The Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Sharon Knott — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:04:52 +0000

These healthy, super crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are sure to be a hit at your next meal, whether it’s during the week, on the weekend or at your next holiday gathering. You’ll soon crave these tender brussels sprouts cooked to perfection in the air fryer, loaded with heaps of flavor, tender on the inside , crispy brown on the outside.

Lets dive right in here, I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan of brussels sprouts, like ever. When I was young, they weren’t even served in my family. They must not have been fans either! When I was married, they were served at every holiday by the “other side,” and to be fair, every few years or so, I would try one to see if any new taste buds had moved in. Nope, NADA!

It wasn’t until I tasted one at a restaurant, from my friend’s plate, mind you…that I took notice! I expected it to be the same “sock in my mouth” kind of taste and feel that I had experienced in the past. But when I looked across the table, they just looked different, better, because they were coated in something and looked crispy, not like green boiled eyeballs.

Reaching over I speared one and popped it in my mouth. My eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning!

“What in the world?” I said out loud as I examined why these were so yummy.

I know what you are thinking, everything tastes better at a restaurant. From that point on, I started to experiment and roast brussels sprouts in my oven and they turned out just as tasty. In turn I eventually served them at my holidays. I was on a mission to convert all my brothers as well, and I did!

Just imagine how delighted I was when the air fryer came out! I could now cook smaller batches for just myself in no time and without firing all up the whole oven. Needless to say, I eat these fine vegetables several times a month now, and with the modern marvel of the air fryer, you can too.

What is an Air Fryer?

Crispy food without all the calories: The greatest advantage to using an air fryer, is achieving a crispy dish without all the added calories that frying your food can produce. They came in all sizes and styles. Single basket, double basket, convection and air fryer in one, the list goes on.

What type of appliance is it similar to? This countertop appliance is like a convection oven in that it circulates hot air, but does it take less time to cook your dish, but it only take a few minutes to preheat so its ready to go when you’re done prepping your food.

Doesn’t heat your kitchen up: Another great advantage is it won’t heat up the kitchen like a convection or regular oven will especially helpful in the summer, right?

Space: if you’re not fond of having another appliance on your countertop, don’t worry, these compact babies can be stowed in a cupboard, panty or your coat closet! That a win win!

Parmesan Brussels Sprout Ingredients

Brussel Sprouts: Use brussels sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking. Smaller brussels sprouts will be sweeter. The larger the brussels sprout, the more like cabbage they will taste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the parmesan stick..
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Use fresh grated parmesan for best results.
Garlic Seasoning: Add some depth.

Making Parmesan Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer.
Prepare your brussels sprouts.
Coat brussels sprouts with oil, then the seasoning.
Bake in air fryer halfway.
Coat with parmesan cheese.
Finish cooking.

Variations for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Yes, let’s talk variations, there are so many! This is just a basic brussels sprouts recipe, but lets face it, you can spin your taste buds in so many different direction with this one. I like to keep in mind what my meat is flavored with as well. If I use garlic in my meat, I omit it here and vice versa.

Seasoning: Omit the garlic and use an Italian seasoning, try a Cajun spice or taco seasoning. Drizzle with some balsamic glaze or maple syrup when they are done for some added sweetness. Use some panko breadcrumbs or flavored, crushed croutons.

Toppings: Try a different cheese, blue cheese comes to mind, or omit it all together. Add crumbled bacon bits for another layer of flavor. Ty pine nuts for added flavor and crunch. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or minced onion on top.

Brussels Sprout Storage

How do I store these? Line up on a plate or single layer in a bowl if you only have a few left over. Cove with plastic wrap for 3-4 days. Heat in toaster oven to retain crispness or in te microwave.

Can I freeze these? I would not recommend freezing these.

What if I want to make more than just two servings but the air fryer is packed? when using an air fryer it cooks everything by circulating air so having space in-between your food is your friend. If you can’t cook your brussels sprouts without overcrowding them, cook in batches.