Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Your Ultimate Quick & Healthy Side Dish

Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy side dish that’s ready in minutes? Look no further than air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts! This foolproof method transforms humble frozen sprouts into a culinary delight, featuring a delightfully crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can achieve perfect results every time. Forget soggy, boiled vegetables; your air fryer is about to become your new best friend for cooking frozen produce straight from the freezer, no thawing required!

Achieving perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts with a coveted crispy outer layer has never been easier than with an air fryer. Unlike traditional roasting or boiling, air frying ensures that each sprout gets beautifully browned and tender without becoming mushy. All it takes is a touch of olive oil and your favorite seasonings to unlock incredible flavor. The best part? You can take your frozen Brussels sprouts directly from the freezer and toss them into the air fryer basket – no need to wait for them to thaw, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights. Once they’re done, you’ll be amazed at their delicious taste and satisfying texture. This recipe is not just a side; it’s a game-changer for vegetable preparation!

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are so many reasons why these air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts have become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident they’ll become one in yours too! First and foremost, the incredible crispiness achieved after air frying is simply unmatched. You get those irresistible, slightly charred edges and a perfectly tender core that makes every bite a delight. On those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence, this recipe shines as a quick, minimal-prep side dish that complements almost any main course.

The beauty of Brussels sprouts lies in their versatility. While they taste fantastic with just a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, they also serve as a blank canvas for countless flavor enhancements. Imagine them drizzled with melted cheese, a tangy balsamic glaze, or even a touch of sweet maple syrup. Their robust flavor holds up beautifully to various seasonings and additions, making them a “fun veggie” that never gets boring. When you serve up a crispy, flavorful side dish like these air-fried sprouts, don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting them all the time!

If you’re looking for more delicious air fryer vegetable recipes – whether fresh or frozen – that are both green and easy to prepare for dinner, be sure to explore these other favorites: air fryer frozen green beans, air fryer broccolini, air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus, or for another twist on sprouts, try air fryer bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts. Each offers unique flavors and textures, proving the air fryer’s magic with vegetables.

INGREDIENTS

You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. The key is quality frozen Brussels sprouts and a good fat to help them crisp up in the air fryer. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple recipe:

• 12-oz package of frozen Brussels sprouts: Opt for a bag that contains whole, relatively uniform sprouts for best cooking results. No need to thaw!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but avocado oil is also an excellent choice due to its high smoke point. An olive oil spray can also be used for lighter coating.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Fine sea salt or kosher salt works well. This is a basic seasoning; feel free to adjust to your taste and add other spices later.

DIRECTIONS

Preparing these crispy air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts is incredibly simple, making them perfect for even the busiest nights. Follow these easy steps for a delicious and quick side dish:

STEP 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Take your frozen Brussels sprouts directly from the freezer and add them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil (or spray with oil) over the sprouts, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss everything together vigorously until the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and salt. The cold sprouts may cause the oil to solidify slightly, which is perfectly normal.

STEP 2: Transfer to the Air Fryer
Carefully transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts into your air fryer basket or onto the air fryer tray. Ensure they are distributed in a single layer to allow for optimal air circulation. Overcrowding the basket will steam the sprouts instead of crisping them, so cook in batches if necessary.

STEP 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Once preheated, air fry the sprouts for 12-16 minutes. To ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness, make sure to shake the basket vigorously every 4-5 minutes during the cooking process. This helps to redistribute the sprouts and expose all sides to the circulating hot air. Watch for golden-brown edges and a tender interior.

STEP 4: Serve and Season
Once the Brussels sprouts are beautifully crisp and cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot as an amazing side dish. This is the perfect time to add any additional seasonings to taste, such as a pinch of extra salt, freshly ground black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Enjoy your perfectly air-fried frozen Brussels sprouts!

I typically make this recipe in my Cosori air fryer. Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary significantly in size, wattage, and heating element efficiency. Therefore, your cooking time might need to be adjusted by 1-2 minutes, either more or less, to achieve the perfect crispiness specific to your appliance.

VARIATIONS

One of the best things about these air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts is how easily you can customize them with different flavors. Here are some fantastic variations to try:

• Garlic Parmesan Delight: For an extra boost of savory flavor, toss the sprouts with a teaspoon of minced garlic (fresh or jarred) and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese before air frying. The cheese will melt and crisp up, adding an incredible depth of flavor.
• Sweet & Savory Bacon Brussels: Once cooked, toss the hot sprouts with crispy bacon pieces and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. The combination of salty bacon, sweet syrup, and earthy sprouts is simply irresistible.
• Tangy Balsamic Glaze: After air frying, transfer the sprouts to a bowl and drizzle with a good quality balsamic vinegar or a pre-made balsamic glaze. Toss to coat for a vibrant, tangy finish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sprouts when you toss them with oil and salt for a subtle heat. For a bolder flavor, a drizzle of sriracha or hot honey after cooking works wonders.
• Lemon Herb Freshness: Enhance the natural flavor with fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley, added after cooking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the entire dish.
• Asian-Inspired: Toss the cooked sprouts with a tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can also add a pinch of ginger powder before cooking.
• Snack Time! These crispy sprouts make an excellent healthy snack all on their own. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like creamy ranch dressing, a zesty honey mustard, or a cool tzatziki. You can even enjoy them cold as a refreshing addition to salads or a healthy component of a snack platter.

EXPERT TIPS FOR PERFECT AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS

To ensure your air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every single time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• No Thawing Required: The beauty of this recipe is that the sprouts go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. Thawing them first can lead to a soggy texture due to excess moisture.
• Ensure a Single Layer: This is arguably the most crucial tip for achieving maximum crispiness. Overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray will trap steam, resulting in soft instead of crispy sprouts. If you don’t have a large basket or air fryer tray, work in batches to allow for proper air circulation.
• Shake the Basket Frequently: Don’t forget to shake the basket every 4-5 minutes during the cooking process. This ensures all sides of the Brussels sprouts are exposed to the hot air, leading to even browning and crispiness.
• Adjust for Sprout Size: If you have particularly large frozen sprouts, they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to become tender on the inside. Smaller sprouts might cook faster. Always check for desired tenderness and crispiness.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: While not strictly essential for all air fryer recipes, preheating for 3-5 minutes at the target temperature can help achieve a more consistent and quicker crisp.
• Don’t Skimp on the Oil: A light coating of oil is vital for browning and crisping the sprouts. Olive oil or avocado oil works best. Don’t use too much, but ensure they are evenly coated.
• Perfect Pairing: These crispy sprouts are an ideal partner for many main dishes. Try serving them with air fryer chicken wings or a juicy air fryer steak. You can even divide them into servings for easy meal prep, making healthy, high-protein meals for the week ahead.
• Check for Doneness: The best way to tell if your Brussels sprouts are done is by their texture. They should be tender when pierced with a fork, with beautifully golden-brown and crispy outer leaves.

Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It talks about what you can make, how to use it, and more, giving you all the foundational knowledge to master this amazing kitchen appliance.

Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this comprehensive list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories to help you get the most out of your cooking experience.

STORING AND REHEATING

Cooked air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts are excellent for meal prep and make for convenient leftovers. To store them, allow the sprouts to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures they maintain their freshness and flavor.

To reheat your leftover Brussels sprouts and bring back their delightful crispiness, simply return them to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for just 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and have regained their desired crisp texture. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this will make them soggy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AIR FRYER FROZEN BRUSSELS SPROUTS

MORE AIR FRYER VEGETABLES TO ENJOY

Once you see how easy and delicious air frying vegetables can be, you’ll want to try them all! Here are some more fantastic air fryer vegetable recipes to add to your repertoire:

Appetizers

Air Fryer Potato Chips

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Mushrooms

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

These air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts are truly a game-changer – a quick, easy, and incredibly versatile side dish that complements almost every meal. I guarantee you’ll love making them for dinner!

We Would Love to Hear From YOU!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. Your feedback is invaluable, as it helps us know how we’re doing and encourages others to try this fantastic recipe!

Looking for a hardcover book of recipes? Check out the retailers where you can order our Air Frying Cookbook,Air Fryer All Day! It’s packed with more delicious air fryer creations.

Tag Us In Your Photos! Are you on Facebook? If so, join our Easy Air Fryer Recipes Group (with over a million Air Fryer Foodie Fans!) and share your mouth-watering photos! We absolutely love to see your culinary creations.

Like to watch TikTok? Follow along with our recipes on TikTok @airfryingfoodie.

Are you on Instagram? Follow along and TAG US @airfryingfoodie so we can see your amazing air-fried dishes!

Have a Question or General Feedback?

Jump down to the COMMENT section below and let us know! We would love to help with any questions you have and appreciate all feedback on our posts to continually improve.