Crispy and caramelized, these Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are perfectly seasoned and topped with a golden Parmesan crumb, making them an irresistible side dish.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
If Brussels sprouts weren’t your favorite growing up, it’s time to give them another chance. These mini cabbages have undergone a serious upgrade, and the air fryer is the secret to their incredible transformation. Perfectly crispy and flavorful, air fryer Brussels sprouts pair effortlessly with dishes like air fryer chicken, air fryer steak, or even a hearty buddha bowl. I love the Parmesan breadcrumb topping, it really makes the dish! Quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, they’re the side dish you didn’t know you were missing.
Why Air Fry Brussels Sprouts?
I love my air fryer as it’s a game-changer for cooking vegetables. It uses hot air to achieve a crispy, roasted texture without the need for deep frying and in less time than it takes to preheat the oven. I’ve been making these air fryer green beans nonstop lately but these Parmesan Brussels sprouts might be a new favorite!
- Quick: The entire process takes less than 20 minutes, making it a weeknight win!
- Easy: Just throw them in the air fryer, then toss them with the parmesan crumbs.
- Delicious: You’ll be craving these crispy Brussels sprouts with a golden breadcrumb-parmesan topping. No more boiled, bland Brussels!
- Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, vegetarian (check cheese labels), gluten-free (if using GF breadcrumbs), high-fiber
If you make this healthy Brussels sprouts recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!
What You’ll Need
Here’s the ingredients you will need to make this easy brussels sprout recipe in the air fryer. See the exact measurements in recipe card below.
- Brussels Sprouts: Cut the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.
- Olive Oil to prevent the sprouts from drying out and help the breadcrumb topping stick together
- Seasoning: Kosher salt, black pepper, and dried parsley enhance the flavor.
- Garlic for a savory aroma
- Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano or parmesan will work. It adds a nutty, savory element to this dish.
- Breadcrumbs: 4C seasoned breadcrumbs are my favorite. They get crisp and golden when air fried.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
This Brussels sprout recipe couldn’t be simpler! The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Season the Sprouts: Toss them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- How Long to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer: Air fry them at 350°F for 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Make the Parmesan Topping: Combine the cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, pepper, and remaining salt in a small bowl. Evenly spread it over the sprouts, spritz with oil, and air fry for 2 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air circulation is key to crispy sprouts. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in two rounds.
- Mix it up: Swap the parmesan crumb topping for your favorite seasonings, like balsamic vinegar, lemon, or crumbled bacon.
- Keep them even: Cutting the sprouts in half (or large ones in quarters) ensures they cook evenly.
No Air Fryer, No Problem!
You can follow the oven temp and time for my Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe – 450F about 15 minutes then top with crumbs and bake 3 to 5 more minutes.
Variations
- Vegetables: Put the parmesan breadcrumb topping on other vegetables, such as green beans, cauliflower, or asparagus.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs, add spices, like garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Vegan: Omit the cheese.
- Herbs: Replace dried parsley with oregano or thyme.
- Citrus: Zest a lemon into the parmesan mixture.
Serving Suggestions
I love to eat these crispy Brussels sprouts with steak and a romaine salad, but here are some more ideas:
- Chicken and Meat: Baked Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Roast Beef, Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
- Seafood: Baked Salmon, Air Fryer Shrimp, Pan-Seared Scallops
- Side Dishes: Baked Potato, Rice Pilaf, Arugula Salad
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers for 4 days.
- Reheat them in the air fryer at 350F for 3 to 5 minutes until warm.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
For more recipes in the air fryer, check out my Air Fryer Recipes collection, plus these five delicious recipes to inspire your next meal!
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Steak
- Air Fryer Salmon with Maple Soy
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved*
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press
- 4 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano, or Parmesan cheese**
- 1 tablespoon seasoned breadcrumbs, I like 4C or use gluten-free crumbs
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss to evenly coat.
- Add the sprouts to the air fryer basket and air fry 350F until golden brown and tender, about 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crisp tender.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, black pepper and remaining ½ tablespoon oil and mix well.
- Open the air fryer basket and evenly spread over the Brussels sprouts, then spritz with olive oil spray. Air fry 350F for 2 minutes until golden.
