The easiest way to get perfectly crispy fried Brussels sprouts is with an air fryer. These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts turn golden brown and crunchy with just a tablespoon of oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon, then are finished with salty, savory parmesan. They make a healthy side dish or appetizer and are ready in about 20 minutes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Crispy and flavorful. The air fryer browns and crisps the outer leaves while keeping the centers tender. Bright lemon and freshly grated parmesan round out the flavor.
- Healthier than deep-fried. These are crisp with very little oil, making them a lighter alternative to restaurant-style fried sprouts.
- Quick and easy. Prep takes about 5 minutes and cooking is roughly 15 minutes, so this is an effortless weeknight side or last-minute appetizer.
- Flexible. Swap herbs, omit the cheese for a dairy-free version, or finish with a splash of balsamic for a sweeter glaze.
Recipe ingredients
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
- Brussels sprouts: 1 lb., trimmed, outer leaves removed and halved for even cooking.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon to help promote browning. Use another neutral oil if preferred.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice adds bright acidity; optional but recommended.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup freshly grated for a savory finish. Omit to make the dish dairy-free or vegan.
See the recipe card below for servings, times, and step-by-step instructions.
How to make Brussels sprouts in the air fryer
This recipe is straightforward and fast. You can prep the sprouts ahead of time—trim and halve them a day or two in advance to save time on busy days.
- Trim the stem ends, remove any loose or tough outer leaves, and cut the sprouts in half so they cook evenly.
- Toss the halved sprouts in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste until evenly coated.
- Place the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (about 200°C) for roughly 15 minutes, shaking or tossing them every 5 minutes for even browning.
- When they are golden and crisp to your liking, toss with the grated parmesan and serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Deep frying typically uses large amounts of oil, while air frying achieves crispness with very little fat. Using a small amount of olive oil yields crispy results with fewer calories and less added fat.
No. This recipe cooks at a moderate temperature (about 390°F), so olive oil works well. If you prefer, use another oil with a higher smoke point, but it’s not required.
Air fryers vary in intensity. Check for doneness starting at 10 minutes and shake or toss the basket every 4–5 minutes to prevent burning and promote even browning.
Serving suggestions
These air fryer Brussels sprouts are versatile and pair well with many dishes.
- Serve as a side to roasted or baked proteins like pork chops or salmon.
- Offer them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce such as a yogurt-based ranch or a green goddess-style dressing.
- For variety, toss the finished sprouts with a splash of balsamic vinegar, or dress them with soy sauce or coconut aminos and a drizzle of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist.
Recipe notes and tips
- Prep ahead: Trim and halve the sprouts up to a few days before cooking to speed up a weeknight meal.
- Watch the time: My batch was crispy after 15 minutes, but air fryer models differ. Begin checking at 10 minutes and continue until you reach the desired crispness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will soften once refrigerated but can be refreshed briefly in the air fryer.
- Flavor swaps: Try finishing with balsamic, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
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, leave a review and tag @flavorthemoments on social media so I can see what you made.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed 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
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, discarding loose outer leaves. Place them in a medium bowl.
- Toss the sprouts with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for about 15 minutes, pausing to shake or toss every 4–5 minutes for even browning.
- When the sprouts are golden and crispy to your liking, transfer them to a serving bowl and toss with the grated parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Begin checking for doneness around 10 minutes; air fryers cook differently.
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator but will lose some crispness. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to refresh them.
- Omit the parmesan to make the recipe dairy-free or swap lemon for a splash of balsamic for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 0.25 lb. • Calories: 98 kcal • Carbohydrates: 9 g • Protein: 5 g • Fat: 6 g • Saturated Fat: 2 g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g • Cholesterol: 5 mg • Sodium: 137 mg • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition is an estimate and intended as a guideline only.
Note: This post was originally published in March 2020. Photos and text have been updated to include more recipe information.
All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.