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 but delish!); 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 irresistibly crisp and savory about perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts, especially when they come out of the air fryer with that lovely garlic aroma. This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe is straightforward yet bursting with flavor—a total game changer for your veggie side dishes.

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’m genuinely excited to share this because these Brussels sprouts come out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and that roasted garlic flavor? Magic. Plus, the way you can dress them up with optional toppings means you can switch things up easily depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: You’ll have a delicious side ready in under 20 minutes without fuss.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer delivers that perfect crunch that oven roasting sometimes struggles to achieve.
Versatile Flavor Boosters: Garlic and optional toppings like balsamic glaze or Parmesan let you customize every batch.
Healthy and Satisfying: It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy more veggies with big, comforting taste.

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

The combination here is simple but smart—each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. I always recommend picking fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm with bright green leaves for the best results. And don’t skip the garlic; it adds that fragrant punch that brings everything together.

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: Choose tight, compact sprouts; trim and halve them so they cook evenly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just enough to coat for browning and crispiness without sogginess.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the bitterness of the sprouts.
Ground Black Pepper: Gives a subtle spicy note that complements the garlic well.
Garlic Cloves: Thinly sliced, these caramelize beautifully in the air fryer and infuse the sprouts with savory depth.
Balsamic Glaze: Optional, but adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with roasted sprouts.
Pomegranate Molasses: If you want a fruity, complex drizzle—try this instead of balsamic.
Pure Maple Syrup: A gentle touch of natural sweetness balances the earthy sprouts.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and a touch of indulgence at the end.

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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

One of my favorite parts about this Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it. Sometimes I keep it simple for a weeknight dinner, and other times I go all out with toppings to impress guests. You can absolutely make it fit your taste and occasion.

Variation: When I want a smoky twist, I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika before air frying—it's a crowd pleaser!
Dietary Modifications: For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan and try nutritional yeast or toasted nuts for a cheesy crunch.
Seasonal Changes: I like to add chopped apples or pecans in the fall for a cozy, harvest-inspired side.

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

Step 1: Trim, Halve, and Optional Soak

Start by trimming the ends off each Brussels sprout and peeling away any yellow or damaged outer leaves—this ensures a clean, fresh taste. Halve them from stem to tip; larger sprouts can go quartered to keep cooking even. If you want a slightly tender center, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes—it's optional, and I usually skip it because I like some bite.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This little step makes a big difference for getting those sprouts crispy without drying them out.

Step 3: Season and Toss

Drain and pat dry your sprouts well—not too wet or they won’t crisp up nicely. Back in a clean bowl, drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle the kosher salt and ground pepper. Toss everything so each sprout is evenly coated. This is where texture starts to develop!

Step 4: Air Fry & Shake

Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer for best results. Cook for 5 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a good shake to redistribute the sprouts. This helps them cook evenly and develop golden edges. Cook for another 5 minutes, check for crispiness, and add a minute or two if you want extra crunch.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking

Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves to the basket, toss the sprouts gently to mix, and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye and shake the basket often, as garlic can burn quickly. You want it golden and fragrant, which adds so much flavor depth.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Transfer your crispy sprouts and garlic to a serving bowl. Now’s the fun part—drizzle in any optional toppings like balsamic glaze, pomegranate molasses, or maple syrup. Finally, sprinkle on freshly grated Parmesan if you’re using it. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tip

From my experience, getting that perfect crispy outside and tender inside balance takes attention to drying the sprouts and air fryer timing. These tips saved me from soggy sprouts more than once!

Dry Well: Patting your sprouts dry after washing or soaking is crucial for crispiness. Water produces steam, which can soften instead of crisp.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give the sprouts space to roast evenly—crowding means steaming, not crisping.
Add Garlic Last: Garlic burns fast, so adding it near the end of cooking keeps it golden and flavorful without bitterness.
Shake Basket Often: Remember to shake or toss halfway through and during the last few minutes to promote even browning.

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

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan—it adds tanginess and richness that balance the sprouts’ earthiness. Sometimes pomegranate seeds or crushed toasted walnuts add great pops of texture and flavor too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled steak, but I love it alongside quinoa or a simple grain salad to keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these Brussels sprouts on a large platter lined with fresh herbs, sprinkled with edible flowers for a pop of color. It’s a simple touch that wows guests and elevates the humble sprout to celebration-worthy status.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They keep their flavor well, but the texture changes slightly—still delicious reheated with a quick crisp-up step.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal here because the sprouts lose their crispness and get mushy once thawed. However, if you do freeze some, keep them airtight in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven. This helps restore the crisp edges much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before air frying to avoid sogginess.

What can I substitute for Parmesan to make it dairy-free?

Nutritional yeast is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor similar to Parmesan. Toasted nuts or seeds also add a nice crunch and richness.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the air fryer?

Add the garlic slices towards the end of cooking—usually last 2 to 4 minutes—and shake or toss the basket frequently to keep the garlic from sitting too long in one spot.

Can I meal prep this dish for the week?

Yes! This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Optional Toppings Recipe is truly a favorite in my kitchen because it turns a humble veggie into something celebratory. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or a holiday spread, its simplicity and versatility make it a keeper. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do—seriously, once you try this, you might find yourself making Brussels sprouts more often!