Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables I cook on repeat, and these air fryer Brussels sprouts are no exception. They have an incredible shelf life, hold up beautifully in the fridge, and work in just about everything — salads, pastas, grain bowls, or simply as a side on their own. But for all their versatility, Brussels sprouts can be a little tricky to get right. Too many of us are still haunted by bland, overcooked sprouts, and once you’ve had those, it’s hard to feel enthusiastic about trying again.
The ideal Brussels sprout, in my book, is deeply crispy on the outside and tender all the way through. That’s exactly what the air fryer delivers. It creates the kind of golden, crackly edges you’d normally only get from roasting, but faster and with less fuss. No boiling, no complicated timing — just properly cooked sprouts with great texture and real flavor.
These air fryer Brussels sprouts are simple by design. A little oil, salt, and heat are all they need to become a reliable, weeknight-ready side dish that actually tastes good. Finish them with flaky salt straight out of the fryer, and you’ve got a vegetable that’s crisp, savory, and worth making again and again.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts ends trimmed and halved
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil avocado, canola, or grapeseed
- Flaky sea salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts and water. Cover loosely and microwave for 5–6 minutes, until the sprouts are just fork-tender.
- Drain off any excess water and let the Brussels sprouts steam-dry for 1–2 minutes.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with the oil until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the outer leaves are deeply golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a serving platter and season with flaky sea salt to taste. Serve immediately.
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