Simple Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why did my Brussels sprouts burn in the air fryer? ›

Why did my brussels sprouts burn in the air fryer? If you don't shake the air fryer basket throughout the cooking process, you risk the sprouts burning before they are fully cooked. Can I air fry brussels sprouts without oil? While air-frying sprouts without oil will cook them, they won't be soft in the middle.

Not only can soaking make the centers more malleable, but the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action, whether you choose to roast, saute, or make your Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. The steam can help to ensure the cooking is even throughout the Brussels sprout.

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

Should you parboil Brussels sprouts before frying? Parboiling Brussels sprouts before frying is a good technique to ensure they cook evenly and become tender on the inside while allowing for a crispy exterior when fried.

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).

Your first step should always be to blanch the brussels sprouts. This is basically when they get submerged in boiling water just for a few minutes, not until they're fully cooked, but just enough to take away some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and preserves their beautiful bright green color.

How do I prepare brussel sprouts? To prepare brussel sprouts, you should rinse them well or even soak them if you have enough time. Trim the bottoms and outer leaves off, then cut them in half to prep them for roasting.

In order to get the crispiest possible Brussel sprouts, you should blanch them quickly and then let them dry before frying them. As you know, oil and water do not mix. If you flash fry a wet Brussel sprout, you will have the oil spitting at you like crazy.

What season is best for brussel sprouts? ›

A slow-growing, long-bearing crop, Brussels sprouts should be planted in early spring, or mid- to late summer for a crop that matures in the fall. The small heads mature best in cool and even in light frosty weather. Spring planting is also fine in cooler climates.

The bitter taste of Brussels sprouts comes from compounds called glucosinolates and their degradation products, he explains. These bitter tasting compounds are an important part of the plant's defence mechanism against leaf-eating enemies, such as insects, nematodes, slugs, and herbivores, like pigeons and deer.

Cover and bring the water to the boil, turn down to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 3- 5 mins depending on size. Test with a sharp knife to see if they are cooked through. If not, cook for a little longer and test again. Drain and tip the sprouts into a bowl.

Prepare the vegetables: leave them whole or cut them in half if large, then blanch them in salted boiling water until crisp-tender (al dente), about 4 min. Drain well, then serve.

The flavor components that contribute to a bitter flavor are concentrated in the center of the brussels sprout. If you slice the the veggie in half, it helps to release some of those compounds during the cooking process. Smaller is better when it comes to tenderness and flavor.

Spray the air fryer basket with a neutral flavored oil spray. Place the brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If any leaves become separated from the brussels sprouts, make sure to remove them, as loose leaves may burn. Cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 12-14 minutes.

Don't Overcook. Overcooked Brussels sprouts can burn, so be sure to keep an eye on them and toss them partway through baking. Rotating the pan 180°F halfway through will also help them cook evenly.

Brussel Sprouts are pretty low maintenance as far as vegetables go, but that doesn't mean they couldn't use a little TLC before you cook them. Trimming them helps eliminate part of the woody stem, but it can be tricky to trim them just right. Trim them too much and the leaves break away and burn during roasting.

To air fry crucifers like broccoli or cauliflower, toss them with a bit of oil to keep those florets from burning, and pop them in a 375°F (190°C) air fryer for about 10 minutes.