Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, so I’m *obsessed* with these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Seriously! For years, I thought Brussels sprouts were just…bleh. You know, mushy, bitter, something your Grandma made you eat? But then I tried them air-fried, and WOW. Total game changer! The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – it’s kinda magical, honestly. And that balsamic glaze? It’s sweet, tangy, and just *perfect* with the slightly nutty flavor of the sprouts. This recipe is seriously quick, easy, and a healthy side dish that even my picky kids devour. My first time making this, I snuck a few right out of the air fryer, they were that good! Now it’s a staple at our dinner table.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, let me tell you why you NEED these in your life! Seriously, you will. Here’s the deal:

• Super Fast: Ready in like, 20 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
• Easy Peasy: Toss and air fry – that’s it! Even a beginner can nail this one.
• Flavor Explosion: Crispy sprouts + sweet balsamic glaze = taste bud heaven. Seriously!
• Healthy-ish: Okay, it’s still a treat, but way better than fries, right? Packed with vitamins and fiber!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing air fryer Brussels sprouts:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (don’t skip the trimming!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher salt is my go-to)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground makes a difference!)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (you can find this at most grocery stores, or even make your own!)

How to Prepare Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, get ready for the easiest side dish *ever*! Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it. Follow these super simple steps and you’ll have perfect air fryer Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze in no time!

1. Preheat, Preheat, Preheat! This is KEY! Turn your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat up for at least 5 minutes. Trust me, it makes a difference in the crispiness. Think of it like preheating your oven – you wouldn’t skip that, right? Same deal here.
2. Prep Those Sprouts: While your air fryer is preheating, grab your Brussels sprouts. Make sure they’re trimmed and halved. That means snipping off the little nubby end and slicing them in half through the stem. If you have some really big ones, you might even quarter them so they cook evenly.
3. Toss ‘Em Up! In a bowl (a big one, so you have room to toss without making a mess!), toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re all coated nicely. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Nobody wants bland sprouts.
4. Air Fry Time! Now, carefully place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is important! If you overcrowd the basket, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. And nobody wants steamed Brussels sprouts, right? If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to do this in batches. Don’t worry, it’s worth it!
5. Shake It Up! Cook for 12-15 minutes, but make sure to shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. My air fryer tends to cook a little hotter, so I usually start checking around 12 minutes. Yours might take a bit longer, so just keep an eye on ’em! You’re looking for them to be tender and nicely browned.
6. Drizzle and Serve: Once they’re cooked to perfection, transfer those crispy little gems to a serving bowl and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Oh my gosh, the smell is amazing at this point! Serve immediately, while they’re still warm and crispy. Seriously, try not to eat them all straight from the bowl – though I wouldn’t blame you if you did! 😉

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take these sprouts to the *next level*? Here are my secrets for guaranteed crispy, delicious results every. single. time.

• Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat! 400°F (200°C) is usually perfect, but some air fryers are wimpier than others. If your sprouts aren’t browning, try bumping it up a bit. Just watch ’em carefully!
• Space ’em out! I know I said it before, but it’s *so* important. Overcrowding = sad, soggy sprouts. No bueno. Work in batches if you have to!
• A little spritz of oil goes a long way. Besides the initial toss with olive oil, sometimes I’ll give the sprouts a quick spritz with cooking spray halfway through air frying. Helps them get extra crispy!
• My secret weapon? Garlic powder! Seriously, toss in a pinch with the salt and pepper. It adds a *delicious* savory note that complements the balsamic glaze perfectly. Trust me on this one!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, so you’ve got these amazing Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze…now what?! Well, trust me, they go with *everything*. Seriously! I love serving them alongside a juicy steak or grilled chicken. They’re also amazing with pasta – especially something lemony and bright. For a fun vegetarian option, try them with a creamy polenta. They’re basically the perfect side dish!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, so life happens, right? Sometimes you just don’t have time to make everything from scratch right before dinner. No worries! Here’s how to get ahead and keep those sprouts fresh:

• Prep Ahead: You can totally trim and halve the Brussels sprouts a day in advance! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Storage: Leftover air fryer Brussels sprouts? Score! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But heads up – they won’t be *quite* as crispy when reheated. I usually pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Got questions about making the *perfect* air fryer Brussels sprouts? Don’t worry, I got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked (and some I’ve asked myself!).

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Okay, so technically, yes, you *can* use frozen Brussels sprouts. But honestly? I really, really recommend using fresh! Frozen ones tend to get a bit mushy, and you just won’t get that same amazing crispy texture. If you *have* to use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them super dry before air frying. Like, *really* dry!

How do I prevent them from burning?

Burning = total bummer, right? The key is to keep an eye on them! Air fryers can vary a lot, so what takes 12 minutes in mine might take 10 in yours. Shake the basket often, and if you see them starting to get too dark, lower the temperature a little bit. Also, make sure they’re not overcrowded – that can lead to uneven cooking and some burning while others stay raw!

What other glazes can I use?

Balsamic glaze is my fave, but hey, variety is the spice of life! You can totally experiment with other glazes. Maple syrup is amazing (especially with a pinch of cinnamon!), honey-mustard is delicious, or even a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette would be fantastic! Get creative and see what you like best!

Do I have to use olive oil?

Nope! Olive oil is my go-to because I love the flavor, but you can use any oil that has a relatively high smoke point. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, even coconut oil would work! Just avoid anything with a super low smoke point, like extra virgin olive oil, as it might burn.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot*, depending on brands and all that. So, this is just an estimate! You can read more about our methodology here.

Enjoyed This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Recipe?

Yay! I’m so glad you gave my Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze a try! If you loved them as much as I do, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too – it helps other sprout-lovers find it! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a pic on your favorite platform and tag me! You can reach out here if you have any questions!

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