Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Garlic Parmesan — Crispy Bliss

Perfect for quick weeknight sides or impressing guests, these golden bites pack flavor, crunch, and health into every mouthful.

They said Brussels sprouts were boring. We disagreed — violently. Then came the air fryer, a wacky little countertop machine that turned them into crunchy nuggets of joy. Toss in garlic and parmesan? Game over. Imagine those bitter little greens transformed into savory, crisp perfection that disappears faster than free Wi-Fi. If your weeknight dinners need a win, this is the one you pull out when you want compliments… and maybe an ego boost.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Close-up of halved air-fried Brussels sprouts, blistered golden-brown with crisp edges, melted parmesan clinging, specks

This recipe nails the holy trinity of side dishes: quick, flavorful, and healthy. The air fryer delivers evenly crisped sprouts with minimal oil, saving you from oven babysitting or deep fryer chaos. Garlic infuses each bite with warm, fragrant depth, while parmesan adds a salty, umami punch. The combination turns a vegetable often feared by kids into a crave-worthy crowd pleaser. And the best part? You can go from prep to plate in under 20 minutes.

Shopping List – Ingredients

Brussels sprouts – about 1 pound, trimmed and halved
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Fresh garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Grated parmesan cheese – 1/3 cup
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – freshly ground, to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
Optional garnish: fresh parsley

Cooking Instructions

Cooking process: air fryer basket pulled out mid-cook, sprouts arranged in a single layer with minimal oil sheen, freshl

Prep the sprouts: Rinse, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts. Pat dry — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Season: In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Preheat air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
Cook in batches: Air fry the sprouts in a single layer for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Crowding = steamed, not crisp.
Add parmesan: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the sprouts in the last 2 minutes so it melts and clings to the crispy edges.
Serve immediately: Garnish with parsley or chili flakes if desired. Warning: they disappear fast.

Preservation Guide

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes — this revives the crispiness without turning them mushy. Avoid microwaving unless you enjoy sad, limp sprouts (looking at you, office lunch). You can also freeze them, but expect a texture downgrade.

Overhead shot of a warm serving bowl filled with garlic-parmesan Brussels sprouts, evenly browned and crunchy, topped wi

Health Benefits

Brussels sprouts are nutrient powerhouses. They’re rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function and bone health. Garlic brings antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, while olive oil contributes heart-friendly monounsaturated fats. Oddly enough, parmesan offers protein and calcium — because cheese can be good for you too (you heard it here). Eating these crispy bites means you can feel smug about your life choices while actually enjoying them.

Final dish: beautifully plated garlic-parmesan Brussels sprouts finished with a glossy balsamic reduction drizzle and mi

Avoid These Mistakes

Skipping the dry: Wet sprouts steam instead of crisping — no one wants that.
Overcrowding: More is not merrier in an air fryer basket. Leave space for airflow.
Adding garlic too early: Burnt garlic tastes like regret. Mix it in just before cooking or keep temp moderate.
Using pre-shredded parmesan: It often has additives that prevent melting. Fresh is the move.

Recipe Variations

Lemon zest blast: Add fresh zest before serving for a tangy lift.
Balsamic drizzle: Finish with balsamic reduction for a sweet-savory edge.
Spicy kick: Toss in cayenne or sriracha for heat lovers.
Smoky flavor: Sprinkle smoked paprika before air frying.

FAQ

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but thaw and dry thoroughly before cooking. Frozen moisture is your crisp enemy, so pat them down like you’re prepping for a photo shoot.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap parmesan for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. You’ll still get that cheesy vibe without dairy.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve maximum crunch factor. Skipping it can mess with timing and texture.

Why did my Brussels sprouts turn out bitter?

Bitterness can happen if overcooked or if sprouts are past peak freshness. The garlic-parmesan combo does help mask mild bitterness.

Can I double the recipe?

Sure — but cook in batches to maintain crispiness. Overcrowding is basically sabotage.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Brussels sprouts with garlic parmesan are proof that “healthy” can be addictive. They manage to be elegant enough for dinner parties yet easy enough for Tuesday nights. You’ll wonder why anyone ever roasted these slowly in the oven when a countertop gadget bangs them out in minutes. Consider this your new vegetable MVP — fast, flavorful, and just a little bit smug.