Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze

These Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic glaze require only 8 ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare. Tossed with a sweet, savory balsamic glaze then air-fried to crispy perfection, this is a healthy, low calorie, low fat vegetable side dish that pairs well with just about anything.

Ooh la la these Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic make the perfect side dish! What’s more, you can make these delicious sprouts in the air fryer in minutes using fresh or frozen Brussels. You can also make this recipe in your oven if you prefer roasted Brussel sprouts. Either way, this delicious air fryer recipe is also gluten-free, like my Vegan Hollandaise Sauce With Grilled Asparagus, and is just about the best sprouts recipe ever!

🧂 Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Ingredients (With Substitutions)

• Brussel sprouts – I prefer organic veggies always, especially when making cooked Brussel sprouts (although they are typically smaller). Choose sprouts that are firm with no evidence of damaged or blackened outer leaves.
• Olive oil – sprouts with olive oil are divine. I use 1/2 tablespoon olive oil for this recipe because I like to spare my calories, but if you prefer more, go ahead and add up to a tablespoon. You may omit completely to make this recipe oil-free or use whatever vegetable oil you have on hand.
• Balsamic vinegar – makes for the perfect balsamic glaze and adds a tangy, natural sweetness to Brussel sprouts cooked in the air fryer.
• Maple syrup – a little dab will “do ya” and adds an earthy sweetness to the recipe. You may substitute with agave nectar.
• Garlic powder – you can substitute with fresh, minced garlic if you prefer.
• Red pepper flakes – gives these better-than-roasted Brussel sprouts a hot little kick. I add about 1/4 teaspoon to the air fryer Brussel sprouts with balsamic but you can omit, or add more, depending upon your heat preference.
• Sea salt and black pepper – enhances the natural flavor of the Brussels. Adjust per taste.

🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Balsamic

Step 1. Start by washing sprouts with a fruit and vegetable wash or hot soapy water. Rinse well. Pat dry. With s sharp knife, cut the ends off. This makes it super simple to trim the old or damaged outer leaves, as they literally fall off, almost completely. Slice in half. TIP: if you prefer your sprouts more tender in the middle, soak for 10 minutes in cold water prior to preparing.

Step 2. Add trimmed Brussel sprouts to a medium bowl, along with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper.

Step 3. Toss to coat all ingredients with a large spoon. Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of cooking spray.

Step 4. There’s no need to preheat the air fryer. Simply add Brussel sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer (it’s ok if there is some overlapping). Cook at 370F/188C for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes to ensure the sprouts don’t get too crispy. At the end of 12 minutes, if they are not as crispy as you like, increase the temperature to 400F/204C and cook for another 2-3 minutes, 15 minutes total.

Step 5. Remove from basket and add Brussels to a plate.

Step 6. Top with your favorite toppings. I used fresh pomegranate seeds and coconut shreds, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

🥓 Variations

• Roast in the oven – although air fryer vegetables are much easier to make, don’t fret it you don’t have an air fryer. Just roast them in your oven. Simply preheat to 375F/191C, spread Brussel sprouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and parts of the sprouts are golden brown and crispy.
• Get your bacon on – with bits of this crispy banana peel bacon and a dab of tofu sour cream.
• Add an Italian twist – with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon and vegan alfredo sauce.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

• If you prefer your sprouts more tender in the middle, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes prior to preparing. Then proceed as per instructions.
• Be sure to shake sprouts every 4 minutes to prevent them from becoming too crispy.
• Because air fryer temperatures, wattage and sizes of Brussel sprouts vary, you may need to adjust the cooking time. To get it right, simply shake/toss Brussels every 4 minutes in the air fryer and stop cooking once they are golden brown with a few charred leaves.

For more tasty vegan side dishes try my Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Mashed Cauliflower, Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole, my herby Vegan Croissant Stuffing or one of these Vegan Main Dishes and Vegan Side Dishes. Last but not least, complete any meal with my Spiced Orange Gin Spritz and this amazing Vegan Pavlova.

💭 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

🌡️ Storage

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Add to a salad, like this chopped Veggie Salad with no lettuce.
• Dip in a dreamy sauce, like my garlic aioli or smoky homemade chipotle sauce.
• Pair with other air fryer recipes like these quick Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.
• Serve for Sunday dinner with this delicious Vegan Lentil Loaf and these roasted Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes or Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes.
• Complete your holiday dinner by pairing with my favorite Vegan Mushroom Wellington and herby Vegan Croissant Stuffing.

🍲 What Pairs Well With Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

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