If you’re hunting for a side dish that will turn even the staunchest Brussels sprout skeptics into crispy veggie devotees, you have to make these Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts! Imagine golden, crunchy sprouts, flecked with real Parmesan and hit with a lemony finish, all ready in minutes thanks to the magic of your air fryer. Each bite is a savory blend of hearty greens, salty cheese, and just the right hint of garlic. Not only are they totally addictive, they’re also as easy as tossing everything in a bowl and letting the air fryer do its best work. You’ll want to make this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts is that every ingredient packs a punch. Nothing fussy here—just a handful of essentials, each adding bold flavor, color, or crunch to create that unbeatable combination you’ll crave.
- Brussels sprouts: The star of the show—halved and trimmed so they crisp up perfectly and cook evenly.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps every nook and cranny of the sprouts turn irresistibly golden.
- Salt: Just enough to bring forward all those toasty, roasted notes.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick that enhances flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Laces the sprouts with deep, savory undertones—way easier than mincing fresh garlic!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into little crispy bits, creating a savory, nutty crust you won’t want to miss.
- Lemon zest (optional): A fresh, zippy accent that brightens every bite.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before anything else, set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Giving your air fryer a few minutes to warm up means those Brussels sprouts start crisping up as soon as they hit the basket, not playing catch-up mid-way through.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
In a large mixing bowl, combine your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss them really well, making sure every sprout gets a lovely glossy coat—this is what helps them turn out crispy and well-seasoned all over.
Step 3: Air-Fry the Brussels Sprouts
Arrange the prepared sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Keeping them in just one layer makes a huge difference for ultimate crunch. Air-fry for 12 to 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through. You’re looking for Brussels sprouts that are deeply golden on the cut side and crispy at the edges.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Lemon Zest
While the Brussels sprouts are still piping hot, transfer them back to the bowl and immediately sprinkle with grated Parmesan and the optional lemon zest. Toss gently so the cheese starts to melt a little over the sprouts, forming a light, savory crust.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Spoon those Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts onto a platter or serve straight from the bowl. For an extra flourish, drizzle with a little more good olive oil or a touch of balsamic glaze. They’re best enjoyed warm, while the cheese is still tender and the sprouts are at peak crispiness!
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
Take your sprouts to the next level by showering them with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, or a careful drizzle of balsamic reduction. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives them a bold kick—plus it looks fantastic for presentation.
Side Dishes
Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts are perfect paired with just about any main. Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty steak all play nicely with these crunchy, cheesy veggies. They’re also amazing next to creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa, rounding out your plate with color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these Brussels sprouts with toothpicks as a party appetizer, or pile them atop a bed of mixed greens for a warm salad. They’re a wonderful upgrade to your holiday table, and just as delightful nestled into a grain bowl for a busy weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavor gets even better as the Parmesan melds with the veggies, though you might lose a bit of crispness.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze your Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts, the texture may soften after thawing. To freeze, spread the cooled sprouts on a tray to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that crave-worthy crunch is to reheat the sprouts in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes, until warmed through and crisped again. You can also use the oven, but skip the microwave unless you don’t mind them being a little softer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts always give the crispiest results, but if you only have frozen, be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before seasoning. You might need to tack on a minute or two of extra air-frying to get that golden finish.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
No problem! You can use a little minced fresh garlic—just toss it in after the sprouts are cooked to avoid burning. Or, leave it out and let the Parmesan and lemon zest do all the talking.
Can I make Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts without cheese?
Absolutely! For a vegan or dairy-free version, simply skip the Parmesan or use a shredded plant-based cheese. The sprouts will still crisp beautifully and develop a lovely roasted flavor all on their own.
Will this recipe work in a convection oven?
Yes! Spread the prepared Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and roast at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway. The texture might be a touch less crispy, but still delicious.
How can I make these extra spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the olive oil mixture before air-frying, or toss with chili flakes when adding the Parmesan. You’ll get a fantastic blend of heat and savory crunch in every bite!
Final Thoughts
It’s truly hard to resist the magic of Crispy Parmesan Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts—cheesy, golden, and just a little bit sophisticated, they turn a humble veggie into something swoon-worthy. Give them a try and watch even the veggie-cautious reach for seconds!