Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional); 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar; Drizzle pomegranate molasses; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something truly magical about roasted Brussels sprouts, especially when they get that perfect crispy edge and tender middle. This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe brings those flavors right to your kitchen quickly and easily, making it a go-to side dish that never disappoints.

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts that are golden brown and slightly charred on the edges, showing a mix of crispy dark green outer leaves and softer caramelized yellow-green inner layers. The Brussels sprouts are mostly halved, exposing their round, layered texture with a light grating of white cheese sprinkled on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth napkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve tried Brussels sprouts every which way, but cooking them in the air fryer with garlic adds such a wonderful depth and crunch while keeping things simple. Plus, the optional toppings let you tailor the dish so it always feels fresh and exciting!

Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer gives you that ideal crispy texture without drowning the sprouts in oil.
Customizable Flavor: Garlic and optional toppings like balsamic glaze or Parmesan mean you can make it your own.
Great for Everyone: It’s approachable enough for Brussels sprout skeptics, but satisfying for fans too!

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts halved and cooked until the edges are dark brown and crispy, showing a mix of bright green, golden yellow, and deep brown colors from caramelization, with a light sprinkle of shredded white cheese on top. The Brussels sprouts have a textured look with some charred parts and a slightly oily shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe plays a role in building irresistible layers of flavor. They’re simple pantry staples, but together, they create such a bright, balanced dish. Don’t forget, fresher Brussels sprouts always make a difference—look for firm, vibrant green heads with tight leaves.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with a few whole cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of balsamic glaze, a small white ceramic bowl of pomegranate molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of pure maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Brussels Sprouts: Freshness is key here. Choose compact heads without yellowing or softness for the best texture.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds rich, fruity flavor and helps get that crispy skin when air frying.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the sprouts.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the garlic beautifully.
Garlic Cloves (optional): Thin slices roast to perfection in the air fryer, bringing aromatic warmth.
Balsamic Glaze / Reduced Balsamic Vinegar (optional): Gives a lovely tangy sweetness and pairs perfectly with roasted sprouts.
Pomegranate Molasses (optional): A drizzle adds a fruity, slightly tart depth that’s unexpected but delicious.
Pure Maple Syrup (optional): Adds gentle sweetness to balance the bitterness of the sprouts.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Sprinkles on a salty, nutty finish that brings everything together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to keep the garlic optional so everyone can enjoy their way. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle on Parmesan and a dash of maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo, and other times I just splash some balsamic glaze on top. It’s versatile enough to suit any mood or meal.

Variation: One time, I added crushed red pepper flakes for a little spicy heat, which my husband loved—it really wakes up the flavors!
Dietary Modifications: For a vegan twist, omit Parmesan and swap in nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Seasonal Changes: In fall, I sometimes add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch and warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts

Trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and peel off any brown outer leaves. Then, halve them lengthwise. If you get some bigger ones, quarter those so everything cooks evenly. This little step makes a huge difference in texture—uniform pieces mean no burnt edges or undercooked middles!

Step 2: Optional Soak for Tenderness

Here’s a tip I’ve picked up: soaking your Brussels sprouts in warm water for 10 minutes can help mellow any bitterness and make the insides a bit more tender. I usually skip it because I like a bit more bite, but it’s worth trying if you want softer results. Just drain and pat dry thoroughly before the next step.

Step 3: Season and Preheat

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (about 3 minutes on my model). Meanwhile, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper in a clean bowl. This evenly coats every surface, so when they hit the air fryer, they crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Air Fry and Toss

Pop the sprouts into your air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then, take the basket out, give it a good shake to flip everything for even cooking, and air fry for another 5 minutes. Look for golden, crispy edges. If needed, give them an extra minute or two—but keep a close eye so they don’t burn!

Step 5: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking

Now’s the time to add your sliced garlic. Toss it in with the Brussels sprouts and continue air frying for 2 to 4 minutes, shaking often to cook the garlic just right—crispy but not burnt. This step fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 6: Add Optional Toppings and Serve

Transfer the sprouts to a serving bowl and drizzle on any toppings you love—maybe a balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flair. Serve immediately while they're hot and crispy for the best experience.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe dozens of times, I learned a few tricks that really boost the results and make cooking smoother. Whether you're new to air fryers or a seasoned pro, these tips might save you a little frustration and help your Brussels sprouts come out perfect every time.

Patiënt Pat Dry: Make sure your sprouts are well dried after soaking or washing. Too much moisture steams them instead of roasting them crispy.
Even Size Matters: Try to cut sprouts into the same size to ensure they cook evenly and brown correctly.
Shake It Up: Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. It makes a big difference in achieving even crispiness.
Watch the Garlic: Adding garlic too early can burn it, so wait till near the end for that perfect roasted garlic flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe

air fryer Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan because it melts slightly on hot sprouts and adds a wonderful depth. Sometimes I add a quick drizzle of balsamic glaze for that sweet tang or a scatter of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with almost any main. I frequently serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon, and it’s especially nice with creamy mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad to balance textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ll scoop the Brussels sprouts into a pretty bowl and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also serve them on a platter topped with toasted nuts and drizzled with little pools of maple syrup for a glam finish that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they generally keep well for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cool them completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze Brussels sprouts made this way because they tend to get mushy when thawed. But if you have more than you can eat, freezing in a sealed container for up to 3 months is okay—just know the texture will change. I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep leftovers crispy, I spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy—this way, they regain some of that lovely crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without garlic?

Absolutely! Garlic is optional in the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe. If you prefer, you can skip it and still enjoy the crispy, flavorful sprouts.

What air fryer temperature is best for Brussels sprouts?

I recommend 375°F as the optimal temperature. It’s hot enough to crisp the outside without burning, and cooks the sprouts evenly within about 12 minutes.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe?

I don’t recommend frozen Brussels sprouts because they tend to release a lot of water when cooking, which prevents crisping. Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for the best texture here.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?

Look for deep golden-brown edges and a tender interior when pierced with a fork. The garlic will be crispy but not burnt if you add it toward the end of cooking, too.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you give it a go and enjoy those crispy little bites as much as I do—once you nail the technique, you might find yourself making it again and again. It’s true comfort food disguised as a simple vegetable side, and honestly, that’s what makes it so special.