Success
- Dry the sprouts extremely well — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket (do 2 batches if needed).
- Add 1 tsp cornstarch for extra crunch (keto: skip).
- Frozen works too, just increase cook time by 2–3 minutes.
- Flip loose leaves toward the center of the basket so they don’t burn.
Fun Variations to Try
- Keto + Low Carb: Skip honey, use ½ tsp monk fruit syrup.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add 1 tsp sriracha or hot honey.
- Pickled Brussels Sprouts Vibes: Toss with apple cider vinegar + dill.
- Thanksgiving Style: Add dried cranberries + toasted pecans.
- Red Lobster Inspired: Add lemon butter + parmesan.
- Coopers Hawk Style: Finish with sweet chili sauce + lime.
- Yard House Style: Add fried garlic + soy glaze.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these crispy air fryer sprouts with:
- Lemon Butter Salmon
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Holiday mains like turkey or glazed ham
A Bite Full of Health
Brussels sprouts are tiny nutritional powerhouses — high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Air frying keeps them crisp and flavorful without needing heavy oils, making this dish both healthy and satisfying, especially if you’re aiming for wholesome sides that still feel indulgent.
Questions You Might Have (FAQ)
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes! Thaw slightly under warm water, dry extremely well, and add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
Why are my sprouts not crispy?
They were either too wet, too crowded, or under-oiled. Dry thoroughly and cook in batches.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely — swap honey for maple syrup and skip the bacon.
What air fryer temperature is best?
375°F gives the perfect balance of deep browning and tenderness.
Can I pair these with chicken?
Yes — they’re amazing with roasted chicken or air-fryer chicken breasts.
Are Brussels sprouts keto?
Yes — just omit sweeteners or use a sugar-free syrup.
Nothing beats a bowl of Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts — golden, crunchy, and wrapped in that irresistible honey-balsamic-garlic glaze. If this recipe made your dinner table a little cozier, leave a comment below and 📌 pin it on Pinterest for later!
