Frozen Brussels sprouts get a gourmet makeover in this air fryer recipe! Forget the soggy, bland stereotypes - here's your guide to achieving restaurant-quality texture and flavor at home. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you'll be creating impressive sides that complement any meal. So, embrace the convenience of frozen and unlock the air fryer's magic - delicious Brussels sprouts await!
Thankfully, the days when vegetables were just boiled or steamed are over. Hello, flavor and wonderful texture of vegetables roasted quickly in an air fryer! And I love how you can use frozen sprouts when fresh are not readily available or are expensive.
After making these, you'll want to pop them in your mouth and enjoy the wonderful crispy texture and flavor from the outside and the right amount of softness on the inside. If you are making fresh Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer, you can just click over there, and you will get the specific steps for those. I've also learned to love broccoli again using this easy Oven Roasted Broccoli Recipe.
Table of contents
Why I love this recipe
I didn't know Brussels sprouts could taste so good. Up until 10 years ago, I was always serving these either boiled or steamed. Yea, not my favorite. Then, I tried roasting them with seasonings you could taste. A flavor game-changer!
Using an air fryer recipe makes roasting these mini cabbage-look-a-likes quick and easy. It adds a delicious flavor when the outer leaves are crispy and well-seasoned.
These delicious sprouts are such a nice change from the regular vegetables we eat every day. But they are not hard to make! If you don't like cleaning brussels sprouts, you will love using the frozen packages!
Did you know the proper way to say/spell these little guys is Brussels sprouts? There is an 's' at the end of Brussels. Centuries ago, they were cultivated in Brussels, Belgium, and their popularity spread. Over the years, the sprouts were bred to be sweeter and taste better. We've also learned better methods to cook them!
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts - The above image has 2 bags of frozen Brussels Sprouts. Each bag is 12 oz. These are steamed then frozen.
Olive Oil - Use to coat the sprouts and to help the seasonings stick. Do NOT use extra virgin olive oil since that is not an oil that should be used with high heat. Other neutral-flavored oils I have used include vegetable, canola, and grapeseed oils.
Garlic Powder - This adds so much flavor! If you are not a fan of garlic powder, just double the amount of onion powder you use.
Onion Powder - Another flavor enhancer.
Course salt - Your choice of which salt to use. Some suggestions include pink salt, or kosher salt. If you are using regular table salt, I find I need to use less or the dish is too salty.
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Optional Toppings - Prior to Serving
I love these guys made with just the ingredients I have listed. However, some folks have tried these at friends/restaurants and have had them served with toppings. These are the most popular toppings that my friends like.
- Drizzle with a good quality balsamic vinegar or
- Served with fresh grated parmesan cheese or
- lightly drizzled with honey
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF. It only takes 3-5 minutes for a countertop air fryer.
Step 1
A frozen bag of sprouts just needs to be opened and placed in a bowl for seasoning. If sprouts are larger, I cut an 'x' into the center stem to help the center cook better. If you have a few sprouts larger than the average, cut them in half. I find the frozen bags usually hold small evenly sized sprouts.
Step 2
Mix seasonings into oil, pour over trimmed sprouts. Use a larger bowl so that you can toss to ensure all are well coated in seasoned oil.
Step 3
Spread sprouts evenly, allowing some space between them. You don't want to crowd the Brussels sprouts or they will not get nice and crispy. I use an air fryer that is like a larger toaster oven. It lets me make larger batches.
If using an air fryer basket, you may need to make two batches.
Step 4
Air Fry roasting time is 15 minutes. I shake to turn and spread everything on the air fryer tray at the halfway point.
Step 5
To test if these are perfectly cooked, take a fork and see if the Brussels sprouts are soft all the way through. These crispy Brussels sprouts are a little softer than when you use fresh sprouts, and they shouldn't be mushy. I also wanted to show you what happens to the 'x' that you cut into the larger ones. It spreads and helps the center cook.
Storage and Reheating
Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator once cooled to room temperature. Place in a sealed container (or use a zip-type plastic bag) and place in the fridge for up to 3 days.
They may also be frozen if well-wrapped for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To heat, place in 375ºF air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Note that centers will be softer because they have been reheated.
Leftover Usage Tip
I love just cutting these in ½ and then adding them to a salad. No need to reheat leftovers!
FAQs
Have you roasted them long enough at 375F? If your air fryer isn't calibrated correctly (not as hot), you may need to roast 3-5 minutes longer.
Also, do not crowd the Brussels sprouts. Hot air needs to circulate around them to brown them.
Adjust the cooking time and test to see if the centers are at the texture of your liking.
Other Delicious Sides
Frozen Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 24 oz Brussels sprouts frozen
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or other neutral oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt Kosher, sea salt, other large crystal salt
Instructions
- Frozen Brussels sprouts are cleaned and ready to go. I don't thaw them ahead of time. If sprouts are larger, I cut an 'x' into the center stem, to help the center cook better. If you have a few sprouts that are larger than the average, cut them in half.
- Mix seasonings into oil, pour over trimmed sprouts. Use a larger bowl so that you can stir to ensure all are well coated in seasoned oil.
- Spread sprouts evenly allowing some space between. You don't want to crowd or the Brussels sprouts will not get nice and crispy. I use an air fryer that is like a larger toaster oven. It lets me make larger batches. You may need to make two batches if using an air fryer with baskets.
- Roasting time is 18-20 minutes. I shake to turn and spread everything evenly on the air fryer tray at the halfway point.
- To test if these are perfectly cooked, take a fork and see if the Brussels sprouts are soft all the way through. There should be a little give (but not hard), and they shouldn't be mushy. I also wanted to show you what happens to the 'x' that you cut into the larger ones. It spreads and helps the center cook.
Notes
Storage & Reheating
Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator once cooled to room temperature. Place in a sealed container (or use a zip type plastic bag) and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. May also be frozen if well wrapped for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To heat, place in 375ºF air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Note that centers will be softer because they have been reheated.Leftover Usage Tip
I love just cutting these in ½ and then adding to a salad. No need to reheat then!FAQs
Why aren't my Brussels sprouts browning? Have you roasted them long enough at 375F? If your air fryer isn't calibrated correctly (not as hot), you may need to roast 3-5 minutes longer.Also, do not crowd the Brussels sprouts. Hot air needs to circulate around them in order to brown them. I like the centers of my Brussels sprouts harder/softer Adjust the cooking time and test to see if centers are at the texture of your liking.
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