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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe Easy Extra Crunchy Leaves

crispy air fryer brussels sprouts - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with extra crunchy leaves, perfect as a flavorful and healthy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) fresh Brussels sprouts, small to medium-sized
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450 g) of Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise. Don’t throw away the loose outer leaves.
  2. Gently pull off any loose outer leaves and place them in a separate bowl.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. In a smaller bowl, toss the separated leaves with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Spread the leaves in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the leaves are golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  7. Place the seasoned halved Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking or stirring every 5 minutes for even browning.
  8. Toss the cooked sprouts with the crispy leaves. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Pat Brussels sprouts dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Shake or stir halfway through cooking for even browning. For dairy-free option, omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast. If no air fryer, roast in oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, adding leaves for last 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, air fryer, crispy, healthy side dish, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free