Brussels sprouts used to be the veggie I always skipped. They smelled weird, and I thought they tasted bad. But then I tried Cooking Brussel Sprouts in the air fryer, and now I make them almost every week. This Air Fryer Recipe is crispy, cheesy, and super easy. Even my kids ask for more, and that never happens with vegetables.
I like trying new Air Fryer Recipes that do not take forever. This one is part of my top Air Fryer Brussel Sprout Recipes because it is fast and actually tastes good. These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts come out golden and crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. I even sliced them super thin once to make Brussel Sprout Chips Air Fryer style, and they were gone in two minutes.
This Brussels Sprouts Recipe fits right in with my list of Easy Vegetable Side Dishes that work on busy nights. Whether you are using a basket-style fryer or need Air Fryer Oven Recipes, this one turns out great either way. It is one of those Easy Air Fryer recipes that saves dinner when I am tired and need something fast.
If you are looking for Crispy Brussel Sprouts or new Sprout Recipes to try, this one is a good place to start. Air Fry Brussel Sprouts are way better with cheese on top. Try it and see how fast they disappear.
Ingredients
Here is what I use:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: little bit of lemon zest or red chili flakes if you like extra flavor
You do not need fancy cheese. I use the kind in the green can sometimes, and it still works great.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Brussels sprouts
Cut the ends off the sprouts and then cut them in half. If they are big, cut them into quarters. Make sure they are dry. Wet sprouts do not get crispy and just kind of steam. I learned that the messy way.
Step 2: Mix it all together
Put the sprouts in a bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything really well. Then sprinkle in half the Parmesan and mix again. Every piece should have a little cheesy love on it.
Step 3: Air fry time
Turn your air fryer to 375°F. Add the Brussels sprouts to the basket in a single layer. Try not to stack them or they will not get that nice crunch.
Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes. I always stop halfway through and shake the basket. In the last 2 or 3 minutes, toss in the rest of the Parmesan. That makes it extra golden and cheesy.
Step 4: Serve and snack
When they are done, let them cool a little. I usually sneak one and burn my tongue every time. They smell too good to wait.
You can add a little lemon juice if you want it bright. Or red chili flakes for a little heat. My kids like dipping them in ranch. I will not judge.
These Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are one of my go-to Air Fryer Brussel Sprout Recipes. They work for dinner sides, snack plates, or even just lunch when I am home with a toddler and a cold coffee. If you want something fast, tasty, and not boring, this is it.
FAQs About Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes you can. Just let them thaw a little and pat them dry. If they are too wet, they will not get crispy. I have done it both ways and fresh still gets more crunch, but frozen is fine when I am low on time.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
You can if you want to, but I forget a lot and they still turn out crispy. Preheating does help them cook a little faster though.
What kind of Parmesan should I use?
I have tried shredded and grated. Both work, but the grated kind gets crispier. I even used the stuff in the green can one time, and it was still good.
Can I make these in an air fryer oven?
Yes you can. Use the same temp and cook time. Just spread them out on the tray so they are not crowded.
Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
Maybe they were too wet or too packed in the basket. Make sure they are dry and not piled on top of each other. That way, the hot air can hit all the sides.
Recipe Card: Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Optional:
- red pepper flakes or lemon zest for extra flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Prep your sprouts
- Trim off the ends and cut the Brussels sprouts in half. If they are big, cut them in quarters. Make sure they are dry so they get crispy.
Step 2: Mix everything
- In a bowl, add sprouts, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix really well. Add half of the Parmesan and mix again.
Step 3: Air fry them
- Set air fryer to 375°F. Spread sprouts in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. Add the rest of the Parmesan in the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serve and snack
- Let them cool for one minute. Then eat right away while crispy. Add lemon or red pepper if you want extra flavor.
Notes
- Dry your sprouts after washing. Wet ones get soggy.
- Do not pack the basket too full. Give them space.
- Add Parmesan at the end for golden cheesy bits that are not burned.
- Want them crispier? Turn the heat up to 390°F for the last 2 minutes.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Extra Garlic: Double the garlic powder or add minced garlic.
- Lemon Kick: Grate lemon zest over them right before serving.
- Cheese Swap: Try Asiago or Pecorino instead of Parmesan.
- Chip Style: Slice sprouts really thin and cook a few minutes longer for Brussel Sprout Chips Air Fryer style.
These Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are on my forever list now. I have made a lot of Air Fryer Recipes and this one is always a win. It is fast, cheesy, and my kids do not even fight me on eating them. That is a rare moment in this house.
If you are new to Cooking Brussel Sprouts or just want something better than boring boiled ones, this Air Fryer Recipe is where you start. It is part of the Easy Air Fryer meals I keep on rotation when life gets wild. I love how they come out as Crispy Brussel Sprouts every single time, even when I am juggling dinner, school forms, and a toddler meltdown.
You can use this for meal prep, holidays, or just one of those nights where you do not know what to make. Whether you are into Sprout Recipes for fun or need Air Fryer Brussel Sprout Recipes that are fast and not fussy, this works. I even tried slicing them thin to make Brussel Sprout Chips Air Fryer style, and they got crunchy like little veggie snacks.
It also fits great in your Air Fryer Oven Recipes if you use a tray-style one. And if you are just building your list of Easy Vegetable Side Dishes, this Brussels Sprouts Recipe belongs at the top. I hope you try it. Let it get crispy, sprinkle that cheese, and see how fast the bowl disappears.
