Name: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound brussel sprouts (about 4 cups); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup mayo; 2 teaspoons sriracha; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or cashews; 2 tablespoons minced cilantro

Restaurant-style Brussel Sprouts made easy with the help of an air fryer! These sprouts are tender on the inside and perfectly crispy around the edges. They’re delicious all on their own or topped with a drizzle of Spicy Mayo!

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If I’m at a restaurant and there are brussels sprouts on the menu, you better believe I’m ordering them. They’re one of my favorites… and there are SO many different ways to enjoy them!

I’ve tried countless versions, and this is one I keep coming back to. Crispy brussels sprouts topped with spicy mayo, chopped pistachios, and fresh minced cilantro. It’s a variation on an appetizer at one of my favorite restaurants… and once you try it… I have no doubt you’ll fall in LOVE!

Of course, I decided to air fry the sprouts to make them a little healthier, and then I whipped up an easy 4-ingredient aioli. The end result is crispy, crunchy, spicy, creamy, tender goodness… all in 20 minutes or less.

Because life is too short for boring brussels sprouts!

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🧂 Ingredients

If you’re looking to make basic Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts, the ingredient list couldn’t be shorter. And to be honest, that’s exactly how my kids like them best! But if you’re feeling even a little adventurous, I would highly recommend giving the aioli and garnishes a try. They take basic, boring brussel sprouts to a whole new level!

Brussel Sprouts:

1 pound brussel sprouts (about 4 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Spicy Mayo:

1/4 cup mayo
2 teaspoons sriracha
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnishes:

2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or cashews
2 tablespoons minced cilantro

📋 Instructions

It’s important to trim your brussels sprouts to remove any “less than perfect” outer leaves and expose a fresh base. I also like cutting mine in half. Not only does it help with cook time, but it also provides more surface area for browning and crisping.

Wash and trim brussel sprouts. Cut them in half lengthwise.
In a large mixing bowl, combine brussel sprouts, olive oil, salt & pepper.
Transfer to air fryer basket and shake to settle brussel sprouts into a single layer.
Set air fryer to 400° for 10-15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes until crispy and browned.
Remove from air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
Enjoy as is or top with sauce & garnishes.

🧀 Recipe variations

As I mentioned earlier, there are countless ways to season, prepare, and serve brussels sprouts. I have a few different recipes in the section below, or you can switch up this recipe with any of these variations:

Season brussel sprouts with salt, pepper, and shaved Parmesan
Add additional seasonings to the brussel sprouts before air frying them (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or any of your favorites)
Leave brussel sprouts whole (you may need to adjust the cooking time)
Add crispy crumbled bacon as an additional garnish
Substitute fresh mint for the cilantro
Use any of your favorite nuts or leave them out altogether
Roast your brussel sprouts instead of air frying them

🌡 Make-ahead & storage tips

This recipe is easy to prep in advance. Simply wash and trim your brussel sprouts and store them in a covered container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. You can even toss them in the olive oil if you’d like, but I’d suggest waiting to salt and pepper them until they’re air fryer ready. You can also prep the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for months!

Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, as well. I would recommend reheating them on the stovetop or in the oven, just until they’re warmed through.

🥦 More vegetable recipes

Love brussels sprouts (and other vegetables) as much as we do? Here are some of our FAVORITE tried and true recipes!