Need a quick and tasty way to prepare frozen Brussels sprouts? This air fryer recipe turns frozen sprouts into crispy, golden veggies so flavorful, you’ll hardly believe they weren’t fresh. Perfect when you’re short on time but still want something delicious, air frying ensures caramelized, crunchy sprouts without the hassle of thawing or prepping. Keep reading to see just how simple it is to achieve incredible taste and texture from frozen Brussels sprouts!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts: In a mixing bowl, combine frozen Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Toss gently until all sprouts are evenly coated.
- Air fry the Brussels sprouts: Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 10 minutes. Shake or toss gently, then cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. The Brussels sprouts are ready when they become crispy, golden brown, and slightly charred on the outside.
- Serving suggestions: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving plate. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts:
- No Thawing Needed: You don’t have to thaw or prep the frozen Brussels sprouts. Using them directly from the freezer keeps them from turning mushy and helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Even Layer: Always arrange Brussels sprouts in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and less crispy sprouts.
- Shake or Flip: After the initial 10 minutes of cooking, shake or gently toss the basket. This ensures every Brussels sprout cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully on all sides.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your sprouts. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes, adjusting as necessary.
- Enhance the Flavor: Feel free to experiment by adding other spices such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, or even grated Parmesan cheese after cooking.
- Pair with Sauces: Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with flavorful dips and sauces, such as garlic aioli, honey mustard, or balsamic glaze. It can elevate their taste even further.
If this recipe made you look at frozen Brussels sprouts a little differently, go ahead and save the image below to your Pinterest board—because crispy magic like this deserves to be shared (and remembered for later snack cravings)!
Video Recipe:
Variations:
- Cheesy Brussels Sprouts: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese over sprouts during the last 2-3 minutes of air frying.
- Sweet & Spicy: Toss cooked sprouts with a drizzle of honey and a dash of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Mix in additional garlic powder or minced fresh garlic along with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking for extra flavor.
- Asian-Style: Toss cooked Brussels sprouts with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired side dish.
- Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Crumble crispy bacon bits over the cooked sprouts for an indulgent and savory variation.
