Oh, Brussels sprouts—the humble veggie that many of us pushed aside on our plates as kids, only to find out later how utterly fantastic they can be when cooked just right. Imagine them crisped to perfection, with that satisfying crunch as you bite in. The air fryer works its magic here, turning these often misunderstood greens into little spheres of joy. My first time trying them like this was a revelation, like discovering a hidden gem at the back of a thrift store.
Steps
- Begin by trimming the ends of the Brussels sprouts and removing any outer leaves that are discolored. Cut them in half lengthwise, or into quarters if they are particularly large, to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer your Brussels sprouts softer in the center, soak them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. This step is optional, depending on your texture preference.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F as per your model’s instructions. Drain the soaked Brussels sprouts (if soaked) and pat them dry with a towel.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, tossing them to coat evenly.
- Transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to toss the sprouts for even cooking.
- Continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Add garlic cloves (if using) and toss again, then cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until they are crisp.
- Once done, transfer to a bowl and add any desired toppings like balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, or honey. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts – trimmed and halved
- Olive oil – for coating
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Garlic cloves – optional
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
- Drizzle of pomegranate molasses
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Potassium: 1772mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3424IU | Vitamin C: 384mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What are the benefits of using an air fryer for Brussels sprouts?
- An air fryer works like a compact convection oven, circulating hot air around the food quickly. This allows Brussels sprouts to become deliciously crispy in a short time, without needing much oil. It preheats faster than a traditional oven and often results in a slightly crispier texture.
- How can I ensure my air fryer Brussels sprouts are tender on the inside but crispy outside?
- To achieve a tender inside and crispy outside, you can soak the Brussels sprouts in water for about 10 minutes before air frying. This soaking step softens the centers without making them soggy.
- Can I add different flavors to air fryer Brussels sprouts?
- Yes, you can customize your Brussels sprouts with various toppings. Options include balsamic vinegar, bacon crumbles, Parmesan cheese, feta, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.
- How should I store and reheat leftover Brussels sprouts?
- Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F to retain their crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as it may make them mushy.
- What should I do if my Brussels sprouts become too crispy or charred?
- If the Brussels sprouts are too crispy on the outside before the centers are tender, consider lowering the cooking temperature slightly or reducing the cooking time. Shaking the basket frequently during cooking can also help ensure even crispiness.
Tips
- Pre-soak for Tender Centers: If you prefer Brussels sprouts with a softer center, soak them in water for about 10 minutes before air frying. This helps achieve a tender inside while keeping the outside crispy.
- Even Cooking with Shaking: To ensure your Brussels sprouts cook evenly and become crispy all around, shake the air fryer basket several times during cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking frozen Brussels sprouts or a large batch, make sure to leave space between them in the air fryer basket to prevent sogginess and ensure they crisp up properly.
- Customize with Flavor: Experiment with different toppings like balsamic vinegar, honey, or Parmesan cheese to add extra flavor to your air-fried Brussels sprouts.
Equipment
- Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the Brussels sprouts to achieve the desired crispiness.
- Mixing Bowls: Useful for prepping and tossing the Brussels sprouts with oil and seasonings.
- Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring seasonings and optional toppings.
