Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Roasted Veggies

Discover the absolute best way to transform humble frozen Brussels sprouts into an irresistibly delicious side dish: using your air fryer! Achieve perfectly crisp exteriors with tender, flavorful centers every single time. And for an extra touch of gourmet indulgence, an optional maple-butter sauce elevates them to an unparalleled culinary experience. Forget soggy, bland sprouts – prepare for a veggie revelation that’s quick, easy, and incredibly tasty.

Air fryer frozen brussels sprouts on a large white plate, perfectly golden and crispy. — Golden-brown and delicious, these air-fried Brussels sprouts are a game-changer!

🌱 Why Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts Are a Game Changer

Cooking frozen Brussels sprouts has never been easier or more delicious, and it’s all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This method stands out for several key reasons:

Effortless Preparation and Zero Thawing Needed: Say goodbye to defrosting, chopping, or extensive prep work. With frozen Brussels sprouts, you simply toss them in oil and seasonings, then straight into the air fryer. This means you can have a nutritious and flavorful side dish ready in roughly 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick veggie fix.
Unbeatable Crispiness and Tender Centers: The air fryer excels at creating an incredible texture that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. The circulating hot air crisps up the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts beautifully, while keeping the insides wonderfully tender. This balance of textures is what makes them so addictive.
A Versatile Side Dish for Any Meal: Air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts are incredibly adaptable and pair beautifully with a wide array of main courses. Whether you’re serving them alongside hearty Crusted Chicken Romano, an elegant Sous Vide Flank Steak, or a light and flavorful Salmon Piccata, they add a touch of freshness and a satisfying crunch. Their robust flavor complements both rich and delicate dishes, making them a go-to option for any occasion.
Endless Customization Possibilities: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its flexibility with seasonings. While simple salt and pepper are always a winner, you can easily transform the flavor profile to match your preferences or meal theme. Experiment with your favorite seasoning blends, add a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for some spice, or brighten them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated lemon zest. The options are truly limitless, allowing you to create a unique experience every time.
Healthy and Nutritious: Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins (especially C and K), fiber, and antioxidants. Air frying them with minimal oil is a fantastic way to enjoy their health benefits without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s a guilt-free side that everyone can enjoy.

👩🏼‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for Achieving Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

While cooking frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer is straightforward, a few expert tips can ensure your results are consistently perfect:

Understand Your Air Fryer: All air fryers can behave a little differently. Cooking times and precise temperatures may vary between models. After the initial 10-minute cooking period, it’s crucial to check the Brussels sprouts frequently. Keep an eye on them, shaking the basket and assessing their crispness and char. Once they reach your desired level of tenderness and crispiness, remove them immediately to prevent overcooking.
Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: For truly crispy Brussels sprouts, adequate air circulation is key. If you pile too many sprouts into the air fryer basket, they will steam rather than roast, leading to a soggy outcome. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring the sprouts are spread in a single, even layer. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each individual sprout, promoting maximum crispness.
A Little Oil Goes a Long Way: Don’t skip the olive or avocado oil! A small amount of oil is essential for helping the sprouts achieve that desirable crispy exterior and for the seasonings to adhere properly. Ensure the sprouts are well coated but not drenched.
Shake the Basket Regularly: Tossing or shaking the air fryer basket every few minutes ensures even cooking and browning. This prevents some sprouts from becoming overly charred while others remain undercooked. It also helps redistribute the oil and seasonings.
For Extra Crispy Leaves: If you love super crispy outer leaves, consider increasing the temperature slightly (e.g., to 400°F/200°C) for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
Adjusting for Brussels Sprout Size: If your bag of frozen Brussels sprouts contains a mix of very large and very small pieces, you might consider trimming the larger ones in half before oiling and seasoning. This helps ensure more uniform cooking.

Frozen Brussels sprouts tossed with oil, salt, and pepper in an air fryer basket. — Getting ready for a perfect crisp: seasoned frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket.

Beyond Basic: Flavor Variations for Your Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts

While the classic olive oil, salt, and pepper combination is always delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasonings. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Garlic Parmesan: After air frying, toss the cooked sprouts with a teaspoon of minced garlic (or garlic powder) and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a savory coating.
Sweet and Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a touch of honey/maple syrup (if not using the maple-butter sauce) to the sprouts before or after air frying.
Lemon Herb: Incorporate dried Italian herbs, dried thyme, or dried rosemary with the oil, salt, and pepper. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking will brighten all the flavors.
Smoky Chipotle: For a smoky kick, add a teaspoon of chipotle powder and a dash of cumin to your seasoning mix.
Asian Inspired: Drizzle with a teaspoon of sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) before air frying. A sprinkle of sesame seeds after cooking adds extra flavor and crunch.

The Optional Maple-Butter Sauce: A Sweet & Savory Revelation

While air-fried Brussels sprouts are fantastic on their own, the maple-butter sauce takes them to an entirely new level. This simple sauce adds a wonderful balance of sweet and savory notes, with a hint of aromatic garlic. It clings to the crispy sprouts, providing a glaze that enhances their natural flavor without overpowering them.

The richness of butter, the natural sweetness of maple syrup, and the pungent kick of fresh garlic create a harmonious blend that is utterly addictive. It’s especially perfect for holiday meals or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Sauce Variation Idea: For a little extra zest, add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of orange juice to the maple-butter sauce. Or, for a spicier kick, whisk in a ¼ teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

Once you master these air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts, you’ll want to explore the endless possibilities of air frying! Here are more fantastic recipes to try:

Frozen Green Beans in the Air Fryer
Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Mini Corn Dogs in the Air Fryer with Smoky Mustard Sauce
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
How to Reheat Fries in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Bread
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Frozen Hash Brown Patties
Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

20 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Hands down the BEST way to cook Brussels sprouts, straight out of the freezer, yielding perfectly crispy results!

Cheryl Malik

Cheryl Malik

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4
servings

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts

▢

1
12-ounce bag
frozen Brussels sprouts
unseasoned
▢

½
tablespoon
olive oil
or avocado oil
▢

sea salt
to taste
▢

freshly cracked black pepper
to taste

For the Maple-Butter Sauce (Optional)

▢

2
tablespoons
unsalted butter
▢

1
tablespoon
maple syrup
▢

1
teaspoon
minced fresh garlic
approximately 2 cloves
▢

½
teaspoon
salt
more or less to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

Air Fryer
medium mixing bowl
large spoon
medium microwave-safe bowl
whisk

Instructions

For the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your air fryer to 390° Fahrenheit (approximately 199° Celsius). Allowing the air fryer to fully preheat ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crispiness from the start.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 12-ounce bag of frozen Brussels sprouts (no need to thaw!), ½ tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado oil), a generous amount of sea salt, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Use a large spoon or your hands to stir or toss the ingredients together thoroughly until all the Brussels sprouts are fully coated in the oil and seasonings. This ensures maximum flavor and helps them crisp up evenly.
Carefully remove the basket from your preheated air fryer. Transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single, even layer. It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the basket; if necessary, cook the sprouts in multiple batches to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.
Return the basket to the air fryer. Air fry the Brussels sprouts for an initial 10 minutes. After this time, pause the air fryer and remove the basket.
Give the basket a good shake to toss the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they cook evenly and crisp up on all sides. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue to air fry for another 6 minutes. If you plan to use the optional maple-butter sauce, you can start preparing it simultaneously during this cooking phase.
After the additional 6 minutes, check the Brussels sprouts for doneness. Continue air frying as needed, checking the sprouts every minute, until their outer leaves are perfectly crisp, lightly charred, and the insides are tender. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your sprouts.

For the Maple-Butter Sauce (Optional)

Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the butter and syrup in 30-second increments, whisking well after each burst, until the syrup is hot and the butter is fully melted or almost melted. Be attentive to avoid burning either ingredient, as sugar can burn quickly.
Once the butter is melted and the syrup is hot, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be warm!). Add 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until they are well incorporated and the sauce is smooth.

To Serve

When the Brussels sprouts have reached your desired level of crispness and tenderness, remove the basket from the air fryer.
If you are using the maple-butter sauce, transfer the hot Brussels sprouts immediately to the bowl containing the prepared sauce. Gently stir or toss the Brussels sprouts until they are thoroughly coated in the delicious sweet and savory glaze. Serve the Brussels sprouts immediately while hot to enjoy their optimal texture and flavor.
If you are not using the maple-butter sauce, serve the perfectly air-fried Brussels sprouts immediately as desired, perhaps with a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of your favorite seasoning.

Notes

Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet, simply skip the optional maple-butter sauce. Alternatively, you can use a high-quality plant-based butter substitute in place of unsalted butter to create your sauce.
Make it Keto-Friendly: For a keto diet, omit the maple-butter sauce altogether, as maple syrup is high in sugar. If you still desire a touch of sweetness, replace the maple syrup in the sauce with a maple-flavored keto liquid sweetener. Always check nutritional labels for carb content.
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover air fryer Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and retain crispiness, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped.
Can I use fresh Brussels sprouts? Absolutely! If using fresh Brussels sprouts, ensure they are washed, trimmed, and cut in half (or quartered if very large). Toss them with oil and seasoning as directed. Cooking time will be similar, but keep an eye on them as fresh sprouts may cook slightly faster or need an extra minute or two for desired crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.