Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Trim the tough stems off each Brussels sprout and remove any shriveled and/or yellowing outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem and core. You should have about 4 cups of Brussels sprout halves. Transfer the cut Brussels sprouts to a medium bowl and cover with hot water. The water doesn’t need to be boiling; the hottest temperature water that comes out of your tap is okay. Let the Brussels sprouts soak for about 15 minutes. Soaking the Brussels sprouts lessens some of the bitterness as well as traps moisture between the leaves, which turns to steam during frying and ensures the sprouts are tender and cooked through.

Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 375°F if your air fryer requires preheating. If your air fryer has different settings, use the “air fry” setting. Transfer the soaked Brussels sprouts to a strainer and shake over the sink to get rid of the excess moisture from the outside of the sprouts. Rinse and dry the medium bowl used to soak the Brussels sprouts and place the cut sprouts back into the bowl.

Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper (if using) until well coated.

Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Return the basket to the fryer and cook at 375°F until the sprouts are tender and the outside leaves are crisp and golden brown in spots, about 12 minutes, tossing halfway. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a plate and serve immediately while still crisp. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Did you love the recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!