Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer in about 15 minutes, finished with honey, lemon and Parmesan. An easy holiday side that frees up the oven.
If you think you do not like Brussels sprouts, try them from the air fryer. The hot circulating air makes the outside leaves crispy and the cut sides deeply caramelized, while the centers stay tender.
They take about 15 minutes, and on a holiday that matters: the air fryer cooks them while your oven is busy with the turkey or a casserole.
A quick toss with honey, lemon and Parmesan at the end balances their natural bitterness with sweet, tangy and salty flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside, tender inside
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Frees up oven space on holidays
- Sweet, tangy and salty finish
Ingredient Notes
Brussels sprouts: Choose firm, bright green sprouts of similar size. Halve medium ones and quarter very large ones so they cook evenly.
Honey: Added after cooking so it does not burn in the air fryer.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Season
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder until evenly coated. Loose leaves are fine; they turn into crispy chips.
Air fry
Add the sprouts to the basket in a single layer, cut side down where possible. Air fry 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the cut sides are deep golden and a knife slides easily into the center.
Finish
Whisk the honey and lemon juice together. Toss the hot sprouts with the honey mixture, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve right away.
Tips for the Best Results
- Do not overfill the basket. Cook in two batches if needed for the crispiest result.
- Dry the sprouts well after washing so they crisp instead of steam.
- For extra crunch, finish with 2 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Serve immediately; they soften as they sit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Crowded basket | Cook in a single layer so every sprout gets crispy. |
| Adding honey before cooking | Honey burns at high heat. Toss it on at the end. |
| Uneven pieces | Halve medium and quarter large sprouts. |
Substitutions
- Honey: Maple syrup.
- Parmesan: Toasted chopped pecans or almonds for a dairy-free crunch.
- Lemon juice: Orange juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
What to Serve With It
- Easy roast turkey
- Garlic butter baked chicken thighs
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Honey garlic baked salmon
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; they turn soft after freezing.
Reheat: Re-crisp in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.
Tools That Make This Easier
- Basket air fryer (5 quart or larger)Fits a full pound of sprouts in one batch.Check price on Amazon
- Silicone tongsToss and turn food without scratching the basket.Check price on Amazon
- Microplane graterFluffy fresh Parmesan that melts on contact.Check price on Amazon
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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer in about 15 minutes, finished with honey, lemon and Parmesan. An easy holiday side that frees up the oven.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder until evenly coated. Loose leaves are fine; they turn into crispy chips.
- Add the sprouts to the basket in a single layer, cut side down where possible. Air fry 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the cut sides are deep golden and a knife slides easily into the center.
- Whisk the honey and lemon juice together. Toss the hot sprouts with the honey mixture, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve right away.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 110 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 14 g
- Total Fat
- 5 g
- Saturated Fat
- 1 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
- Sugar
- 6 g
- Sodium
- 360 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Brussels sprouts take in the air fryer?
About 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for halved sprouts, shaking halfway. Very small or very large sprouts need a few minutes less or more.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It is not required, but a 3 minute preheat helps the cut sides caramelize right away. Add 1 to 2 minutes if you skip it.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes. Air fry them from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking twice. They will be tender but a little less crispy than fresh.
Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter?
Overcooking brings out bitterness. Cook just until browned and tender, and the honey and lemon finish balances any bitterness.
