Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts (oil free option)

Perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Air Fryer Brussels sprouts. They're easy to make and delicious, with or without oil.

Y'all I have a problem: I am the only person in my house who likes Brussels sprouts. And I. LOVE. Brussels sprouts!

Roasting them up in the oven just for myself didn't feel worth the time investment, but Brussels sprouts cook up like a dream in the air fryer in half the time. 

This easy Brussels sprouts recipe is one of my favorite ways to use my air fryer!

This recipe makes two to three servings, but see below for details on how to make more.

Table of Contents

• Tips for perfectly crispy results
• How to make them oil-free
• How to serve
• How to store them
• Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts

More air fryer goodness: 50+ Vegan air fryer recipes (because I'm obsessed!)

Tips for perfectly crispy results

You have some options when you're making this recipe, and this section includes tips on how to get the best results.

To make air fried Brussels sprouts, simply slice your sprouts into ¼" thick pieces. This thin width helps them cook faster and increases surface area, which lets them get even crispier on the outside.

If you want to make Brussels sprouts for one in your air fryer, you can halve this recipe with no problems. It works like a charm! Your Brussels may cook more quickly in a less-crowded basket, so just keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking.

You can also double the recipe and still cook everything up in one batch, but if you want to make more than twice as many, I'd definitely do this in batches.

If you crowd your Brussels sprouts in the basket, the ones in the middle won't get crispy. Because a crowded basket can hinder air circulation, doubling the recipe may mean it takes a bit longer to cook.

If the Brussels sprouts in the middle of the basket aren't to your liking when doubling this recipe, give the basket a thorough shake, and cook for 1-2 minutes at a time, shaking each time you stop, until they're cooked through.

Measure out two cups of the sliced Brussels, then toss with oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Air fry, shaking once, and you've got perfect Brussels sprouts in under 15 minutes.

How to make them oil-free

I see you, oil-free friends! You can make these Brussels sprouts oil-free with just one small tweak.

When I first shared that I was working on this recipe on Instagram, someone asked about ditching the oil, so I tested an oil free version for you, as well.

It's easy!  Just replace the tablespoon of oil with a tablespoon of maple syrup, and you're in business.

I can't promise that oil free Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts will be exactly as crispy as if you use oil, but I can guarantee that they will be delicious.

How to serve

Serve these up as a side dish with your favorite plant-based protein and a starch. They're terrific with BBQ Tofu and my cauliflower mashed potatoes or with beans and rice or quinoa.

Need to add some oomph to your next salad? Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts to the rescue! Check them out in this Warm Brussels Sprout Salad.

I've also been tossing them with cooked pasta, a bit of olive oil, and sautéed peppers and onions for a quick, easy, and freaking delicious pasta dish. Even my 6-year-old loves it! "Dad! Try this pasta! It's SO GOOD!" he said. And my heart grew three sizes.

You can also pile these crispy Brussels on top of a grain bowl, if that's more your speed. Start with quinoa, rice, or any other whole grain. Then add beans, tofu, or nuts/seeds. I like to top off this kind of bowl with a great sauce, like my All-Purpose Coconut Curry Sauce or 5-Minute Peanut Butter Sauce.

How to store them

If you do have any leftovers, they will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. You can serve leftovers warm or cold.

To reheat, either pop them into the microwave or the air fryer. In the air fryer, you can reheat these at 350° F for five to seven minutes, and they'll get crispy again!