Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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Are you ready to turn Brussels sprouts into a tasty treat? This air fryer recipe makes them crispy and yummy. You’ll get golden brown sprouts that are crunchy outside and soft inside in just 10 minutes. Even picky eaters might ask for more!

The secret is in the mix of flavors. A little maple syrup adds sweetness, while mustard gives a nice tang. The air fryer does the hard work, making the sprouts perfectly crisp without much oil. You’ll end up with a veggie side dish that’s both easy and tasty.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these yummy air fryer Brussels sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
Make sure to rinse, trim, and halve your Brussels sprouts before cooking. This recipe serves 4 people and takes only 15 minutes total – 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook.
For the best results, choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts. They should be bright green with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have loose leaves.
Remember to split the maple syrup – you’ll use half for coating the sprouts and half for the dip. This sweet touch helps balance the natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.

Instructions

First, turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F. While it heats up, get your Brussels sprouts ready. Rinse them well, cut off the stems, and slice them in half.
In a big bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add your Brussels sprouts and toss them around to coat them evenly.
Put the coated sprouts in your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in one layer and not stacked. If they don’t all fit, you can cook them in batches.
Cook the sprouts for 4 minutes. Then, shake the basket to flip them. Cook for 4-6 more minutes until they look golden brown and feel tender.
While the sprouts are cooking, make a tasty dip. In a small bowl, mix the other tablespoon of maple syrup with mayonnaise and mustard.
When the sprouts are done, take them out of the air fryer. Serve them hot with the dip on the side. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts!

Possible Substitutes List
You can swap out some ingredients in this tasty air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe. Here are a few easy switches:
Maple syrup: Try honey or agave nectar instead.
Olive oil: Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil as alternatives.
Kosher salt: Regular table salt works too.
Ground black pepper: White pepper can give a milder flavor.
For the dip:
- Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
- Swap stone-ground mustard for Dijon or honey mustard
Don’t have Brussels sprouts? Try these veggies in the air fryer:
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower pieces
- Halved baby potatoes
These swaps let you change up the flavors while keeping the crispy texture you love. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in your kitchen!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this recipe more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple changes. Start by reducing the amount of maple syrup. Instead of 2 tablespoons, use just 1 teaspoon for coating the sprouts.
For the dip, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This swap cuts down on fat and adds protein. Mix 1/3 cup Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon maple syrup and 1 tablespoon mustard.
You can also add some spices to boost flavor without extra sugar:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like heat)
These changes lower the carb count and make the dish more blood sugar-friendly. The air fryer method still gives you crispy, tasty Brussels sprouts without extra oil.
Remember to watch your portion size. Stick to about 1 cup of cooked sprouts per serving. Pair them with a lean protein like grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra crispy Brussels sprouts, pat them dry after washing. This removes excess moisture and helps them get nice and crunchy.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the sprouts in a single layer with some space between them. This lets hot air circulate and crisp them up evenly.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get equally crispy and golden brown.
Try adding fun toppings after cooking. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
To store leftovers, let the sprouts cool completely. Put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. This will help bring back some of that crispy texture.
For meal prep, you can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.