Brussel Sprouts in the Air Fryer

Brussel sprouts in the air fryer with bacon is just amazing! Tender brussels with a bit of a crispy outside will get you to love this understated vegetable. 

Ninja Foodi Brussel Sprouts

Are you on the love ’em or hate ’em side of roasted brussels sprouts?? They are our new favorite side dish for sure. You can make them in any brand machine you have. We have a Cosori and an AirWave too, and use it often.

These use fresh produce but if you need directions for air fryer frozen brussel sprouts, we have that too! That is right, either way can come out tender yet with crispy edges and a buttery taste. Love balsamic? Drizzle that on top of either of these and OMG talk about the best side dish.

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

This is the Ninja Cooking system we have, any brand of electric air fryer will work though. If you haven’t found a way to make these pesky things where you crave them yet, try this! Even my 10 year old gobbled them up when they came out of the basket.

It’s really all about finding the perfect texture to them and flavors to boot. Butter, salt and pepper are a given but trust us that our apple cider vinegar dijon mustard sauce is a great way to finish it out. To get an even coat on the outside with the oil that will keep them tender, a baggie is helpful.

A great and cleaner way to get your food nicely coated. Then just pour them right in once it is preheated and there you go.

Air Fryer brussel sprouts with parmesan

We have made Instant Pot brussel sprouts that are amazing as well. Unfortunately they don’t get crispy on the outsides no matter how many minutes of cooking. Unless you add oil salt and pepper and put them into the oven – broiler after you pressure cook them.  You can skip that second step if you use this brussel sprouts in the air fryer recipe.

Parmesan cheese is a nice touch on the top when done. Adds a bit of twang I guess you would say and if you have a Foodi like this you can air crisp it at the end so it melts a bit.

I will tell you that the crispy outside is a must after having them both ways. We served these along side our bacon wrapped air fryer steak and some Ninja Foodi cabbage, it was the perfect meal.

Air fryer brussel sprouts with balsamic

You always want to rinse your produce when you get it. Picture tons of people touching them, changing their minds, and you might eat whatever had been on their hands. You can remove and discard the outer leaves to go beyond that for safety too if you like. A few other tips to get them prepared are;

• Cut the hard end off
• Slice them lengthwise
• Add brussels into a bowl with our light sauce
• Put them into your air fryer basket
• Set cook time
• Bake or cook brussel sprouts in the air fryer
• 2 minutes shaking them intermittently so they all get crispy throughout the cook time is best
• Toss the brussels sprouts in more light sauce & some seasoning

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for sure, or drizzle with balsamic. Let it melt a bit and oh my.

How long to cook halved brussel sprouts in air fryer

Why did we use two rounds of sauce??

• Tossing brussels in olive oil, a bit of lemon juice and seasonings allows the outsides to crisp. 
• Drizzling on a bit more after they’ve taken a trip in the air fryer amplifies the flavor!
• Total time = 15 minutes to deliciousness

How you know how long to cook things in an air fryer? You can use this air fryer cooking chart for reference but typically half the time as in the oven. You’re going to need;

1. Brussel sprouts – this used 1.5 lbs. 
2. Apple cider vinegar
3. Dijon mustard
4. Butter
5. Olive oil
6. Garlic salt & pepper
7. Lemon – fresh is best
8. A freezer bag is helpful to toss them initially

Air fryer brussel sprouts with bacon

If you want to double or triple this you will want a larger air fryer so they overlap the least amount possible. This is important so the outsides get browned.

• You want to start with a pre-heated air fryer set at 390 degrees, this will take about 5 minutes.
• Put brussel sprouts with ends cut off and sliced in half lengthwise in a bag or bowl. Add olive oil, 1 tsp garlic salt, chili powder, squeeze 1/2 your lemon, and apple cider vinegar into your baggie or bowl. Toss with brussel sprouts.
• Pour coated brussels into your air fryer basket and close lid. Cook at 390 degrees for a total of 15 minutes, stirring/flipping pieces over twice during that total time. (so every 5 minutes)
• When that is cooking melt your butter and whisk in 1/4 of garlic salt, pepper, the other 1/2 of your lemon juice, and dijon mustard together.
• When brussel sprouts are done pour them in a bowl and toss with this butter mixture.
• Serve topped with shredded parmesan cheese if desired.

Optional add ins or to sprinkle on top:

• Chili powder or dry Sriracha for a little heat
• Splash of balsamic vinegar on top when cooked

Brussel Sprouts in Ninja Foodi

Looking for more air fryer vegetable recipes? I mean you’re going to be completely addicted to making all the things in this machine once you get a bite of these so of course you want more, like;

• You should definitely try our crispy Air fryer kale chips too, such a great snack that even my kids eat the whole dish!
  • air fryer cauliflower and air fryer vegetables like asparagus in the air fryer for a side dish
• This is how you make crispy brussel sprouts with bacon in the Foodi

Here are 18 other ways to cook brussel sprouts you will love, like easy brussel sprouts in oven and more!

Are brussels sprouts a superfood?

They are considered a cold weather superfood. Packed with immunity boosting vitamin c and cancer fighting traits, these small green balls are among the most powerful type vegetable superfoods.  I heard brussel sprouts can reduce cholesterol, that is why I went on a quest to like them years ago. Mine was on the high side (runs in the family) and I aimed to find natural ways to lower it.

Of course eating foods high in fiber was one focus, and eliminating the butter on this recipe is best, but certain foods were better than others like: 

1. Avocados
2. Nuts are great, especially almonds
3. Fish is a huge love already
4. Whole grains
5. Fruits and berries
6. Dark chocolate is always a fave
7. Garlic is something I add to every recipe now