Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts (with Maple Syrup)

Name: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lb brussels sprouts; 2.5 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp kosher salt (divided); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 2.5 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 tbsp crumbled goat cheese

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Perfect as a unique and healthy side dish, these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup are a must-try vegetable for even the pickiest of eaters!

With a hint of sweetness plus savory goat cheese, these mouth-watering sprouts crisp up perfectly in the air fryer in no time.

Top down view of a plate of air fried brussels sprouts with maple syrup.

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a quick, sophisticated, and decadent vegetable that’ll have you ditching the fries, look no further!

Never in my life did I think I’d actually crave Brussels sprouts. But here I am, dreaming about the next time I can scarf down these delightfully crispy sprouts, made even more delicious by maple syrup and goat cheese.

Similar to Air Fryer Cauliflower, Air Fryer Zucchini, and Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes, Brussels sprouts are perfect for air frying because they get so crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Plus, they’re done in just 20 minutes!

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Easy Elegance: This side dish is sure to bring restaurant level sophistication to your table, but only requires minutes of your time.
Guilt-free Pleasure: You won’t be able to stop eating these sprouts, nor will you feel the need to. Indulge in this healthy treat without a second thought!
Unique flavors: These Brussels sprouts with maple syrup have the perfect balance of savory and sweet with the tart and distinct taste of goat cheese.

Ingredients You Will Need

Labeled ingredients for air fryer brussels sprouts with maple syrup.

Brussels sprouts: A mild vegetable that can take on any flavor profile.
Maple syrup: Brings the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the earthy flavors.
Lemon juice: A fresh and slightly sour counterpart to the maple syrup.
Goat cheese: Adds earthy and tangy flavors with nutty undertones, while providing the perfect creaminess.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

Honey: Use instead of maple syrup if you’re a honey lover. Or, use hot honey for some heat!
Lime juice: Though a bit more bitter than lemon juice, lime juice will work just as well.
Feta cheese: Perfect if you prefer a milder cheese to goat cheese but still want that creamy texture. Parmesan cheese would also be a great option.

How to make Easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare sprouts. Trim and slice the Brussels sprouts. Soak them in water for about 10 minutes.

A bowl of dressing for brussels sprouts.

Step 2: Make dressing. Combine the olive oil with the maple syrup and seasoning. Toss with the dried sprouts.

Halved brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Air fry. Air fry the dressed sprouts for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Close up top-down view of air fryer brussels sprouts on a plate.

Step 4: Toss and serve. Combine the remaining syrup and lemon juice. Toss the cooked sprouts, top with cheese, and serve.

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – For a dish with more protein and additional smoky flavor, try this variation with bacon!
Add more seasonings like red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, cumin, turmeric, or smoked paprika for additional flavor.
Another great addition to this recipe is some balsamic vinegar.

Air Fryer Advantages

Why make Brussels sprouts in the air fryer? They can be made in a convection oven with similar results, but because the air fryer is smaller it will do the same job in less time.

That means you can make a fantastic veggie side dish in under 30 minutes!

The Secret to Crispy Brussels Sprouts in the Air Fryer

The real secret to perfect Brussels sprouts every time? Soak them!

Many people will burn the outside of the sprouts to a crisp before the inside gets tender enough, or they cook them too low for too long and end up with mush.

For the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior, be sure to soak the sprouts for about 10 minutes to tenderize the insides. They won’t get soggy, and as long as you properly dry the outsides to get rid of any excess moisture, they’ll get golden brown and develop a crispy texture on the outer leaves.

Storing and Reheating

Let any leftover sprouts come down to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. They should last 3 to 4 days in the fridge or several months in the freezer.

To reheat, place the Brussels sprouts back in the air fryer or in the oven until they’re heated through and crispy again. You may want to spritz them with a little bit of oil to help them along.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook halved Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

About 10 minutes should work just fine. I like to give this simple side dish a toss or stir about halfway through to make sure they cook evenly.

Why did my Brussels sprouts burn in the air fryer?

This could be due to the temperature being too high, or if you forgot to shake the basket halfway through you’ll end up with some burned or charred spots.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts in water?

Soaking Brussels sprouts in water helps to make the inside more tender, which will allow it to cook all the way through faster to keep up with the crispy exterior.

A plate of grilled chicken and air fryer brussels sprouts with maple syrup.

Other Air Fryer Sides to Consider

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