Step-wise Instructions to make Crispy and Light Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic vinegar and topped with dried cranberries. Perfect Side recipe, made under 30 minutes for the holiday season.
These Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, perfectly roasted Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts is an easy vegetarian, vegan and keto friendly side dish made just under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
The recipe uses pantry staples (just few ingredients off the shelf literally) and there is not much prep involved either. All you need is a bag of brussels sprouts from the supermarket and the dish would be ready in no time.
Be it Thanksgiving or Christmas, a platter of these perfectly roasted brussels sprouts is always welcome. Air Frying the vegetable will certainly change your opinion about this "boring veggie".
I have provided the step-wise recipe instructions for Air Fryer, Stove Top and Oven (check tips section below). I have also included seasoning ideas, toppings which would make it easier for you to serve a variety.
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About Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts resembles a petite cabbage. Low in calories, high in fiber, brussels sprouts are nutritious and rich in Vitamins, antioxidants. SOURCE
Aside from resembling a mini cabbage, it does taste quite like it, except its slightly more bitter (when raw). This is probably the reason why many hate it. I guess the method of cooking also plays an important role in making this vegetable edible.
My husband couldn't enjoy the steamed brussels sprouts but the air fried roasted ones really caught his attention. It is nuttier and we didn't really notice any bitter tones.
When cooking any vegetable, seasoning and flavors play an important role. Roasting or Air Frying certain vegetables really brings out their flavors.
Honest Confession - Since I live in India, I have not grown up eating these - EVER! I have always been intrigued with different vegetables and my travel is incomplete without trying a new cuisine or buying local ingredients. I have forever been experimenting with different ingredients, spices, seasoning etc.
On a casual visit to the supermarket, I found these and they were quite fresh. It's definitely not cheap and I had to burn a hole in my pocket.
If you are buying Brussels Sprouts for the first time, here is an ARTICLE that you might find useful. I went through this article quickly before grabbing two boxes off the supermarket shelf.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
Garlic Powder - Can be substituted with fresh garlic
EVOO - You can use Garlic Oil or Chili Oil for extra heat. I highly recommend the chili oil
Balsamic Vinegar - Acidity from Balsamic Vinegar really makes the vegetable sing. You can add honey to balance flavors but since I was using dried cranberries as topping, I did not add any.
Note - Highly recommend including some amount of acidity (either lemons or balsamic vinegar or soy) when cooking brussels sprouts. It really enhances the flavors and you will never look at brussels sprouts as boring or inedible.
I have not added any heat (chili) in this recipe but you can either opt for smoked paprika, chili flakes or cayenne.
Note - Check the recipe card below for the Complete list of ingredients.
Instructions to Air Fry Brussels Sprouts
Thoroughly wash the brussels sprouts, remove the yellow leaves. Trim the ends slightly (the stem) and halve them.
Once this is done, add them to a bowl along with the seasoning and mix.
After the air fryer is pre-heated, add the brussels sprouts to the basket and roast them until they develop a caramelized exterior.
Remove onto a bowl, top with dried cranberries and serve as side.
Variations
Asian Flavors - A combination of Soy (or Tamari) and drizzle some sriracha on top while serving. Toasted Sesame seeds would be a perfect topping combined with finely chopped scallions or spring onion greens.
Indian Flavors - Indian Spices like Turmeric, Garam Masala would work very well with brussels sprouts. Substitute EVOO with vegetable oil or coconut oil and serve brussels sprouts with lime wedges and chutney dip on the side.
Toppings - I have used Dried Cranberries as they are perfect for holiday season. You could use toasted nuts like almonds, pecans or walnuts.
Crumbled feta cheese or parmesan can be added while serving.
You could also air fry some paneer or Indian cottage cheese or tofu (vegan) along with brussels sprouts as a variation.
Tips
I have air fried 200 grams of Brussels sprouts in one batch. You can easily double the recipe - Just air fry in 2 batches.
Oven Settings - Add the seasoned brussels sprouts into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180 degree Celsius for 20 mins (pre-heat for 10 mins).
Stove Top - If you have neither oven or air fryer, this can be easily sautéed in a cast iron skillet. Just heat some oil in a skillet, add the seasoned brussels sprouts and sauté until they have caramelized and golden. Note - For Stove Top recipe, you will require more oil to sauté.
Cranberries add a sweet touch and go very well with the flavors of garlic and balsamic vinegar. Fresh cranberries or raisins can be used.
You can add honey or maple syrup (vegan) along with the balsamic vinegar.
Leftovers - Can be easily reheated in an air fryer or stove top.
Other Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Roasted Potatoes with zaatar spice
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 200 grams Brussels Sprouts
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dried Cranberries optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepping the Brussels Sprouts
- Wash and clean the brussels sprouts thoroughly, remove the yellow leaves. Trim the ends (stem), halve them and add to a bowl
- Into the bowl add garlic powder, black pepper powder, balsamic vinegar, salt and extra virgin olive oil. Mix well.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Pre-heat the Air Fryer at 180 degree Celsius for 3 minutes.
- After the air fryer is pre-heated, add the brussels sprouts to the basket and air fry for 10 minutes at 180 degree Celsius.
- Shake the basket once or twice in between cook time.
- Once done, remove onto a bowl, top with dried cranberries and serve as side.
Notes
- I have air fried 200 grams of Brussels sprouts in one batch. You can easily double the recipe - Just air fry in 2 batches.
- Oven Settings - Add the seasoned brussels sprouts into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180 degree Celsius for 20 mins (pre-heat for 10 mins).
- Stove Top - If you have neither oven or air fryer, this can be easily sautéed in a cast iron skillet. Just heat some oil in a skillet, add the seasoned brussels sprouts and sauté until they have caramelized and golden. Note - For Stove Top recipe, you will require more oil to sauté.
- Cranberries add a sweet touch and go very well with the flavors of garlic and balsamic vinegar. Fresh cranberries or raisins can be used.
- You can add honey or maple syrup (vegan) along with the balsamic vinegar.
- Leftovers - Can be easily reheated in an air fryer or stove top.
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We will be back again with yet another exciting recipe .. Until then, stay healthy and happy!
Vidya Narayan
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