Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer: A Crispy Addiction!
Indulging in nutritious vegetables with the same irresistible typically reserved for potato chips signifies stumbling upon something truly exceptional. Let’s discuss Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer – a realm of pure, unadulterated, crispy addiction!
Initially hesitant to embrace the air fryer trend, I refrained from adding unnecessary appliances to our kitchen. The allure of an air fryer didn’t initially captivate me. However, if I had savored these delectable air-fried Brussels sprouts earlier, I would have hopped on the bandwagon without hesitation. (We ultimately opted for this air fryer model, which has consistently delivered satisfying results.)
Air fryer Brussels sprouts has achieved an astonishing level of crispiness, so remarkable that the term “crisp” falls short.
My skepticism towards air fryers stemmed from my success in achieving superbly crispy Brussels sprouts using a conventional oven – exemplified by these exquisite Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Thus, I remained unconvinced that an air fryer could substantially improve the outcome. But much to my surprise, it did just that!
In fact, certain trial batches of air-fried Brussels sprouts crisped so swiftly that I had to fine-tune the process (employing a special technique) to ensure that the centers had ample time to tenderize before the exteriors charred.
Advantages of Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer:
An air fryer essentially serves as a compact countertop convection oven.
- Cooking involves circulating hot air around the food, resulting in swift crisping (as demonstrated by the divine Air Fryer Broccoli).
- It excels at producing healthier renditions of traditionally deep-fried dishes, such as Air Fryer French Fries and Air Fryer Tofu.
- If you’re accustomed to using a convection oven, the distinction in results between air-fried and roasted vegetables might be nuanced, given their similar methodologies.
- The air fryer offers the perk of rapid preheating – a mere 3 minutes in the case of my model (ideal for urgent cravings like an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese).
- In comparison to my high-powered convection oven, I noticed that the air fryer slightly surpasses in creating that coveted crispiness. It even executed flawlessly succulent Air Fryer Pork Chops.
If your relationship with Brussels sprouts has been marked by skepticism – even if you’ve resisted the temptation of Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts – the air fryer could be the transformative catalyst. Much like these tantalizing Brussels Sprouts Chips, they emerge spectacularly crisp and irresistibly savory.
Secrets to Crispy Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer
The Achilles’ heel of numerous Brussels sprouts recipes is lackluster texture.
Unpleasantly boiled Brussels sprouts have instilled culinary trauma for many. In fact, if you harbor an aversion to them, chances are you encountered this unfortunate preparation method initially.
Even within the oven, Brussels sprouts can emerge soggy. This typically results from overcrowding the pan or inadequate oven temperature.
Our air fryer recipe ingeniously circumvents these pitfalls, guaranteeing irresistibly crispy sprouts every single time – devoid of any hint of sogginess!
A cooking temperature of 375 degrees Farenheit proves ideal for air frying Brussels sprouts without any risk of scorching.
Regularly shaking the basket throughout the cooking process maintains consistent air circulation, ensuring uniform crispness across all Brussels sprouts.
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Can Brussels sprouts be too crispy?
Balancing tenderness and charred exteriors posed the primary challenge during my recipe testing. Ensuring that the Brussels sprouts turned tender in the center before becoming overly charred on the outside was key.
While I personally prefer a uniformly al dente texture for Brussels sprouts, I understand that some individuals prefer it to be softer at the center. For those who lean towards tenderness, here’s a helpful trick:
To achieve Brussels sprouts with a crisp exterior and a more tender interior, consider soaking them in water for 10 minutes before air frying.
This soaking period contributes to the tenderness of the centers without rendering them soggy. I assure you they won’t turn mushy; I would never let that happen.
If, like me, you appreciate a bit of chewiness in your Brussels sprouts, there’s no need to soak them before cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:
For an added twist to Brussels sprouts, I drew inspiration from my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic recipe and incorporated garlic cloves into the mix. The garlic attains a wonderfully dark and crispy state, which we find delightful. Feel free to utilize the garlic, omit it, or experiment with the alternative options provided below.
Ingredients:
Brussels Sprouts: This once-dreaded childhood vegetable has transformed into a delectable side dish. These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are both simple and flavorful, while also boasting health benefits due to their fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Olive Oil: Enhances the Brussels sprouts’ crispiness and flavor. As this is an air fryer recipe, you’ll require less oil compared to oven cooking.
Salt + Pepper: Sometimes, the simplest seasonings yield the best results.
Garlic: While it’s optional, fresh garlic adds a delicious dimension.
The Direction:
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
- Soak the sprouts in water for 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly softer center (Optional).
- Drain and pat dry the sprouts. Toss them with oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.
- Cook for 5 minutes at 375°F, then toss. Repeat for another 5 minutes, tossing once more. Add garlic (if desired), and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
- Add any desired toppings and savor the dish!
Recipe Variations
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic: Transfer cooked Brussels sprouts to a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Bacon: Prepare either Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon, then crumble it over the sprouts.
- Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts: For frozen sprouts, ensure ample space in the air fryer basket and extend the cooking time as needed.
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Parmesan: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts.
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta: Toss the cooked sprouts with a handful of feta cheese.
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Honey: Drizzle 2 teaspoons of honey over the cooked sprouts for a sweet touch. Add red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy twist.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F.
- Freezing isn’t recommended, as thawed Brussels sprouts tend to become mushy. If freezing is necessary, use an airtight, freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
