Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts – Crispy, Tangy, and Totally Addictive
Totally Addictive
If you’ve ever thought Brussels sprouts weren’t your thing, this air fryer balsamic Brussels sprouts recipe is here to change your mind. Forget mushy, bitter bites—this version gives you golden‑brown, caramelized sprouts that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. All it takes is a quick soak, a bold seasoning blend like Green Goddess or Italiano, and a generous drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar to transform a simple vegetable into a crowd‑pleasing veggie side dish. It’s the perfect oven alternative that’s faster, healthier, and bursting with flavor. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a go-to for family dinner sides, meal prep Brussels sprouts, and anyone craving a little crunch with their greens.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 10 minutes
· Cook Time: 12 minutes
· Total Time: 22 minutes
· Servings: 2
· Calories: 110 per serving
· Protein: 3g per serving
Why You’ll Love This recipe
· Super easy air fryer recipe that comes together in minutes.
· Achieves that ideal crispy Brussels sprouts texture with no sogginess.
· Uses simple pantry ingredients and a spice blend of your choice.
· Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories.
· A perfect healthy side dish for busy weeknights.
· Great way to learn how to cook Brussels sprouts in air fryer.
· Balsamic caramelization adds rich flavor without sugar or butter.
· Customizable for keto, spicy, cheesy, or sweet versions.
Ingredients
½ pound Brussels sprouts, halved
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Green Goddess or Italiano spice blend
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Soak Brussels Sprouts: For best results, soak halved Brussels sprouts in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. This helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
2. Dry Thoroughly: Drain and pat the Brussels sprouts completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
3. Place the sprouts in a mixing bowl. Spray generously with olive oil spray, add the balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and spice blend. Toss until evenly coated.
4. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is the best temperature for air fryer Brussels sprouts to cook through while getting golden edges.
5. Add Brussels sprouts in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket midway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
6. Remove from air fryer when crispy and golden. Add a final drizzle of balsamic if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
· Calories: 110
· Protein: 3g
· Fiber: 4g
Tips & Customizations
Air fryer balsamic Brussels sprouts with parmesan: Add 2 tablespoons grated parmesan in the final 2 minutes of air frying.
Vegan version: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for added umami.
Skip the olive oil spray and use balsamic alone. Still turns out crispy thanks to the air fryer!
Spicy air fryer Brussels sprouts: Add ¼ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne.
Air fryer lemon Brussels sprouts: Replace half the balsamic with fresh lemon juice and zest.
Sweet variation: Add a drizzle of maple syrup with the balsamic for sweet-tangy sprouts.
Frozen sprouts: Thaw first or increase cook time by 2–3 minutes if air frying directly from frozen.
For quicker cooking and crispier edges, halved works best—but whole can be used with 2–3 extra minutes.
Meal Prep & Storage
Trim and soak Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for crispy texture.
Freeze cooked Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
A: Yes! You can air fry frozen Brussels sprouts—just thaw or adjust the air fryer Brussels sprouts timing by 2–3 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning.
Q: What temperature should I use for crispy Brussels sprouts?
A: 375°F is ideal. It creates a tender inside with crispy outside edges, without burning the balsamic glaze.
Q: Should I soak Brussels sprouts before air frying?
A: Yes, especially if you want to mimic deep-fried texture. A 10-minute soak makes a huge difference for crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts tips.
Q: Can I make this recipe oil-free?
A: Absolutely. Just omit the olive oil spray. The balsamic vinegar caramelizes beautifully on its own.
Q: How do I make this keto-friendly?
A: Brussels sprouts are already low-carb! Just skip any sweeteners and enjoy the natural flavor with spices or cheese.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This method restores the crispy texture better than microwaving.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer balsamic Brussels sprouts are your ticket to turning a once-avoided vegetable into your most-requested side dish. With the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and savory, they elevate any meal—without needing a stove or oven. Whether you’re into batch cooking Brussels, keeping dinner low-carb, or just finding another use for your air fryer, this recipe is one you’ll want to bookmark. Fast, easy, and full of flavor—this is how you cook Brussels sprouts in the air fryer the right way.
Craving more? Try these variations next time: air fryer Brussels sprouts garlic parmesan, spicy air fryer Brussels sprouts, or even air fryer honey Brussels sprouts for a sweet-savory combo!
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What twist would you add?
