Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the smell of crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts wafting through your kitchen. And when you add that tangy balsamic glaze? Oh, it’s a game-changer. I’ve been obsessed with my air fryer lately—it’s like a magic box that turns veggies into golden perfection without all the fuss. These air fryer Brussels sprouts balsamic are my go-to side dish because they’re quick, healthy, and *so* flavorful. Seriously, even the veggie skeptics in my family can’t resist them. If you’re looking for a way to make Brussels sprouts the star of the show, this is it. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Balsamic
Listen, I know what you’re thinking—Brussels sprouts? Really? But trust me, these aren’t the mushy, bitter sprouts of your childhood. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Crazy crispy – That air fryer magic gives them edges so crunchy, you’ll swear they’re fried (but they’re not!)
- Ready in 15 minutes – Faster than preheating your oven, and no babysitting required
- Minimal mess – One bowl, one air fryer basket, done. (My kind of cleanup!)
- Sweet-tangy perfection – The balsamic glaze? Absolute *chef’s kiss*
Even my picky nephew scarfed these down last Thanksgiving. That’s when I knew I had a winner.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Balsamic
Okay, let’s get down to business—here’s what you’ll need for those crispy, glazed sprouts. I promise it’s all simple stuff, but the magic’s in the details. (Pro tip: Measure everything before you start. Trust me, it saves chaos later!)
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts – Trim the stems and halve them evenly—this keeps ’em from rolling around in the air fryer!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – The good stuff. None of that “light tasting” nonsense—we want flavor!
- ½ tsp salt – Kosher salt’s my go-to here. It sticks better than table salt.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it. Makes all the difference.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar – The glaze’s star! Go for aged if you can—it’s sweeter, thicker.
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – Honey for shine, maple for depth. Your call!
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Don’t skip this. It adds that umph to the glaze.
See? Nothing fancy. Just real ingredients doing delicious work.
How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Balsamic
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so easy, but a few key steps make all the difference. Follow along, and you’ll have crispy, glazed sprouts in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
First things first—trim those sprouts! Slice off the tough stems, then cut them in half evenly. (If you’ve got any big ones, quarter them so everything cooks at the same rate.) Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t skimp on the oil—it’s what makes them crispy!
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. (Yes, preheating matters—it gets them crispy faster!) Spread the sprouts in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and caramelized. (Pro tip: If they’re not crispy enough, add 2-3 more minutes. Trust your gut!)
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze
While the sprouts are cooking, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic in a small bowl. This glaze is the *star* of the show, so don’t skip it! Once the sprouts are done, drizzle the glaze over them and toss to coat. (Careful, it’s hot!) Serve immediately while they’re still crispy and warm. Boom—you’re done!
And hey, if you’re wondering about frozen sprouts—yes, you can use them! Just thaw and pat them *super* dry first. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Balsamic
Want those sprouts *perfect* every time? Here are my hard-earned tricks from many (many) batches:
- Size matters! Cut sprouts into similar-sized halves—big ones take longer, tiny ones burn. (I aim for quarters if they’re jumbo.)
- Shake it up! Don’t skip shaking the basket halfway—it’s the secret to even crispiness.
- Taste your glaze! Too tangy? Add more honey. Too sweet? A splash of vinegar fixes it.
- Single layer only! Crowding = steaming. Cook in batches if needed—it’s worth it!
Oh, and parchment liners? Skip ’em. They block airflow and make sprouts soggy. (Learned that the hard way!)
Variations for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Balsamic
Want to mix things up? Oh, I’ve got ideas! Try sprinkling grated Parmesan over hot sprouts—it melts into salty perfection. For heat lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the glaze is *fire*. Or swap honey for pomegranate molasses—it adds this deep, fruity tang that’s unreal. My friend adds crispy bacon bits (because bacon makes everything better). Get creative—that’s half the fun!
Serving Suggestions
These sprouts are the ultimate sidekick! Pile them next to crispy-skinned salmon, roast chicken, or even a juicy steak. Sunday night? I toss them with pasta and goat cheese for a lazy veggie feast. They disappear fast at parties too—just stick toothpicks in ’em for easy snacking!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These sprouts keep surprisingly well. Just toss them in an airtight container—they’ll stay good for about 3 days in the fridge. But here’s the key: when you reheat, always use the air fryer (350°F for 2-3 minutes). The microwave turns them sad and soggy, but that hot air blast brings back that gorgeous crispy texture. I’ve even been known to snack on them cold straight from the fridge… no judgment!
Nutritional Information
Okay, health nerds—here’s the scoop! (But remember, estimates vary based on exact ingredients.) Per serving, you’re looking at roughly:
- 120 calories – Not bad for flavor this good!
- 4g fiber – Those sprouts are doing digestive happy dances
- 5g sugar – Mostly from the natural glaze sweetness
- 7g fat – The good kind from olive oil
Basically? It’s veggies with benefits. Eat guilt-free!
FAQ About Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Balsamic
Can I use frozen sprouts?
Yes! Just thaw and pat them *super* dry first. They won’t get as crispy as fresh, but they’ll still taste amazing. Pro tip: Add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
How do I prevent soggy sprouts?
Two words: single layer. Crowding the basket traps steam, and nobody wants mushy sprouts. Also, skip parchment liners—they block airflow. And don’t forget to shake that basket halfway through!
Can I omit the honey?
Sure! Swap it with maple syrup for a different flavor, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a tangier glaze. The sprouts will still be delicious—just less sweet.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and share your results—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!
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15-Minute Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Balsamic Recipe Success
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic glaze, made easily in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- While cooking, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooked sprouts and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut sprouts into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- For extra crispiness, cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American