These air fryer Brussels sprouts are beautifully golden, lightly crisp around the edges and tender in the middle. Tossed with olive oil, garlic and smoked paprika, they turn a simple seasonal vegetable into a flavourful side dish.
Ready in around 20 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for Sunday roasts, Christmas dinners or everyday family meals. Finish with a little grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon, if you like, for extra flavour.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Crispy edges without deep-frying.
- Easy to prepare with minimal washing-up.
- A delicious accompaniment to roast dinners.
- Naturally rich in fibre and a useful way to enjoy more vegetables.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 5–10 minutes
- Cooking time: Approximately 12–16 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 20–25 minutes
- Cooking method: Air fryer
- Difficulty: Easy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 450g fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- A small pinch of salt, optional
Optional toppings
- 15g finely grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- A little finely chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts
Wash the Brussels sprouts and remove any damaged or discoloured outer leaves.
Trim the tough ends, then cut each sprout in half lengthways. If some sprouts are particularly large, cut them into quarters so they cook evenly.
Pat them dry with kitchen paper or a clean tea towel. Removing excess moisture helps the edges become crisp.
2. Season the sprouts
Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
Add the olive oil, garlic granules, smoked paprika, black pepper and a small pinch of salt, if using.
Toss thoroughly until the sprouts are lightly and evenly coated.
3. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C, if required by your model.
Arrange the seasoned sprouts in the basket, preferably in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary rather than overcrowding the basket.
4. Air fry until golden
Cook at 190°C for approximately 12–16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Check from around 10 minutes onwards, particularly if your sprouts are small or your air fryer runs hot.
They should be tender when pierced with a fork, with golden-brown edges and a few lightly crisp outer leaves.
5. Add the finishing touches
Transfer the cooked Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.
If using, sprinkle over the grated Parmesan, add a little lemon juice and finish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately while the edges are still crisp.
Tips for the Best Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Choose similar-sized sprouts. This helps them cook evenly.
Dry them thoroughly. Wet sprouts are more likely to steam than crisp.
Cut larger sprouts into quarters. Smaller pieces cook more quickly and develop more golden edges.
Use a light coating of oil. A little olive oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave space for hot air to circulate.
Shake halfway through. This helps expose more surfaces to the heat.
Watch the loose outer leaves. They can become dark before the centres are tender, so check towards the end of cooking.
Easy Flavour Variations
Lemon and Garlic Brussels Sprouts
Leave out the smoked paprika and finish with extra lemon zest and a little fresh parsley.
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Sprinkle finely grated Parmesan over the cooked sprouts immediately before serving.
Spicy Brussels Sprouts
Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the seasoning mixture.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar after cooking for a slightly sweet, tangy finish.
Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Toss the cooked sprouts with 1 teaspoon of wholegrain mustard mixed with a little lemon juice.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These crispy Brussels sprouts are a lovely accompaniment to roast chicken, beef, turkey or a vegetarian Sunday roast.
They also work well with homemade Yorkshire puddings, roasted potatoes and gravy.
For a simple weekday meal, serve them alongside a baked potato and your preferred protein.
Can You Prepare Brussels Sprouts Ahead?
Yes. Wash, trim and halve the sprouts up to a day ahead.
Dry them thoroughly and store them in a covered container in the fridge. Add the oil and seasonings shortly before cooking.
For the best texture, air fry them just before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Allow leftovers to cool promptly, then transfer them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate at 5°C or below for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 170°C for approximately 3–5 minutes, until piping hot throughout. Reheat only once.
The sprouts may lose some of their crispness during storage, but reheating them in the air fryer helps restore their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer?
Yes. The air fryer is an excellent way to cook Brussels sprouts, producing tender centres and golden, lightly crisp edges.
What temperature is best for air fryer Brussels sprouts?
This recipe uses 190°C. The exact cooking time depends on the size of the sprouts and your air fryer model.
Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
They may contain too much surface moisture or the basket may be overcrowded. Dry them thoroughly and cook in batches if necessary.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but they may be softer and release more moisture than fresh sprouts. Follow the packet instructions and allow extra cooking time if needed.
Should I boil Brussels sprouts before air frying?
No. Fresh Brussels sprouts can go straight into the air fryer once trimmed, halved and seasoned.
How do I stop Brussels sprouts from burning?
Check them regularly towards the end of cooking. If the outer leaves brown too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking until the centres are tender.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. The basic recipe is vegan when served without Parmesan. Alternatively, use a suitable plant-based topping.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
For a classic British roast dinner, serve these Brussels sprouts alongside our Air Fryer Yorkshire Pudding Recipe.
You might also enjoy our Air Fryer Hash Browns or Air Fryer Loaded Taco Smashed Potatoes for more homemade potato ideas.
Explore our Budget Family Meals UK guide for additional affordable cooking inspiration.
A Simple Seasonal Side Dish
These air fryer Brussels sprouts are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a traditional vegetable. With their golden edges, smoky seasoning and optional Parmesan topping, they make a lovely addition to both everyday meals and special roast dinners.
Allergen note: The basic recipe contains no intentionally added major allergens. If using Parmesan or another cheese topping, it contains milk. Check all packaged ingredients.