This recipe provides instructions for making incredibly delicious and crispy Brussels sprouts using an air fryer, finished with a tangy and sweet balsamic glaze. Often misunderstood, when prepared correctly, Brussels sprouts transform into a delightful dish with a slightly charred and crispy exterior and a tender, subtly sweet interior. This air fryer method offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, using minimal oil while achieving maximum flavor and texture. The key to delicious air fryer Brussels sprouts lies in proper preparation and seasoning. Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe. They should be trimmed at the stem end and any loose or discolored outer leaves should be removed. For even cooking and crisping, it’s recommended to halve or quarter larger sprouts so that they are roughly the same size. Once trimmed, the Brussels sprouts are tossed with a small amount of olive oil. This helps them to crisp up in the air fryer and also allows the seasonings to adhere. Simple yet effective seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavor of the Brussels sprouts. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. Garlic powder adds a savory depth, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat. Some recipes also include a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before air frying for an extra layer of salty and nutty flavor. The air frying process involves arranging the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure that each sprout has enough space for the hot air to circulate, leading to even cooking and crisping. Overcrowding can result in steamed, rather than crispy, sprouts. The Brussels sprouts are air fried at a relatively high temperature until they are tender-crisp and nicely browned and slightly charred on the edges. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the sprouts and the specific air fryer model, but typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, with a toss or shake of the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. The final touch that elevates these crispy Brussels sprouts is a balsamic glaze. Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar, resulting in a thick, syrupy, and intensely flavored condiment that is both tangy and sweet. It’s often drizzled over roasted or air-fried vegetables to add a burst of flavor and a beautiful glossy finish. You can either buy pre-made balsamic glaze or easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens. Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked and crispy, they are transferred to a serving dish and drizzled generously with the balsamic glaze. The combination of the slightly bitter and earthy Brussels sprouts, the savory seasonings, the crispy texture, and the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze creates a truly addictive and flavorful dish that even those who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts might find surprisingly delicious. These Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze are perfect as a side dish for almost any meal, from roasted chicken or fish to steak or vegetarian entrees. They are also a great addition to salads or grain bowls. The image shows a close-up of halved Brussels sprouts cooking in what appears to be an air fryer basket or a dark pan. Some of the sprouts are bright green and slightly shiny, while others are more browned and slightly charred, indicating they are becoming crispy. The overall lighting suggests they are being cooked under heat. The text overlay asks, “Anyone here actually eat brussel sprouts?” implying a common aversion to this vegetable, which this recipe aims to overcome.
The texture of Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze is characterized by a delightful contrast between the deeply caramelized and crispy exterior leaves and a tender, slightly firm interior. The balsamic glaze adds a syrupy, slightly sticky coating.
The flavor profile is a complex interplay of the slightly bitter and earthy taste of the Brussels sprouts, the savory notes from salt and garlic, the potential subtle heat from red pepper flakes, and the sweet and tangy intensity of the balsamic glaze. The air frying process also brings out a subtle roasted sweetness in the sprouts.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze are Brussels sprouts that are trimmed, seasoned, air-fried until deeply browned and crispy, and then drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
The preparation involves trimming and halving (or quartering) Brussels sprouts, tossing them with olive oil and seasonings, air frying them until crispy and slightly charred, and then drizzling them with balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Homemade Balsamic Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large bowl
- Air fryer
- Small saucepan (for homemade balsamic glaze, if needed)
- Whisk (for homemade balsamic glaze, if needed)
- Serving dish
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water.
- Trim off the hard stem end of each sprout.
- Remove any loose or discolored outer leaves.
- For medium to large Brussels sprouts, halve or quarter them lengthwise so that they are roughly the same size. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.
Part 2: Season the Brussels Sprouts:
- In a large bowl, toss the trimmed and halved/quartered Brussels sprouts with the olive oil until they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the Brussels sprouts. Toss again to ensure they are well seasoned.
Part 3: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model requires preheating.
- Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and nicely browned and slightly charred on the edges. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your sprouts and your air fryer.
Part 4: Make Balsamic Glaze (if homemade):
- While the Brussels sprouts are air frying, if you are making your own balsamic glaze, pour the ½ cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
- Bring the vinegar to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced by about half and has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to boil it too vigorously, as it can become too thick or burn.
- Once thickened, remove the balsamic glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.
Part 5: Assemble and Serve:
- Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked to your desired crispness, transfer them to a serving dish.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the hot Brussels sprouts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts with the sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:
- Even Size: Ensure the Brussels sprouts are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer can help achieve a crispier result.
- Oil Sparingly: A little oil goes a long way in the air fryer.
- Tossing: Tossing or shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even browning.
- Crispness Level: Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of crispness.
- Fresh Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts will yield the best texture and flavor compared to frozen ones. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
- Variations: You can add other seasonings like onion powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for different flavor profiles. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor for a vegan option.
Enjoy these incredibly delicious and healthy Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze! They might just convert even the most skeptical eaters.