If you’ve been scrolling for air fryer recipes easy or just tryna figure out what to do with that bag of sprouts in the fridge, this one’s for you. I swear this is one of the easiest easy air fryer things I’ve made, like ever. I love these for quick weeknight dinners, snacky vibes, or when I need easy vegetable side dishes that don’t cause a dinner table meltdown.
We’re talkin’ golden crispy edges, garlicky goodness, a lil cheese sprinkle—kinda like brussel sprout chips air fryer style. And yeah, they taste all fancy but they’re actually just part of my go-to air fryer oven recipes rotation. Add this to your air fry recipes if you’re building your mom survival menu. This is one of those air fryer recipe wins that feels like cheating, but the good kind.
I mean, I’m not sayin’ your kids will suddenly start loving veggies… but also mine called these “crunchy lettuce nuggets” and ate three. So yeah. Crispy brussel sprouts air fryer style is definitely a thing.
what you need:
- 1 bag Brussels sprouts (like a pound or so)
- 2 big spoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced… or just the kind in a jar, no one’s judging)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (more if your soul says so)
- salt + pepper
- Optional: a lil’ chili flakes if you like spice (my 7-year-old said “rude” when I added it lol)
why this mom loves it:
- it’s fast (15 mins-ish??)
- air fryer does all the hard stuff
- crispy like lil veggie chips
- even my picky eater didn’t scream
how to make it:
Step 1: prep the baby cabbages
Chop off the funky ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. If they’re big and thicc, do quarters. Toss them in a big bowl like ya mean it.
Step 2: flavor time
Add the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and half that parmesan into the bowl. Mix it all up real good. I used my hands. Then washed them. Then forgot what I was doing for 5 minutes. Typical.
Step 3: fry it up
Put the sprouts in your air fryer. Set it to 375°F and cook for 12–15 mins. Shake it halfway through so everybody gets crispy.
Step 4: cheese it more
Once they’re done, sprinkle that leftover parmesan on top while they’re hot. It melts a lil and makes them taste extra fancy.
real talk from this mom:
- My 4-year-old called them “leafy tater tots” and I was like yep. Exactly that.
- Husband walked in, tried one, and said “wait…these are Brussels sprouts??”
- I ate like half the batch off the tray before dinner even started. No shame.
FAQs (aka the stuff I Googled too)
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but like… don’t expect them to get as crispy. I’ve done it when I was desperate (aka forgot to grocery shop). Just thaw them a bit and pat them dry with a towel. Still good, just not the full crispy vibe.
Do I really need parmesan?
Nope. But also yes. Like… they work without it, but parmesan makes them next-level. My kids will eat almost anything if it has cheese on top. Even green things.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yeah totally. Just spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20–25 mins. Flip halfway through. Still good, just takes a bit longer and the air fryer gets ‘em crispier faster.
My kids won’t eat them. What now?
Welcome to the club. Call them “tiny cabbage chips,” add extra cheese, or bribe with dessert. No judgment here. Some nights are just nugget nights, ya know?
Recipe Card: Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed + halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese grated plus more to finish
- Salt
- black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for spice
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the sprouts
- Trim the ends and cut brussels sprouts in half. If they’re extra chunky, quarter them. Toss them in a big bowl.
Step 2: Mix it up
- Add olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and half the parmesan to the bowl. Mix until coated. Use your hands if you’re feeling brave.
Step 3: Air fry magic
- Throw them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes. Shake halfway through to get all sides crispy.
Step 4: Finish with cheese
- Sprinkle remaining parmesan over the hot sprouts right outta the air fryer. Serve immediately (or eat half before the kids notice).
I used to scroll through Air Fryer Recipes thinking “ugh too much work” but this? This is one of those Air Fryer Recipes Easy types that actually is easy. Like, throw stuff in a bowl, toss it in the air fryer, boom done. Now it’s officially on my repeat list of Easy Vegetable Side Dishes for when life is wild and I just need the kids to eat something green.
If you’re new to Air Fryer Oven Recipes or just trying out different Sprout Recipes, this one’s a total no-brainer. It’s hands down my fave Air Fryer Recipe for veggies right now. I mean, between the garlic, the cheese, and the crunchy vibe—it gives major Brussel Sprout Chips Air Fryer energy but with actual flavor. And my kids? They call ‘em “tiny crispy brains” and eat at least two, so I’m countin’ that as a win.
Anyway, if you’re looking for Air Fry Recipes that don’t require 400 ingredients or a culinary degree, save this one. Whether you’re doing some last-minute Cooking Brussel Sprouts, need a new Brussels Sprouts Recipe, or just trying to find something that isn’t nuggets again—these Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts got your back.
