These Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts are likely to become your new weeknight favorite. Crispy, well-seasoned, and incredibly easy, they’re a simple way to elevate a frozen bag of veggies.
Crisping vegetables in the air fryer is one of my go-to methods. It works equally well for things like air fryer butternut squash and roasted garlic air fryer carrots, producing caramelized, tender results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- A better way to enjoy Brussels sprouts. If you remember boiled, mushy sprouts from childhood, prepare to be surprised: air frying transforms frozen Brussels sprouts into golden, crisp bites you’ll actually look forward to eating.
- Fast and realistic for weeknights. While there’s a time to trim and roast fresh sprouts for special dishes, using a bag of frozen Brussels sprouts saves prep time and gets dinner on the table quickly.
- Great for holidays. When the oven is full with mains and sides, the air fryer is perfect for cooking frozen Brussels sprouts while freeing up oven space for bigger dishes.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Brussels sprouts. A 12–16 ounce package of frozen Brussels sprouts fits well in a standard air fryer. If your air fryer is larger you can increase the amount, but for very large families you may need to cook in batches to keep a single layer for crisping.
- Olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is my preference, but any neutral oil (avocado, canola, or sunflower) can be used.
- Seasoning. Keep it simple and versatile with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to add paprika, chili powder, or cayenne for a spicier kick.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and the full ingredient list.
Instructions
- Place the frozen Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and spices, then toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the sprouts in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on the tray. Cook at 400°F (205°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking or stirring once or twice, until they are fork-tender and the outer leaves are crisp and golden. Finish with extra salt, pepper, or grated parmesan if desired.
Sarah’s Top Tips
- Air fryers vary. Use the times here as a guideline—your model may cook a bit faster or slower. The sprouts are done when a fork pierces easily and the outsides are crisp and browned.
- Don’t overfill the basket. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of crisping. For best results, arrange sprouts in a single layer and cook in batches if needed.
Serving
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are versatile and pair well with many mains. Serve them alongside roasted or grilled proteins such as harissa chicken thighs, pan-seared pork steaks, or a roasted whole chicken for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through to preserve crispness. Microwaving can make them soggy.
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Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts
5 mins
15 mins
20 mins
See the full post for extra tips and photos
Ingredients
- 1 (12-16 ounce) package frozen Brussels sprouts
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil and spices until evenly coated.
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Add to the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking once or twice, until crispy and browned.
Sarah’s Tips
- Air fryer models vary—use the listed times as a starting point and adjust until sprouts are fork-tender and crisp.
- Cook in a single layer for the best crisping; overcrowding leads to steaming.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warm to preserve texture; microwaving can make them soggy.
Tools I Use for This Recipe
- Mixing bowls
- Air fryer
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Calories: 34.16kcal
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary with brands, measurements, and portion sizes.
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