The best way to make fried Brussels sprouts is in the air fryer. These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts turn out golden brown and crisp with just a touch of oil and fresh lemon, then are finished with savory Parmesan. They’re a healthy, simple side dish or appetizer that’s ready in about 20 minutes.
I’ve always enjoyed Brussels sprouts prepared in many ways: raw shaved into salads, roasted with bacon, or crisped until caramelized. Air frying is one of my favorite quick methods because it produces that restaurant-style crispiness without deep frying. With minimal oil and a short cooking time, the sprouts brown evenly and develop a toasty, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with bright lemon and salty Parmesan.
This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. A single pound of sprouts, a tablespoon of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan are all you need for a standout side. The air fryer concentrates heat so you get crisp edges and tender centers in about 15 minutes of cook time. Tossing the basket a couple of times during cooking ensures even browning.
Tip: Trim and halve the sprouts ahead of time to speed up weeknight cooking. Prepped sprouts will keep chilled for a day or two, ready to cook when you are.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Crisp and flavorful. The air fryer creates golden, crunchy edges while keeping the insides tender. Fresh lemon and Parmesan brighten and enhance the sprouts’ natural flavor.
- Healthy. This method uses very little oil compared with deep frying, making it a lighter alternative that still delivers great texture.
- Quick and easy. Prep takes about 5 minutes; cook time is about 15 minutes, so it’s a fast side for busy nights.
- Flexible. Swap or omit ingredients to suit your diet: leave out the cheese for a dairy-free version, or finish with balsamic, soy, or toasted seeds for different flavor profiles.
Recipe ingredients
Simple ingredients yield a delicious result. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Brussels sprouts. 1 lb., trimmed, outer leaves removed and halved.
- Olive oil. 1 tablespoon—enough to help browning; use another mild oil if preferred.
- Fresh lemon juice. 1 tablespoon to brighten the flavor (optional but recommended).
- Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup freshly grated, for finishing; omit for a dairy-free version.
See the recipe card below for a concise ingredient list and measurements.
How to make Brussels sprouts in the air fryer
This recipe is quick and very forgiving. Follow the simple steps below for crisp, well-browned sprouts.
Pro tip: Cut the sprouts evenly so they cook at the same rate. Prepare them a day ahead to shorten evening prep time.
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, removing any tough outer leaves. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste until well coated.
- Place the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (about 200°C) for roughly 12–15 minutes, pausing to shake or toss every 4–5 minutes so they brown evenly.
- When the sprouts are golden and crisp to your liking, transfer to a serving bowl and toss with the grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Air frying uses far less oil than deep frying, reducing added fat while still producing a crisp texture. Using heart-healthy olive oil in small amounts keeps this side dish lighter.
No. Because this recipe cooks at a moderate temperature (around 390°F), olive oil works well and you don’t need a specialized high-heat oil.
Air fryer temperatures and airflow vary by model. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes, and shake or toss the basket frequently to prevent burning and to encourage even browning.
Serving suggestions
These crispy sprouts are versatile—serve them as a side or an appetizer.
- Pair with roasted pork chops, baked salmon, or grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
- Offer them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce such as a yogurt-based ranch or a citrusy aioli.
- Change the finish: toss with a splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness, or drizzle toasted sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.
Recipe notes
- Make-ahead: Trim and halve sprouts up to 48 hours in advance to save time.
- Timing: I achieved perfect crispiness at 15 minutes, but ovens and air fryers vary. Check at 10 minutes and continue until you reach the desired level of browning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture, though they will soften after refrigeration.
- Flavor swaps: Omit cheese to keep it dairy-free, or finish with balsamic, soy sauce, or coconut aminos and a drizzle of sesame oil for different flavor profiles.
More air fryer vegetable recipes you’ll love:
- Air fryer broccoli
- Air fryer carrots
- Air fryer corn on the cob
- Air fryer roasted sweet potatoes
- Air fryer roasted mixed vegetables
- Air fryer zucchini fries
- Crispy air fryer potatoes
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review and share how you served it—I love seeing recipe variations and swaps.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins
Equipment
- Air fryer (4–6 qt. capacity recommended)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed, outer leaves removed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until evenly coated.
- Arrange the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 12–15 minutes, pausing to shake or toss every 4–5 minutes for even browning.
- When the sprouts are crisp and golden, transfer them to a serving bowl and toss with the grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Begin checking for doneness around 10 minutes as air fryer models vary.
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days in an airtight container; reheat in the air fryer to restore some crispness.
- For different flavors, toss finished sprouts with balsamic glaze, a splash of soy sauce, or sesame oil and seeds.
Nutrition (approx.)
Per serving: Calories ~98, Carbs ~9 g, Protein ~5 g, Fat ~6 g, Fiber ~3 g. Values are estimates and provided for guidance.
Note: This recipe was first published in March 2020 and has been updated with improved photos and additional recipe details.
All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.